I'm going to do 27 Acts of Random Kindness - one act for each soul lost in the Sandy Hook Shootings. For everything we have endured this year, I know that none of it pales in comparison to what those families are going through now and forever. I think about those babies faces every day. And the adults that tried to help them. I really have no words to say how I feel about it all. It's just so sad.
My 26 Acts of Random Kindness are going to be small things that might bring a smile to someone's face. I don't have rolls of quarters to leave at laundry mats or enough money to pay for lunch for a stranger. But, I can do small things. You take 27 small things and that adds up to one big thing, right?
So far I have:
1) Taken two bags of oranges to the Volunteer's at one of my thrift stores.
2) Donated a box full of samples and coupon freebies to the "Prize box" at the rehab hospital (they play Bingo, Dominoes and Banagrams as part of their standing therapy).
That's not much, but it's a start. Now to put on my thinking cap and think of things to do for people. I've been the lucky recipient of so many acts of kindness this Christmas season. It's time to do some myself.
And maybe, you could do 27 Acts with your family too? If you haven't already, of course. :)
*edited to say I added an additional RAOK. I didn't realize that the 26 didn't include the Mother. Bless her heart and especially her other son who has to live without his Mother and his brother not to mention what he did and the outcome. You know what? I think I will just try to do one a day for a long time and not worry about counting them. The world NEEDS more kindness. Don't you agree?
*edited to say I added an additional RAOK. I didn't realize that the 26 didn't include the Mother. Bless her heart and especially her other son who has to live without his Mother and his brother not to mention what he did and the outcome. You know what? I think I will just try to do one a day for a long time and not worry about counting them. The world NEEDS more kindness. Don't you agree?
Shara, that's a great thing to do.
ReplyDeleteOur local quilt guild makes small blankets for kids who come through the social services system and I was just thinking i should make some tops for them. They have to all be the same size, 63 6" blocks put together 7 x 9. I will start with that!
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ReplyDeleteIt is such a nice way to honor them. I will think of ways I to can do acts of kindness.
ReplyDeleteCathy
Shara, What a great idea. I too have not been able to get those faces out of my mind. What a sad holiday season this has been for those families.
ReplyDeleteI think you have a great idea and I am going to start thinking of my 26 random acts as well. Thanks for the idea!
Shara I decided to do 26 Acts of Kindness also. I've done about 5 so far and it does make me feel good that I'm helping someone somewhere. I also don't have lots of money but as you pointed out there are many ways to do acts of kindness that cost very little.
ReplyDeletehugs, Linda
Of course working in a public school, I cannot help but think of the Sandy Hook children and educators. I think we do RAK's w/o even thinking about it, but it is making me take notice of the little things I do or someone does for me. Will you be handing a RAK card out to let the recipient know what you have done? I know some people have chosen to do this, just not signed their name but to let the person know how to "pass it on".
ReplyDeleteI really urge you to do 27 acts...1 for the mother that was murdered by her son.
ReplyDeleteI have completed my 26 acts and am now up to 61--I have decided to do 1 act a day every day in 2013 as well.
Glad to see you have joined the movement.
(but really add in an extra...the mother didn't deserve what happened to her)
That is an awesome idea! Acts of kindness inspired by such horrible violence serves to honor the memory of those who were senselessly murdered. I am now inspired to perform a RAOK daily.
ReplyDeleteYay! So happy to read your update :)
ReplyDeletePaying it forward is going to change the world..I firmly believe that!
I'm glad that you remembered the shooter's mother. The family members of the bad guys get forgotten so often, and they have just as much grief to deal with and probably more to cope with.
ReplyDeleteThe world needs more kindness and yours is a great way to honor the recent events. I think I may follow your lead too....
ReplyDeleteI randomly gave away a free take out pizza coupon just before Christmas, it made me feel so good, i have another one to pass out yet! Just to the right person. A little bit of kindness goes a long way!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea ... and I think the idea of just doing as many as we can is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI think that for anyone doing this, there is an added benefit to just doing the acts themselves--you are constantly in a state of looking out for opportunities for kindness! I know for myself that I can certainly stand to pull my head out of my own business (and busy-ness!) and spend more time looking at the needs of others around me, and I suspect I'm not the only one. Being more aware of the needs of others is something that can only improve society.
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping my community in your thoughts and prayers. I live in Newtown, CT and these tragic events are so horrific but doing acts of kindness is a way to bring positivity back to my community! I know first hand, that many of the victims families love to hear about these acts of kindness b/c it keeps their children's spirit alive! Some friends here in town started an Acts of Kindness Award in honor of one little victim, I thought you might want to know about it. www.newtownkindness.org thanks so much, Jodie
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