Ding Dong Ditch and Kindness
Ding dong ditch. For many those three words bring on a negative connotation, a feeling of frustration, and the thought of annoying children. Don't be so quick to judge. Since I was a small child, random acts of kindness have always warmed my heart. I played ding dong ditch with friends, but there was never a negative intent involved. Rather we made bouquets of flowers and left them on the door step, delivered handmade treats, and even a few times left hard earned money for a person we knew was going through a hard time. The mysterious ditching neighborhood children even received thank you notes from some of the recipients.
National Random Acts of Kindness Day ~ February 17th
February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary (2017) random means "without definite aim, direction, rule, or method" while kindness is defined as a "kind deed". In essence, performing kind deeds with no strings attached and no expectation of anything in return. This is the time to act!
Favorite Random Winter Act
As I've gotten older, I've continued this giving tradition in two intentional ways throughout the year. For years, I stuffed my work locker in the emergency department with brand new winter jackets to give to homeless or less fortunate individuals in need. I never shared this with my co-workers, but rather had this little ritual that filled my heart when no one was looking.
Then one year I was asked to share a locker. Naturally it appeared I was completely hogging the locker space, so I shared with my locker mate, Jill, why the locker was so full. A week later I received an email from Jill telling me how during her rainy night shift, she had given the jacket away. She was hoping I wasn't going to be mad. Jill giving the coat away was like a double gift, especially in reading her words and the joy she felt by participating in this act. We are no longer locker mates, but I hope Jill is continuing on with this tradition.
Favorite Random Spring Act
Every Spring I purchase volumes of daffodils and designate random days when I hand the flowers out. Anyone and everyone who looks like they need a pick me up gets a few flowers. Then I hand out extras to the fast food drive thru attendant, the grocery checker, post office clerk, garbage man, greeters in businesses...you name it! One of my favorites is randomly placing the flowers onto cars and secretly watching the person find them when they return. Something about giving warms my heart leaps and bounds. I can almost feel my heart dancing and smiling.
Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Day...or Any Day!
Whatever random act speaks to your heart, go out and DO IT! This world needs a little more love and caring so here are 50 ideas to get you started.
1) Reach out to someone going through a difficult time and offer to listen.
2) Bring in a box of old clothes to a local emergency department, women escaping a violent environment, or to a foster parent in need (get permission first).
3) Thank a security guard or officer for being present.
4) Tell a teacher about the difference they have made in your life.
5) Smile at everyone you come in contact with.
6) Deliver a verbal compliment to strangers.
7) Donate blood.
? Pay it forward. If someone pays your bill, grab the bill for the person behind you.
9) Encourage kids to call their grandparents.
10) Offer to brush snow of the neighbor's car.
11) Pick up trash on the side of the road.
12) Sign up to volunteer at a local charity.
13) Encourage a child to be the best they can be.
14) Look someone directly in the eyes and tell them how much you appreciate them.
15) Babysit for someone who needs a night off...for free.
16) Bring magazines for the patients in hospital waiting rooms.
17) Bring in flowers and have the nurses deliver them to patients with no visitors.
18) Send an "I appreciate you" email to someone who never would expect it.
19) Bring to work a poster board with sticky notes and write compliments to co-workers for everyone to see. Hopefully other co-workers will add to the board.
20) Pay for the bridge toll of the person behind you.
21) Offer to grab something at the store for a neighbor or friend.
22) Deliver a meal to a pregnant mom, new mom, or a family in need.
23) Deliver treats to your local public service agencies.
24) Leave a good book on a bus stop or airport bench.
25) Put a note in your child's or spouse's lunch.
26) Leave a gift card in front of the corresponding store for a soon to be shopper to find.
27) Put quarters in a parking meter that is expired.
28) Buy the meal for public servants dining at a restaurant.
29) Deliver balloons to someone...anyone...just for the fun of it!
30) Write a note to someone you've never met and let them know they are important in this world.
31) Spend extra time loving an animal.
32) Sign up for Amazon Smile to donate to your favorite non-profit.
33) Buy a pizza for another healthcare unit.
34) Do nice things for others anonymously.
35) Bring in coffee and bagels for your co-workers.
36) Hand out crayons and coloring books to age appropriate children waiting in the hospital.
37) Bring in a bag of apples or tangerines for staff. Something healthy and sweet.
38) Deliver packs of "Lifesavers" to individuals who make a big difference in your life.
39) Ride the elevator and hand out flowers to everyone who gets in.
40) Sign up for a run for charity.
41) Leave a thank you note for your favorite barista at a local coffee or tea shop.
42) Thank the fire department or ambulance crew if they visited your house this year.
43) Leave a note or a treat for your mail person.
44) Spend time with an elderly person who could use some company.
45) Have your kids write cards to people who have made a difference in their lives.
46) Thank the military via a letter or donation.
47) Honor hospital ancillary staff via cards, food, or hugs.
48) Deliver individual cupcakes to school teachers and administration.
49) Make little bags filled with quarters and attach a note saying "Thanks for changing lives. Buy a treat on us". Deliver anywhere!
50) Give a coat or clean socks to a homeless person.
Honor Each Other
Honoring everyone you come in contact with, whether you do so with a warm smile, sincere hug, flowers, a thank you, or treats. Taking time to do simple things that make others feel important and special is invaluable. Research has actually shown these acts to be good for your moods and overall health.
Together we can make the world a little brighter! What Random Acts of Kindness have you performed this year? Or what can you add to this list?
References
Merriam-Webster: Dictionary and Thesaurus (2017). Kindness. Retrieved February 13, 2017 from Dictionary and Thesaurus | Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster: Dictionary and Thesaurus (2017). Random. Retrieved February 13, 2017 from Dictionary and Thesaurus | Merriam-Webster
