Coastin Carl
๐ผ RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day ORIGIN & HISTORY
In 1995 a small non-profit organization started the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in one of my favorite states, Denver Colorado USA. And in 2004 my favorite country to visit, New Zealand, started observing Random Acts of Kindness Day. Today countries from all over the world observe and mark the importance of this day. RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day is celebrated on the 17th Day in February.
My sister is probably one of the best teachers around. She teaches kindergarten and all the educators at her grade level and the administration know how hard it is for her to be so good at teaching because she really is the best. It’s more likely because she’s truly a kind, very giving, and generous person when it comes to her students. What she gives the most is her time and consistently goes the extra mile to make an impact in the lives of the children she trains. She routinely gets back home sometimes way after dark just like my father when he’s working on a project. People we know and come in contact with need to be told that you appreciate them and that they do a good job WHEN they do a good job.
Seriously, do we ALL need to be told this to be kind? Also, kindness isn’t reserved for one day. If you need a day to tell yourself to be kind maybe you need to be more like Olaf from Frozen โ people like warm hugs too. Hmmm? It’s important to be kind to others but it’s also important to be kind to ourselves. Do you know about the Golden Rule?ย It’s a reciprocal thing but when you do something kind for someone else don’t take it as if you got paid back, just do it to help out.
Acting kind and being nice helps you to be healthy; it’s good for your immune system, lowers high blood pressure, and reduces stress. Plus it’s something that can be done free of cost like smiling, giving someone a compliment, or just a warm hello or friendly goodbye. It helps your emotions by raising the feel-good hormones oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Being a nice person is good for your overall well-being and it’s good practice.
Being kind to others starts with being kind to yourself. If you canโt be kind to yourself how can you be kind to others? Learn not to be hard on yourself; instead, let others praise you for what you’re praiseworthy for. Your feelings count! Do things that are enjoyable for you. Learn to decompress. Nurture yourself, value self, and don’t compare yourself to others. Take time to rest and recharge your body.
When we’re kind to others we should be conscientious of our surroundings and the people in them. Somebody may look like they need a boost because they aren’t feeling okay. We should put away our own judgment so we can truly express empathy to someone. After all, we arenโt in that person’s shoes. Demonstrate actions of kindness with people we interact. Be friendly, act with generosity, and be considerate. Remember when we act with kindness we spread joy throughout the world.
๐ซถ๐พ HOW to Celebrate & Observe RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day?
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Remember, no act of kindness is too small. Even the smallest gesture can have a positive impact on someone’s day. And most importantly, have fun spreading kindness! Here are some activities that you can do on RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day!
๐ SIMPLE Gestures
- Offer a genuine smile and greeting to strangers. You never know how much a friendly face can brighten someone’s day.
- Makeup with someone that hurt you or that you have hurt.
- Remember to smile; say hello, goodbye, please, and thank you.
- Write a positive note and leave it somewhere unexpected. Like a library book, bus stop bench, or someone’s car windshield.
- Hold the door open for someone, or offer to carry their groceries.
- Pay for the coffee or meal of the person behind you in line.
- Leave a small tip for good service or delivery, even if it’s just a few extra dollars. Thank people who are providing a service to you and wish them a good day.
- Compliment a stranger on something you genuinely appreciate and brighten their day with a kind word or gesture. Focus on things like their personality, work ethic, or unique style. If you like a person’s t-shirt, scarf, or earrings then let them know it!
- Smile and wave as you let someone in line while driving your car through traffic.
๐ Acts of SERVICE
- Volunteer your time at a local charity or community organization.
- Run an errand for loved ones, especially if they’re busy, or see if you can do something for someone who needs an extra hand. Offer to help a neighbor with chores or yard work.
- Surprise someone with a homemade meal or treats. Food is nourishing and it brings people together. Bake cookies or treats with LOVE for your coworkers, classmates, neighbors, friends, extended family members, or healthcare workers. Surprise people you know with their favorite pie.
- Deliver gently used clothing or household items to a local charity or shelter.
- Donate blood or plasma if you’re able.
- Lend a hand by walking or pet-sitting for a friend or neighbor who’s predisposed.
- Pick up litter around your neighborhood or park.
- Volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or community center.
- Help your spouse do something to ease their responsibility.
๐ CREATIVE Kindness
- Plant a tree or flowers in a public space.
- Organize a neighborhood cleanup or clothing drive.
- Start a “pay it forward” chain at a coffee shop or restaurant by paying for someone’s coffee or meal.
- Leave inspirational quotes, notes, or poems in random public places for strangers to find.
- Create and share artwork or music that promotes kindness.
- Write a letter of appreciation to someone who has made a difference in your life. Send a thoughtful text or handwritten note to a friend or family member, letting them know how much you respect them.
- Practice active listening and offer support to someone who may be going through a tough time.
๐ GIVE thanks
Send a thank you and show appreciation to loved ones. Let them know that their presence is something that makes you glad they’re around. Take a moment to express gratitude towards someone who has made a positive impact on your life. Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague, or a loved one, let one of them below know how much you appreciate their kindness and support.
- Educators โ Teachers, School Administrators, School Counselors, Classroom Assistants, Janitorial Staff, Bus Drivers, and Cafeteria Workers
- Healthcare Workers โ Doctors, Nurses, Medical Assistants, Hospital Janitors, Pharmacists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Public Service Professionals โ Police Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics, Sanitation Workers, Social Workers, Public Transportation Workers
- Service Industry Workers โ Waitstaff, Baristas, Retail Workers, Delivery Drivers, Hotel Housekeeping Staff, Customer Service Representatives
- Technology and IT Professionals โ IT Support Staff, Software Developers, Network Administrators, Cybersecurity Experts, Data Analysts, Tech Support Representatives
- Essential Workers โ Grocery Store Clerks, Warehouse Workers, Food Service Workers, Truck Drivers, Postal Workers, Utility Workers
- Creative Professionals โ Artists, Writers, Musicians, Actors, Designers, Photographers
- Business Professionals โ Managers, Executives, Administrative Assistants, Human Resources Personnel, Accountants, Sales Representatives
- Tradespeople โ Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Mechanics, HVAC Technicians, Welders
- Community Leaders โ Local Politicians, Community Organizers, Volunteer Coordinators, Neighborhood Watch Leaders, Religious Leaders, Event Planners
๐ Practice SELF-care
Treat yourself to a day of self-care and kindness. Take a long bath, indulge in your favorite book or movie, and pamper yourself with a soothing face mask or massage. Remember, being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others.
Dedicate time to a rejuvenating workout session, whether it’s a long run, a challenging yoga class, or a sweaty gym session. Prioritize your physical health and after your workout, practice proper fitness recovery techniques such as foam rolling, stretching, and joint mobility exercises. Showing kindness to your body aids muscle recovery, promotes flexibility, and enhances stability.
๐ RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #RandomActsOfKindness, #KindnessCounts, #PassItOn, #PayItForward, #BeKind, #SpecialInterestHolidays, #FebruaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you โค๏ธ RANDOM ACT of KINDNESS Day.
LEARN more about things you can do for RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day
WAYS FOR KIDS TO BE KIND
KID PRESIDENT ON KINDNESS
FIVE Important Facts you never knew about RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day
- When we demonstrate kindness, especially to children, kids are less apt to bully and act more friendly toward their peers by teaching through example.
- The act of passing it forward creates a butterfly effect. A random act of kindness causes the recipients to in turn perform kind acts similarly to others. Seeing the positive impact of giving in the lives of other people can evoke infectious sentiments of joy.
- A very good way to increase feelings of instant gratification from happiness is to do random acts of kindness to others.
- Engaging in these acts produces endorphins and perpetually kind people have 23% fewer stress hormones and age twice as slow as the rest of the population!
- Kindness can be developed just like strength training in the gym. People can actually build up their compassion “muscle” over time by continually exercising it through a caring desire to lend support.
Famous PEOPLE also born on February 17th
-
William Adlington Cadbury
English businessman best known for being the grandson of John Cadbury, founder of Cadbury Chocolates who commissioned the very first script Cadbury logo modeled after his own signature. Born 1867.
WILLIAM CADBURY Quote
“The real test of character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.”
-
Thomas J Watson
American businessman best known for being the longtime CEO of IBM. He oversaw their growth for over 40 years and is considered the “Father of IBM”. Born 1874.
THOMAS WATSON Quote
“If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work.”
-
Ed Sheeran
English singer-songwriter of a prolific number of hit songs both for himself and other artists best known for his catchy beats and collaborations. Recently set up a record label called Gingerbread Man Records. Born 1991.
ED SHEERAN Quote
“The main thing that you have to remember on this journey is, just be nice to everyone and always smile.”
Future DATES for RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 17 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 17 | Saturday |
| 2025 | February 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 17 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 17 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | February 17 | Thursday |
๐ผ Kindness FAQ
WHEN is RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day?
- RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day is an annual celebration held on February 17th each year.
What are some of the physiological EFFECTS of acting kind to others?
- Helping others improves the immune system, helps cognitive ability, makes you feel positive emotions, reduces blood pressure, reduces cortisol in the body by reducing stress, and helps diminish pain in the body.
Why we L๐VE RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day
Life can be so tough some of the time. We love this day because it’s a chance to step up and give a little extra of your wonderful self to someone else who can also become wonderful. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and you may just find yourself with a Golden Opportunity to exercise kindness and make amends … even if it’s random, to begin with.
We can all act with these characteristics to avert a world that sometimes seems to be growing impatient and devoid of understanding. We are individuals but we’re still all in it together on this tiny rock we call home. Right now we may not be like-minded but we need to live our lives to be the best person we can be. The Bible teaches us that in the End it’s not God’s will that any of us perish. Stumbling blocks are put in our path.
Life is faced with choices but that doesn’t negate the fact that someone is there for us, be it a friend, family member, stranger, or angel unaware. The Lord reminds us that he’s intertwined with our life. Regardless of whether you’re a person of faith, it’s important to remember the Golden Rule.
2 PETER 1:5-7
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
And with each new random act of kindness, you might even fare well on National MAKE a FRIEND Day!
