Bring Back Random Acts of Kindness!

Morgan Freeman is quoted as saying, “How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”

It is common for people to discuss various aspects of daily life. Many individuals express concern about public discourse and the frequency of strong opinions. Topics such as the economy, politics, health, and sports are often sources of heated discussion and differing viewpoints.

I, too, fall into that “rabbit hole”. At the same time, I value hope and optimism, which help me rise above negativity. Although some dismiss it, I find it worthwhile. Recently, I've been reflecting on the Random Acts of Kindness movement from the late 1990s.

The movement known as Random Acts of Kindness started in 1982 when writer Anne Herbert wrote the phrase "practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a restaurant placemat, which was later published in her article in the CoEvolution Quarterly journal. This phrase inspired a kindness movement that began to spread in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Random acts of kindness are actions carried out for a stranger or acquaintance without expecting anything in return.

       ·Examples include paying for someone's coffee, leaving notes, or helping with tasks such as shoveling snow for a neighbor. These actions are intended to promote positive interactions and contribute to a sense of community.

 

 Pay It Forward is a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, released in 1999. It was adapted into the motion picture Pay It Forward which released theatrically and to DVD in 2000–2001. The novel and film brought the acts of generosity to the forefront again. It was very inspiring. People talked about it. People did acts of kindness.

In recent years, however, it seems the emphasis on such spontaneous kindness has faded from public view. With busy lives and digital distractions, we may overlook simple opportunities to brighten someone’s day. Yet even the smallest gesture can make a lasting impact, reminding us of our shared humanity and the good that exists in the world.

 

Sir Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

I, for one, am inspired to make a concerted effort again. Let’s bring it back!

Can you share kind acts that you have seen or done? Share, please!