Random acts of kindness

It is that time of year when people think more about helping others than they do for the rest of the year. I have seen many recent examples of this on social media, people buying much needed items for the homeless and others doing secret Santas where gifts of food and other items are packed and given to those who need them but done secretly.

Random acts of kindness though are things that should happen every day. ‘Small everyday needs, small acts of kindness and love’ are important. These can be as simple as a smile for someone or helping someone to get something from a higher shelf in the supermarket. I have always been one of those people who hold doors open for those coming after me even though I struggle myself with some heavy doors. It is about helping others, giving up your seat on the bus or helping someone to get on the bus with their shopping trolley.

I have also noticed that saying ‘Good morning’ to people as you walk down the street means they respond in kind. For some who live alone that might be the only conversation they have that day so it is important to greet them. Telling your friend how nice they look is also a good act of kindness. It makes them feel better too. It is good to let people know that you care about them. I often send cards to friends who I have not seen for a while so they know I still think about them. There are thousands of ways to give random acts of kindness so please try this and try to do one act everyday. It makes a difference not only to that other person but to you yourself.

A new calendar year

A new year has begun. I am not one for making New Year Resolutions but I do look back at the previous year and see what I need to do to make this coming year a better one. I have always given thanks at the end of the day for five things that I have, have done, or have experienced. Now I am adding to this. I purchased a Mindfulness Colouring Diary and as well as the colouring I am using the diary sections to write down five positive words to describe that day. If I have meditated I can put Contemplation, if I have been writing I can add the word Creative and so on. I am finding this very good as it makes me think about the good parts of the day not the bad bits.

One other thing I thought about was Random Acts of Kindness. I have known about this for a long time and try to do these little things. It can be very easy as doing something like holding the door open for some one or saying good morning to someone and smiling can all be called random acts of kindness. This is much harder for me now as I am not very mobile but I do manage to get to the village shop every so often. I go when there are people around, going to catch the bus into town or walking their dogs. I always speak to them wishing them Good Morning and smile and they always answer me and smile too. This is a way of connecting with people and you never know where it may lead. Also they may then speak to others and smile, passing it on in effect.

So these are two things which I find important as a part of my druid way of living. There are others but they will do for now. How are you starting this new year? Do you do random acts of kindness? Or do you help in other ways?

My photo is one I love, the petals of the flower reaching upwards and out towards the sun and sky and to others around them.