Face it…. you get all soft inside when you observe someone doing an act of kindness. Take a minute and think of all the behaviors that make you feel all warm and fuzzy when done for you. A door held? Receiving a thank you card? Receiving any kind of card? A gift of cookies from a neighbor for no reason? I feel as though I am the Grinch when the people from Whoville continue on with Christmas after he has stolen all of their presents and decorations. My heart just grows and grows and grows.

This just happens to be Random Acts of Kindness Week. It’s purpose is to bring awareness to the people of the world that kindness works. Hence, along comes the organization, RAK Foundation. I didn’t know it existed until I started doing some research on this special week. I love their philosophy, activities, suggestions, and blog. They have over 36,000 members in 89 countries. They even have a Facebook page. Worth investigating.

Personally, I have witnessed many acts of kindness in my lifetime. The biggest one was a lifesaver when an Air Force serviceman pulled me off the highway after a car accident, called for an ambulance, and stayed with me until they arrived. But not all acts of kindness have to be so grand. Often someone may do something for you that is not preplanned or consistent with their usual behaviors. That’s what makes it random.

For people who are aware of Random Acts of Kindness Week, they make it a point to do a little extra. Have you ever had your coffee paid for at the drive-thru? Has someone given up their spot in the grocery store line so you could take it? You could think of dozens of acts that you could do to surprise someone just by being kind.

Unbeknownst to me, Random Acts of Kindness Week got its start in New Zealand. Although the United States celebrates during this week, many countries have chosen other times of the year to celebrate. In my mind, everyday is kindness day. My plan is to tell my granddaughter all about it, and together we’ll plan an act of kindness for someone she’s thinking about. People just love it when you get children involved. Hopefully, it will be memorable for my granddaughter, and it will teach her a lesson, as well.

Oh, there’s copious quantities of quotes about being kind! I believe the most famous is by Aesop. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Have you noticed how someone being kind just tugs at your heartstrings? I love watching the news and hearing about people getting together to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, or warm the cold ones. I could cry tears of joy and sadness when I see this. Those kind people are saints in my book.

So, create your own act of kindness this week and actually follow through with it. Surprise someone. An unknown author said, “Kind words and actions can seem so small, but their effects are truly endless.” Get off your patootie, and do something kind. Send cards for no reason. Tip your server an extra few bucks. Check up on a friend you haven’t contacted in a long time. Take someone grocery shopping. What is your plan? Until then have a thoughtful Thursday, be safe, and I love you!