A couple years ago, I worked on a writing project where I composed a list of random things people can do to show kindness to others. Upon doing research I discovered the idea wasnt a new one. I wanted to perform some of the acts, as an experiment. It was fun to watch the look on peoples faces and even more exciting knowing I had put a smile there. I was brainstorming an idea for a blog, when one of those acts popped into my head. It was the first one I had done. I decided to go through a drive-through for a coke. I handed the girl a ten dollar bill and told her to put the change towards the bill of the car behind me. I was so excited, I drove off and forgot my coke. lol.
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to post a few random acts of kindness, in hopes that all of you will pick at least one and try it out. If you have any ideas I dont list, please leave them in a comment. Then after you perform each one, either come back here and comment about it, or create your own blog, so we can all share in it. Who knows, you may have fun with it.
1. Write a note of appreciation to your mailman
2. Put change in a row of vending machines
3. Leave something for someone at an area where it most might be used, (lighter near smoking area, book in reading area, umbrella near door on rainy day)
4. Open the phone book, pick a name, and send them something (movie tickets, thank you card, you are appreciated card, book, etc.) anonymously.
5. Put a quarter in a parking meter that has expired
6. Write a thank-you note to a person from your past who has made a difference in your life.
7. sometimes stores dont have enough baggers. Offer to bag your own groceries
8. If you live in an area where homeless people are, pack a few lunches and take them to where they congregate.
9. Tuck a couple dollars inside the library book, before you return it
10. Bake goodies and take them to the police station, fire station, emergency room, etc... anyone that spends their life helping others, really deserves all you can do for them.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Random Acts of Kindness
September 11, 2009
9-11 comes with so many memories, so many emotions, so much heartache, and yet a sense of pride at the way so many people joined together to aide those in need. I had just finished cleaning up the breakfast mess, made by the children in my care, and turned on the t.v. I sat there, not quite sure what I was seeing. At first I thought it had been a mere accident. I was in shock, but as I watched the second plane come in, and turn to make it's way to the tower, I knew it was no accident. I watched for a while, tears running down my face, people jumping from windows, too high up, knowing they wouldn't survive the fall. I gathered the kids into my car and drove them to my home. I made a few phone calls, telling the parents where they could pick up their babies if they wanted to. As the children played, oblivious to the seriousness of the matter, I sat, glued to the t.v, unable to pull myself away. I watched these children, and wondered how their futures would be affected by this. The days that followed were bittersweet. In the midst of all this tragedy, people were joining forces, in a way I had never seen before. Restaurants were bringing food and beverages free of charge to the men and women risking their lives to search for bodies and people who may have survived. Volunteers from around the country were being bussed in, to help wherever needed. And lets not forget the events at the Pentagon, and the heroes of Flight 93, who managed to crash the plane in a field in Pennsylvania, sparing countless lives elsewhere. Todd Beamers famous words, "Let's Roll", still sound in my mind, as I think of how he and the others involved knew it would be their last sacrifice. Our country came together as one that day. Lets not forget the victims, the heroes, and the bonds that were created, the day the towers fell.
(i wrote this on another blog, but wanted to repost it here)
A Tiny Excert from my Short Story
Sarah's lungs burned as she ran towards the main road. She couldn't yet see it in the distance, and the heavy footsteps behind her were getting closer. She pumped her arms harder, not daring to look over her shoulder. Her heart felt as if it would explode from her chest as her feet pounded the dirt lane. The sun had already set, and near darkness had settled over her tree lined route.
Sarah didn't notice her shoe lace had come undone, and to her surprise, she fell off balance. She felt the burn on her knees and chin as she hit the ground. She could hear her predator gaining on her, so close, his labored breathing was audible.
She picked herself up, not bothering to tie her shoes, no time for that. She glanced back. He was so close now, she could see the yellow bandana covering his mouth, like a bandit. Dark sunglasses hid his eyes and the ballcap he wore rested snugly over his forehead.
Sarah stared for a minute, frozen in fear. Her mind said run, yet her body refused to move. She heard the man grunt as he neared her, startling her into motion. She turned to run. The pain shooting through her knee slowed her down. She was sure he would catch her now. Half limping, half running, Sarah felt a small sense of relief as she rounded the turn, the main road now in full view. She continued running, feeling safe enough to look behind her. The man was gone.
She knew he was probably still watching as she slowed to a walk. She had managed to escape, this time. But she couldn't help but wonder if her fate lay in the hands of the masked man, and how long before he finally caught up with her.
Sarah decided to turn down 5th street. She was sure he didn't know where she lived, exactly. She cut through a couple yards and behind the post office. She was beyond relief when she reached 4th street and her door.
copyright 2009
Noise of a Silent Heart
The heart ebbs deeper into despondency.
The keening of the soul
Remains silent, even to close companions.
The blatant cries of inveterate pain,
Speak nothing out loud
From the heart that remains reserved.
Yet the soul hears it well,
The noise of a silent heart.
copyright 2009
