Random Act of Kindness

Did you know that it is random acts of kindness week? and how many of you would actually care?

 

wonder who left that fish - don't know don't care it was smashing.....

Helping others by carrying out random acts of kindness can help you feel happier and live longer according to psychotherapists.  Kindness isn't just about the big stuff, it's also about the small actions we do and behaviours that we show on a daily basis.  A smile, an acknowledgement, a compliment, a helping hand and appreciation or a small gesture to show that we are thinking about someone. 

Did you also know that focusing on others can reduce stress and anxiety helping to reduce negative emotions and keeps things in perspective.

The practice of doing small things for strangers has been around for centuries but the movement swept across America after the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was created in Denver, Colorado in 1993 and soon crossed the pond to arrive in the UK.

It's all about letting people know they matter and it does not need to cost the earth it could be picking up litter in the community or just helping someone with their bags when they are struggling. How many of us are so busy with our own little world that we never think that we could make a difference by just noticing what is going on around us.  I have had doors swing back on me while someone rushes past with not a look back to see if it has hit me in the face.... and I hate to say it I am not without sin... but I do try now to help others with little acts of kindness.  It may just be passing on a magazine when I have read to someone I think might enjoy it or if I see someone struggling with a door I will offer to help and it has not cost me a dime just a few minutes of my time.

I know of someone who bought 10 scratch cards and posted them to their neighbours she did not see a removal van outside said neighbours so they obviously did not win the jackpot but the thought was there.

So go on this weekend open the door of the supermarket for the person behind you before going supermarket shopping - it might bring down the stress levels shopping causes or step back and let the harassed mum with the children go first she may be having a bad day and your little RAOK might just lighten her load.

On a final note as I sit here writing I looked out of my lounge window and oh dear they are so dirty if I was my cleaner I would sack me.... I think its window cleaning time.

Until next time


Beverley xx