Random (not Anonymous) Acts of Kindess

I've been trying to convince myself to start writing again. But the words don't seem to flow. My life is a roller coaster ride - not really anything new there - but so much of what is happening I can't write about. And I don't know how to write about anything other than my life, as boring as that might be to some.  So my blog has sat mostly dormant.

And then I get an email that E.C. Stilson had posted something new on Goodreads. Turned out she was hosting a Random Acts of Kindness Blogfest. Many of you know that I'm a firm believer in RAK. I try to do these frequently and encourage others to do them, especially when having a bad day. What better way for me to get back to my blogging than to participate?

I've made it to this point in my life because of the many acts of kindness done for me throughout the years. Teachers who took an interest in me in school and shaped my future when I could easily have fallen through the cracks. Money offered when I needed it most. Surprise package of goodies from Hawaii. A box of baked goods delivered to my door. Cards left on my desk to cheer me up. Someone holding the door for me when my hands were full. Beautiful photos taken of my youngest daughter and one of her best friends.  A friend bringing me my favorite coffee at work. A book I said I was interested in reading showing up in the mail. Outfits that appeared on my bed while I showered. Going to get my hair done and finding it had been paid.

One of my favorite acts I did was sending a dress to a woman I only knew through the internet. Her daughter needed a prom dress and they had little money. I packaged up what I had, hoping it would work out, and sent it off. It didn't take much on my part - but it made mother and daughter's day to receive that dress in the mail!

Some people have told me that it's not truly a random act of kindness unless it's anonymous, but I don't agree with that statement. I do love anonymous acts, but that's not a requirement. According to Wikipedia, this is the definition: A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people. The key here is that it's selfless - the person isn't doing it for what she'll/he'll get in return.

I hope you'll take a few moments and remember some of your favorite random acts of kindness. Did you perform them or receive them? Share your story on your blog or in a comment. And then go out this week and see if you can't do one a day. It doesn't have to be big. The smallest acts often have the most impact.