I don’t like to call it a “random” act, let’s get that clear. I think acts of kindness should be the norm, not some random thing we do. I forget that most of the time, though, so maybe it is a random act. I’m pretty guilty of letting steam off on some poor store manager or rude driver, even if it’s just flipping them the Bird behind their back.
Shame on me. I should do better.
Sometimes, I do better. Those are the times I like to remember.
Pay it forward. That is a phrase I love. Every act of kindness is an act of paying it forward (although, every act of retribution and anger is also paying it forward, in a way: you reap what you sow).
When I lose it, I’m not listening. I’m not in control. I’m immature. I’m allowing frustration to guide me rather than kindness. I pay for those moments in my conscience, if nowhere else. I hate myself, berate myself, want to hide in a hole and never come out again. Fortunately, those acts are far and few as I age. I’m getting better.
What was the last “random” act of kindness that you did? Why?
I can’t recall the most recent, but it is usually something that whispers in my heart that I cannot not do something for someone. Hand them $5. Buy a bottle of wine for them. Pay their tab. Give them my favorite Santa Claus hat. (I actually looked for the hat the next Christmas, and then remembered I had given it away to a Salvation Army bell ringer who had admired it. She was thrilled.)
We need more kindness in this world. I want to pledge myself to being more kind. I’ve done enough stupid things in my life, said enough stupid things — I just want to leave a happiness trail behind me.
What about you?
Jaci Dawn 
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