Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Practice Random Acts of Kindness . . . Do You?

It's funny how ideas pop into my brain at strange times
[for a blog subject] like when I was playing with Derby yesterday.
Let me explain ... it all started while I was standing
in the cutting line at JoAnn's ...
 I had a cart full of fleece [which was reduced to $4/yard]
that needed to be cut.  Behind me was a lady 
[named Bonnie] & her little girl [named Olivia]. 
 Bonnie started a simple conversation saying 
she purchased some of the  blue and white fleece
 for a project ... and we began to chat ...
Bonnie asked what project I was working on ...
So began my tale of making bandannas for rescued paws,
how I started making American Girl doll clothes,
and ...
  now I'm now making dog coats for a 
rescue group in Omaha, NE [who just
rescued a Yorkie weighing only 4 pounds and
who is very sick ... this smaller than small coat 
I'm hoping will fit her].
 Anyway ... back to the story ...
Bonnie said to Olivia ... did you just hear what
this lady said she makes ... American Girl clothes!
Olivia [as cute as she could be] covered her mouth,
her eyes grew big, and  you could hear a 
'really' from behind her hands.
 So I decided right then and there I would practice a
random act of kindness.
 I made a promise to Olivia.
 I would send her an outfit for her
American Girl doll ... which is also name Olivia.
In Olivia's box will be this ...  
This coat, hat, scarf & hand muff,
the princess dress [which I love so much]
and the long pink dress with purple hears and
 a Valentine's Day pair of slacks, top and headband.
I think Olivia will be very pleased.
 This is a matching scarf for Olivia [the little girl].
I think she's going to love this!
. . .

DO YOU PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS?
. . .
Random acts of kindness are a means by which we make
 a deliberate attempt to brighten another person's 
day by doing something thoughtful, nice, and caring for them.
Kindness is a way of showing others that they count and 
that even in the face of hostility and selfishness,
you're making a stand for kindness.

Originally associated with Anne Herbert, 
who is said to have once written 
"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" 
on a place mat in a restaurant, this concept has become 
an organized celebration through various events
 around the world, as well as referring to a general
 call to action in the name of kindness.

Be KIND
Kindness as an attitude is infectious. 
When you're willing to share your kindness, others will be inspired
 by your example and think about doing 
something as kind themselves.

Be THOUGHTFUL
Random acts of kindness can be shown through
 thoughtfulness about the needs of others. 
How many times do you wish someone could have 
been more thoughtful before they did or said something?

USE YOUR MANNERS AS A FORM OF KINDNESS
Manners aren't dead, they've just been forgotten in many ways.
 Yet, manners are the bedrock of courteous and kind relations
 and their use is an indication of respect for others. 
Hold doors open for others, hold an umbrella over someone
 in the rain, and be on time for everyone you've promised to meet. 

GIVE OUT COMPLIMENTS GENEROUSLY 
There's usually an awkward silence when you're stuck in an
 elevator or waiting in a queue with a stranger. 
Instead of staring at the floor, find something you like
 about the other person and compliment him/her on it. 
Not only will it make him/her feel good, it just might
 kick off a conversation with a new friend.

CHEER UP THE LONELY
Lonely people are everywhere, in all walks of life, of all ages. 
Helping lonely people to feel wanted is a hugely
 rewarding random act of kindness. 

VOLUNTEER
Offer helping hands. 
Do you ever see homeless people and feel overwhelmed
 by your inability to make a difference? 
Even if you can't save them all, you can do a lot with one small act. 
Buy a pair of gloves or dig up an old blanket, and give them
 to someone who's living in the cold streets
 or to any organization that serves the homeless.




SHARE A LITTLE WEALTH AROUND
Why not surprise someone completely by paying 
for something they were expecting to pay for? 

SHARE A SMILE
When meeting a new person, or even chatting
 with an old one, express joy. 
Show that you're happy to be with them, 
and that they make you happy. 


EXPECT NOTHING
The greatest act of kindness is the one that is freely
 given because you care about another person
and want them to be happy and you don't expect anything in return.


The thing about kindness is that it has its own
 rewards and will improve your sense of 
well-being and happiness; 
what more could you possibly want?
. . .
TODAY MY ACT OF KINDNESS WILL BE
. . .
PREPARING A BEAUTIFUL BOX  OF DOLL CLOTHING
WHICH I'LL WRAP IN PINK TISSUE PAPER
AND MAIL TO OLIVIA WHO WITHOUT
KNOWING IT IS THE REASON
BEHIND TODAY'S POST OF
REMEMBERING TO 
PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS.
. . .
YESTERDAY'S ACT OF KINDNESS WAS
. . .
MAKING & MAILING 2 FLEECE COATS TO
THE RESCUE GROUP IN OMAHA
FOR THE SICK LITTLE YORKIE.
. . .
WHAT
WILL
YOUR
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
BE
TODAY?




9 comments:

  1. What a wonderful story and gift for a little girl! You are setting a great example for her, and I bet this is a gift she will never forget.

    I know I appreciate your generosity for our rescue dogs! Alize will look darling in her new coats, and they will help keep her warm during her recovery. Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That will be a wonderful and cherished gift for Olivia! We try to practice kindness every day, although some days it is a little harder than others! :D

    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is a really wonderful random act of kindness. It is interesting to think about how this one act will change her life, in who knows what grand scale. I would like to think it is something she will remember forever!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful story and a great reminder for all of us. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very touching..This should be part of our daily lives as it brings so much joy to all!

    ReplyDelete
  6. aw how sweet. Olivia will be thrilled when she gets that.
    We try to do random acts of kindness whenever we can

    ReplyDelete
  7. If only there were more people in the world like you, it would be a much better place to live.

    :o)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi thanks for visiting me.I adore your doggies.Arent they just so fun, and stubborn lol.Im a new follower to your lovely place,cant wait to follow with the little westie journey.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Come and join me on linky.Its going to be the new friend connect.

    ReplyDelete