Random Acts of Kindness

Some TV commercials have been really been made so well that they tend to touch you with the message they try to convey. The Coke commercial shown a couple of years ago showed a lady singing and handling a bottle of this drink to just anyone in the streets. It tried to show that people can make someone happy even with a simple gesture. Liberty Mutual's recent advertisement was quite effective in showing person after person passing on a kind and gentle act to strangers.

The movie "Pay It Forward" actually tries to convey this message. Simply do acts of kindness as a symbol of payment to others who have also been good to you. You pass the kindness forward, without any expectation. In the movie, the boy attempted to just that and he became successful in his quest. Perhaps quite philosophically, he believed in the goodness of man, and that he could change people by doing good deeds to others.

February 11 to 17 is the celebration of the Random Acts of Kindness Week. The week is intended to encourage people to be open and spontaneous, and to simply allow themselves to be involved in kindness. It is hoped that one act would ripple out and inspire others to do the same thing.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in the United States clearly states that their goal is to tap the human spirit and share kindness with others. The foundation reaches out to students, community members, faith groups, clubs and everyone. It intends to allow people to discover for themselves the power of kindness, so that it may create healthier relationships, and eventually inspire others to pass the kindness on.

The foundation is privately funded and held, and they emphasize that they do not accept donations, grants or dues. What they want to do is just to inspire people inspire others through the goodness of the heart.

Interestingly, there are groups in different countries that share the same objective. To name a few, included are countries like Canada which has the Kind Acts Canada; Dubai has the group called Hearts; India has Kindness Unlimited; Netherlands has Acts of Kindness while Korea has Smile Korea.

These groups try to echo a simple message. And they wish their goal to just contaminate everybody everywhere. They encourage these to start with one's self, to family and friends, to the schools, the workplace and everywhere else.

Wouldn't it really feel good if one simple kind act that you would do would have a ripple effect and spread to inspire others to do a random act of kindness as well. How do you start it? Here are a few suggestions:

Start with yourself. Be kind to yourself. It's about time you stop punishing yourself for past mistakes. Forgive yourself and start anew. It wouldn't hurt to give yourself a little something that you have been wishing for. But be aware that these kind acts need not be bought or be something very expensive. Be pleased with yourself for a job well done. Appreciate the efforts you do to make yourself look goo. The simple break that you deserve would do wonders. Treating yourself by re-watching your favorite movie would give you a lot of joy. Talk to a friend that you have been wanting to chat with.

Keep it simple. Be realistic and do not think of anything grand or extravagant when thinking of kind deeds you want to do to others. The simple things can actually be touching enough.

Be spontaneous. You do not have to come up with a detailed plan. The spur of the moment things are actually good. However, the definition of the word "random" should not be boxed here. It could actually be a kind act done when the situation is already there, or could even be planned for a few seconds, hours or even weeks.

Don't be shy. Do not be too bothered if you find it a little cheesy or corny. Remember some of the corniest things come across as sweet and touching.

Don't analyze too much. If it's a kind act, do not try to be too logical about it. Don't bother yourself with too many deep questions. Loosen up.

Don't expect anything in return. A warm smile may not necessarily be returned. The person that you helped with his grocery basket might even neglect to say a simple "thank you". Just enjoy the thought that you have done something good.

Let it grow in you. If you start liking the feeling of doing these little kind acts, just let it grow in you. You may want to reach out to more people, then do so.

Be ready for criticism. Other people may find your deeds quite weird, and would criticize you for trying to be righteous or holy. Be ready for it, but do not let it offend you. What do you know? You might eventually inspire them, and the principle of paying it forward would actually start to roll.