A RAK for a RAK

Lately, I have heard some awesome stories from friends about how they did a random act of kindness (RAK) only to receive one back.

A close friend of mine was recently at a Starbucks buying her morning coffee.  For whatever reason on this morning, there was a $5 minimum for any purchase with her card.  She was somewhat caught off guard by this since she'd bought her delicious espresso with her card before.  So, she had to think about what to spend that additional $3+ on.  Well, instead of buying a pastry or something else that only she would benefit from, she did something that would make someone's day.

She paid for the coffee of the person behind her.  She told me, "I remembered your cake story and your blog, and I thought this was a great way to give back."  Well, this was certainly a random act of kindness that made someone's morning.  The customer behind her was so shocked and happy with this RAK that she ran out of the store only to return with flowers for my friend.  Smile abounding, the woman thanked my friend and went about her day.

Then recently, another friend told me about her little act of kindness that she thought of after reading this blog.  As she was passing by some candy machines, an idea struck her.  "What kid doesn't love candy? And what a great way to teach a child how to pay it forward!" she thought.  With that, she slipped the 25 cents into each candy machine, leaving an opportunity for a child to get free candy on a summer day.  What a fantastic idea!

As if these fabulous acts of kindness weren't enough, I experienced something beautiful tonight.

I was back at the restaurant where this all started, when I bought the piece of cake for a random table. (Be Random, Be Kind...Everyday)  I happened to have the same server as I did that night.  As my server approached our table to take our orders, I asked if she remembered me.  For a second, she definitely had no clue who I was.  But then, she smiled, took out her booklet, and took out my receipt from that first night with "Tuesdays are always better with chocolate cake" written on the back.

"Every day before work I read this.  I can't help but have a good day after being reminded that there's still good in the world."

My heart is full, and I am overjoyed that these little acts have the power to make a great impact.  I  can't wait to hear of the many ways you all continue to shine bright in this sometimes dark world.  

Little Acts

Hello there!  I was on vacation last week, so that explains why I was MIA.  But, that didn’t stop me from looking for ways to make a difference.  Over the past week, I have focused on conducting little acts of kindness.  As I attempted to brainstorm big, powerful acts of kindness, I quickly fatigued and felt overwhelmed. 

“If I buy someone dessert every day, I’m going to spend over $2,000 doing this!”

And, as usual, I had a friend who was able to speak some sense into me and assure me that even the smaller acts of kindness can go a long way.  So, with that in mind, I set off and kept an eye out for little opportunities to brighten someone’s day.

Over the course of the week I have held numerous doors, held elevators open, offered to do chores, and other daily activities.  One thing I struggle with, however, is that these are acts that I naturally try to do each day.  But I can admit, sometimes I may not be in a good mood or have too much on my mind to remember to do the little things.

But aren’t all great acts born from little acts?  If we always ignored the little acts of kindness, how could we ever conduct ourselves in a manner of powerful compassion?

And one thing that I never seem to remember is that there, in most cases, is always someone watching these acts of kindness happen.  I might think that I’m only impacting one person when I carry their bags for them or buy them a dessert.  But for those that witness me doing it, it could ignite a desire to go out of their comfort zone and be genuinely human towards another.  That, at the least, is my great hope.

P.S. I brought a box of munchkins to work yesterday.  Who doesn't like munchkins!?