Yeah, that’s right. I am contagious. I hope that I give you what I have…I mean, really, I want to spread it to everyone! The more people I can infect, the better! Before you get your panties in a bunch and think I am talking about something gross and incurable, maybe I should clarify.
A few months back I told you all about my hopes and goals for 2013 . They range from increasing my shoe collection to getting healthier and many things in between. Above all, the one thing I wanted to make sure I accomplish is my goal of completing random acts of kindness to others. Yes, it is nice to run a race or make a new recipe, but it is really a wonderful thing to do nice and not expect a single thing in return.
This week was National Random Act of Kindness Week, and I was really excited about it. How had I never heard of this before? I’ll be honest…I actually felt really bad that I hadn’t been nicer in the past, and I was curious if others would follow my lead if I told them about it. Am I the only person that feels like they have dropped the ball with kindness?
Monday I crept into work early…I wanted to start the week off with a kind act and not get busted. I decided to tape an envelope on the vending machine in the student lounge. Inside, I put money for a snack and drink. While I got busted by a co-worker, no students saw me, although I did end up getting to see the lucky person who found it. Inside I had placed a note that said, ” Be kind to others”, and I hope that they paid it forward.
Have a Snack on Me!
Tuesday morning I woke up to an icy car. Mornings like that remind me why I should never buy a car without a remote starter again. I was ahead of schedule that morning, so after I defrosted and scraped my car, I scraped the ice off two of my neighbors’ cars. I’m not sure who they belong to, but I know I would like to wake up to my car not needing cleaned off, so I hoped that helped their morning start off in a positive light. I also stopped by the mall, went into The Limited (my absolute favorite store) and gave a woman at the check out counter a coupon for $50 off any purchase of $150. I think she thought it was weird that I approached her, but she was really happy when she realized I was only being nice and didn’t want anything from her. She couldn’t stop thanking me.
Wednesday I decided to do something nice for my mailman. She is a really nice lady who never complains and always makes sure I get my magazines on time. On top of that, every time I see her, she gives me a compliment that makes me feel great. So I made her a little treat bag, filled it with all kinds of fabulous candies, and left it in my mailbox with a note that said “Thanks for always being so sweet! Have a great day.” She gave me a big hug when I saw her today and told me how it made her day.
Thursday was Valentine’s Day, which is my least favorite holiday. However, I decided this Valentine’s Day I would get on board with the hoopla, wear fancy red rose shoes, and make some Valentine’s treats for my co-workers. Since I love pink and I know they love chocolate, I made pink chocolate chip cookies and brought them in cute heart shaped donuts.
That’s the cutest cookie dough I’ve ever seen!
In addition, I wanted to do something nice for my dear friend, Deanna, who is very active in a wonderful organization called C.A.R.E. (Citizens for Addiction Recovery and Education). C.A.R.E. hosted a “Lady and the Tramp Dinner Dance” tonight to raise funds and awareness. Since I was unable to attend, I decided to make a basket for the raffle. If you know me, you know I love making baskets. I’d make them for every benefit out there if I could! The hardest part of making a basket? Deciding what the theme should be! I decided to make Deanna a “Tea for Two” Basket, and I am so tickled at how it turned out! Deanna, I hope you raised a ton of money! I am so proud of you for your dedication to such an amazing cause!
Its contents: A teapot, two big matching teacups, an assortments of teas, and two different scone mixes (You can’t have tea without scones!)
When I started to spread the word about National Random Act of Kindness Week, I did get a few snickers and “whatevers”, but it shocked me how many of my friends decided to get on board and do nice things for others as well! I wanted to do nice things for others because it makes me feel good to help others, and I love when people are happy. Knowing that my actions are inspiring others to do their own kind acts? Incredible. I can’t even tell you how good that makes me feel inside. Just because the week is officially over does not mean I am going to cease the acts of kindness. Realistically, the things I did were very inexpensive or free, so you don’t have to spend a lot to make someone smile.I have no intent on giving up anything that gives me this good a high ever.
I hope I infected you.
