Random Acts of Kindness Week in Bluffton is from Feb. 13 through Feb. 19. What better time on the calendar to also include Valentine’s Day? Most people could use a little dose of love, happiness, and kindness right about now.
Those who give, those who love, and those who are kind know that this task is easier said than done. It takes some thought and planning and effort. Helping someone, paying attention to someone else’s needs,and being kind requires you to become more active. You have to get involved in someone else’s life. You must be willing to be a positive influence in someone else’s day.
Are you ready for Random Acts of Kindness Week? The purpose of this week is to simply encourage people to give and receive a little kindness. It all began back in 1995. The person who started the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation wishes to remain anonymous. That way all of the focus, all of the attention, and all of the energy will continue to be on random acts of kindness.
What will you do to celebrate “Random Acts of Kindness”? Take a little time to plan. Use your imagination. Here are a few fun and easy suggestions to get you started:
• Plan to surprise someone.
• Show up at a business with a fresh flower.
• Send “anonymous” Valentine’s Day cards. (No return address.)
• Shovel a neighbor’s driveway or sidewalk.
• Visit a nursing home.
• Send a “thank you” note to a teacher.
• Leave a generous tip.
• Deliver homemade cookies to someone.
• Deliver a balloon.
• Offer someone a ride.
• Forgive.
• Drive with caution.
• Lend a helping hand.
Not only is a “kindness passed on” good for the other person, a “kindness passed on” is good for you too. Did you know that there are health benefits where kindness is concerned? That’s right, health benefits. Research studies show that simple acts of kindness can actually result in significant physical and mental health improvement. Here’s how:
• Sad or depressed moods or diminished.
• A rush of euphoria, followed by a calm, pleasant feeling.
• Emotional well-being.
• A relief from stress.
• A decrease in hostility.
• Enhancement of feelings of joy.
• Resiliency.
• Increased energy.
• Distraction and decrease of physical pain.
• Increase in positive attitudes.
• Lasting memories.
• Increased sense of self/other-esteem.
• Greater happiness.
• Positive bonding.
• Improved lifestyle.
• A decrease in feelings of depression and anxiety.
So, we’ve got nothing to lose, and lots to gain from practicing kindness. Brainstorm a little. And begin to develop your own list of how you and your family will celebrate “Random Acts of Kindness” Week.
