eremedies

Random Acts of Kindness, and Senseless Acts of Beauty

Such a beautiful phrase, we should use it more often. Wouldn't you love to be spontaneous and generous? Maybe someone once gave you change for the bus when you most needed it, or simply smiled when you were down. Here's how YOU can be the mysterious benefactor:

* Whenever someone does something nice for you, pass it on. Let's spread kindness like a virus!

* Start small. Something as simple as a smile can make someone's day (there is a story of someone who decided against suicide because of a stranger's smile!). Give someone who needs it a hug. Give change or food to a street musician.

* Try some random, spontaneous things. Pay for the car behind you at the toll booth, or maybe 10 cars! Give out full meals to the homeless as you go to work. Give an old woman your arm and help her across the street. Help out a lost tourist in your town.

* Once in your life, do something big. One wealthy man offered a student full tuition for college. Another person decided to forgo accepting the downpayment on a house from potential buyers. Still another employed a stranger no one else would consider.

* You don't have to be spontaneous to be kind. You can give blood, volunteer your time with a local organization, sponsor a child, or simply donate your clothes to charity. Every little bit counts!

* Keep an eye out. Potential opportunities for kindness abound, if you're just aware of them. Be ready to jump up and help at a moment's notice.

* Try to incorporate a certain number of small kindnesses on a regular basis. It will keep you on your toes and spread cheer to those around you.