“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia

Random Acts Of Kindness Day encourages us to get out there and be the light we want to see in the world. The smallest acts of kindness to others can have a profound impact, and no one has ever come away feeling bad from doing something good. 

This international awareness day may not have been around for that long, created by a small non-profit organisation in 1995, yet kindness there has always been.

As babies we are already developing the ability to feel and care for others. Kindness is something we all share, we are all capable of, and we all need, especially in these challenging times.

The beauty in showing kindness to others doesn’t just stop with the act. When we show kindness to others, our bodies release serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins, helping us to feel happier, calmer, reducing pain and stress and improving our overall health and wellbeing. 

Something as simple as sending a sweet text to those you love or those you haven’t spoken to in a while can make all the difference to someone's day. Or how about writing a letter to a stranger with some words of encouragement. See someone in the queue behind? Why not make their day and pay for their takeaway. And a simple smile to a passer-by might mean more to them than you might realise.

If you need a little bit of inspiration on how to spend your day doing random acts of kindness, take a read of our favourite random acts of kindness we love below, with real life stories that’ll make your heart grow a little bigger and your day feel a little brighter.

Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people today and let’s end this special day with a random act of kindness. 

1. “For random acts of kindness day I gave an envelope to 12 strangers in Penryn containing a nice quote/explanation and a chocolate freddo. Random acts of kindness can make someone’s day, even a smile can go a long way” - @amyyclay (Twitter)

2. “I’ll always remember the woman who gave me tissues when I was crying on the train. I was trying so hard to keep it together. Everyone else looked away but her. She handed me the tissues and said, “We’ve all been there, crying on the train. It sucks.” As she was getting off, she added, “Whatever’s wrong, it will get better. That doesn’t mean anything right now, of course. But it really will.” She was this regular business-casual lady, but she was a hero to me. Also! She inspired me to always carry a little pack of tissues in case I see someone crying.” @danielleiat (Twitter)

3. “I’ve been feeding the old man next door for about a month now. I ring him before I make dinner so I know to make extra.I just called to let him know what I’m making tonight: Broccoli Parmesan Farfalle and Lime-Frosted Carrot Cake. ‘I look forward to this every day’ he said.” @anthonyshock (Twitter)

4. “My friend Heather texted me to check in. She manages a local Starbucks and asked if we could use some coffee. As parents of two young girls (2 and 4) trying to work from home for the first time, of course we needed coffee! She asked about our preferences and promised to drop off a pound of freshly ground coffee that afternoon. When I opened the door to her package, I found not just coffee, but a ‘self-isolation survival kit’ complete with activities for the kids, a mini daffodil plant, a bottle of wine, scratch-off lottery tickets and other treats. I was so grateful, I teared up. It felt like a big, warm hug to know that someone had thought about our whole family and was taking care of us.” - Maureen Mccarthy https://www.thelily.com/8-acts-of-kindness-stories-of-good-deeds-during-a-pandemic/

5. “Recently after picking up a $3 cup of coffee from one of the three places still open, I tipped my barista a $20 and a very sincere thank you. Her smile told me everything I needed to know. Everyone is wondering if they will have a job tomorrow and little things like a tip and a look into the eye can let someone know that they are seen and valued. I think this is the greatest kindness – letting someone else know that they matter, they are seen, and they are valued. We are all in this together.” — Matt Erickson
https://blog.mycorporation.com/2020/03/acts-of-kindness-coronavirus/

To celebrate International Random Act Of Kindness Day we are offering free takeaway coffee all day at our store in Westbourne Grove to all front line and key workers!

References:
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/random-acts-of-kindness-day/