Random Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way
Random Acts of Kindness Go a Long Way
ByI was on my way home today and I stopped over to pick up the mail. And I noticed a guy trying to fish a package out of his mail box. How the mailman managed to stuff a box that size into his mailbox, I don’t know but the guy seemed to be having a hard time.
As I was walking back to my car, within a split second I fought over the thought, “should I just keep on and mind my own business or should I lend a helping hand.” This can be a hard thing to struggle with sometime because depending on the situation, some people would rather be left alone.
I quickly made a decision to go over and offer some help because it was obvious that he needed a helping hand. It was a P.O. Box type of set-up so apparently the mailman has a wider opening from the inside than the owner has from the outside. It turned out that we couldn’t fish out the package without damaging it so he made the decision to wait until the next available business hours to call the post office and have it delivered to his address.
As I walked away I began to think although we weren’t able to get his package out, sometimes simple random acts of kindness will go along way. Here are 3 ways to offer random acts of kindness:
- Smile – I’ve heard a great saying that, “A smile confuses an approaching frown.” You have the ability to change the environment for the better or for the worse. Rather than allowing the environment to change you for the worse make a decision to change the environment for better. Remember that a warm smile can brighten up someone’s day, so smile!
- Put others ahead of yourself – We live in a world where there’s so much hustle and bustle. Everyone’s in a hurry running over the next person to get what they need. When you go to Walmart they run you over in the aisles, when you’re out in traffic they cut in front of you, and don’t even think of stepping a couple feet out of line in some places.When we change our focus and react nonchalantly and proudly allow others ahead of us, it changes the atmosphere.
- Lend a Helping Hand – Have you ever pulled over to help someone change a flat tire? Well, honestly I haven’t either. (yikes) This may be an extreme example of showing random acts of kindness but the simple principal behind this is a catalyst that will spark a change in the world. If we went out looking for opportunities to bless others, and others went out blessing others, then we are the catalyst for a non-ending cycle of change in the world today.
Whether you’re in line at the grocery store or in traffic, there’s great healing in showing random acts of kindness. Remember, what we put out comes back to us. There are different ways to give. You can give through showing kindness unto others.
The bible tells us that, when we give it will come back to us. Expect God to shower down blessings on you as you bless others. Remember to show these random acts of kindness as you charge forth in your life journey.
Related Posts
Author: Jarrod Clark (411 Articles)
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Jarrod Clark, author and founder of OptimisticJourney.com and my goal for this blog is to provide inspirational messages for maintaining an optimistic outlook on life. To find out more about me, check out the About Jarrod tab at the top of the page and if you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me! Thanks!
Random acts of kindness are important. I like that you gave some simple examples of how to do it. I had an experience with my twin brother many years ago where a couple in an older truck (at a Burger King parking lot) was having a hard time getting their car started. Someone need to push, but he alone was not able to push it enough.
So my brother and I got out of our car and went behind theirs and helped push it. With the three of us pushing, the truck started and we assisted them in getting moving for the day. I’m not sure if they remember now what was really a simple act of kindness, but I felt we made a difference that day.
@Jeremy – That was a great thing you and your brother did for the older couple. I bet you all felt good after doing such a task!
Nice topic Jarrod.
Random acts of kindness not only heals the person being helped but also the person offering it. An amazing exercise for maintaining happiness is by seeking opportunities for helping others. I have found that if one day I wake up in a bad mood, by giving something of value to someone who truly needs it has always helped me to recover.
Of course we won’t be kind with the sole purpose of getting something back, but by genuinely wanting good for others.
The more we contribute and give, the greater is the experience of life itself.
@Robyn – Thanks man! I agree there’s something about reaching outside of ourselves and helping others that heals us too! I’m so glad you pointed that out my man!