Random Acts of Kindness

Of all the behaviors human beings exhibit, I'm pretty sure kindness is my favorite. Doing something kind for someone benefits both parties. The person being kind feels good about themself. And, of course, the recipient of the kind act is happy and grateful.

I don't think kindness is practiced enough these days. In today's fast-paced world, people are constantly on the go or tethered to electronic devices; or both. Too often we are so focused on other things--or ourselves--that we forget how simple it is to make another human--a friend, a neighbor, or even a complete stranger--happy. We forget how easy it is to put a smile on someone else's face or make them feel just a little more special.

Random acts of kindness are even cooler. When you do something nice for someone when they aren't expecting it, it makes both people involved feel even better. Random acts of kindness are truly badass.

In the next 24 hours, try to perform at least one random act of kindness. Help someone in the grocery store parking lot load their groceries. Shovel your neighbor's snow. Pay for a stranger's cup of coffee at Starbucks. Cook a meal for an elderly person in the neighborhood. Or just smile at a complete stranger on the street and tell them to have a great day.

Get in the habit of offering the world a random act of kindness at least a couple times a week. It might sound crazy, but you'll help make this planet a happier place.

"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." ― Henry James