National Random Acts of Kindness Day: How We Can Give Back

Lifestyle


These days, I often find myself forgoing the morning news as I get ready or skimming headlines as I page through the paper. Subconsciously, I realize my privilege has granted me the ability to take a moment of pause when overwhelmed by the disheartening realities covered by the press and media. Consciously, I’m working daily to confront the realities of injustice, discourse and divisive rhetoric we face today. And just when I feel like I can’t swallow the truth of another devastating disaster or tragic event, I remember the times I’ve witnessed the good in people. And today is one of those days where we encourage one another to remember the power of small acts of kindness, and why they’re so important in giving us the strength needed to continue to care for our communities– for humanity– with the same compassion we hold for those we love dearly. 

Each year, the 17th of February marks Random Acts of Kindness Day, also known as #RAKDay. From simply smiling at a stranger to checking in with an old friend, no act of kindness is too big or too small.

Kindness to a stranger is a kindness to you. It can shine a bright spot, no matter how small, when we need it most. 

Join us in celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day today and every day by being kind to the world around us. For some kind-acts-inspo, we’ve listened to a few of our favorite ways to show kindness below.

      • Buy coffee for the person behind you in line
      • Make someone laugh, even if it’s yourself
      • Put your money towards causes that need it
      • Cook a warm meal for someone
      • Say thank you, and mean it
      • Stop and pet a puppy
      • Open a door for others
      • Call someone by name if they are wearing a name tag
      • Send a text to someone you haven’t seen in a while
      • Ask “How are you?” and truly listen to their response
      • Overtip (if you can!)
      • Tell someone you appreciate them
      • Do the dishes without being asked
      • Fill up someone’s car with gas
      • Support a local business
      • Send a love letter
      • Teach someone a new skill
      • Bring a co-worker coffee
      • Donate old clothes and unused items
      • Volunteer in your community
      • Babysit (free of charge)
      • Send a funny meme
      • Tell someone they’re doing a good job

Our first act of kindness for the day… Enjoy a free downloadable print designed by yours truly!

We want to hear how you’re celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day!

BY Kate Arends - February 17, 2019

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February 18, 2019 3:42 am

Thank you for reminding me of ‘random act of kindness day’. I will make sure to pay it forward today. One thing I like to do to put me into an inspired and hopeful mood after reading mainstream news is heading to a site like Good News Network. This site only shares positive, inspiring and hopeful stories and for me, that is much more motivating than seeing negative news (although I do believe in being informed about the injustices as well).

Elli Meinert
February 19, 2019 3:35 pm

I absolutely loved this blog post regarding random acts of kindness. I completely agree with what you said about how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Many people don’t even think about the power of complimenting a stranger or opening a door for another person, but it can go a long way. I love the tips and various ways you gave readers on how to participate in giving random acts of kindness. Some of my favorite are telling someone you appreciate them and buy coffee for the person behind you in line.

[…] for extra tactics to offer to others? For Random Acts of Kindness Day this previous February, Kate wrote a long checklist of how to offer again. From doing the dishes with out being requested to babysitting (without cost) to sending a humorous […]

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