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| 02:39 AM | ||
| Users Online Now: 1,111 (Who's On?) | Visitors Today: 153,535 | |
| Pageviews Today: 258,072 | Threads Today: 86 | Posts Today: 1,243 |
| 02:39 AM | ||
Random acts of kindness.....looking for others | |
| Sammie
Offer Upgrade  User ID: 930440  United States11/17/2012 06:37 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Instead of the old tired news year resolution, I have decided to act in the now by committing to at least one act of kindness a day. Hopefully this is a practice that I will continue at the start of the new year as well but for now my objective is near term hence the once a day until the end of this year. I would be thrilled if I can have others join me in this and update us on this thread of the daily random acts. I started this when I filled all the empty parking meters on my way into the county treasury office on Friday. It's a simple gesture and I wasn't actually even thinking of random acts of kindness when I did it. I just hate parking tickets and I had plenty of change. This is something I have done many times and isn't out of character for me but I've never gone out of my way to really ensure that I do at least one thing everyday that is completely altruistic and without want or need for anything in return, including recognition. I truly believe that if more people made an effort to do something for their fellow human beings, no matter how small in scale, on a daily basis.....the world would begin to shift in a more positive direction. I believe kindness is contagious . I encourage anyone who is inclined to join me and share their random acts until the end of the year. Be the change :)  "Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow". ~Aesop "Once in a dream I saw a snake swallowing its own tail, it swallowed and swallowed until it got halfway round, and there it stopped and there it stayed, it was stuffed with its own self. Some fix, that. We only have ourselves to go on, and it’s enough…" -Charles Bukowski "Grasping at things can only yield one of two results: Either the thing you are grasping at disappears, or you yourself disappear. It is only a matter of which occurs first." -Goenka |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 06:42 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I've been doing this for the last couple of years. I believe that everything good that you do comes back 2x and everything bad comes back 10x. I tell people this and they look at me funny until they get what I'm saying. It's worked very well for me and the rewards of helping others is awesome. |
| WeAreOne
User ID: 25891545  United Kingdom11/17/2012 06:47 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Lots of things you can do for free as well... I treat EVERYONE as my equal regardless of profession. I smile at every who serves me and always say thank you. If I see a shop keeper getting a hard time I say "Some of us appreciate what you do" and give them a big smile. I play a game in my car every time I go out. I see how many people I can make smile, wave a hand in thanks or flash their hazards as a thanks. I let pedestrians cross, cars pull out etc. When I'm with my kids we see who can make the most people smile in the day. The kids always have the advantage with them being much younger and cuter :) For me, I never give money to charities because I never know if my money goes to the good cause or the CEO's wage. I do however always give money to the homeless. I never create or get involved in conflict. I always look for the peaceful resolution. I am already the change I want to world to be and I enjoy my life immensely. Be the change you want the World to be. Be |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 06:50 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Lots of things you can do for free as well... Quoting: WeAreOne I treat EVERYONE as my equal regardless of profession. I smile at every who serves me and always say thank you. If I see a shop keeper getting a hard time I say "Some of us appreciate what you do" and give them a big smile. I play a game in my car every time I go out. I see how many people I can make smile, wave a hand in thanks or flash their hazards as a thanks. I let pedestrians cross, cars pull out etc. When I'm with my kids we see who can make the most people smile in the day. The kids always have the advantage with them being much younger and cuter :) For me, I never give money to charities because I never know if my money goes to the good cause or the CEO's wage. I do however always give money to the homeless. I never create or get involved in conflict. I always look for the peaceful resolution. I am already the change I want to world to be and I enjoy my life immensely. ^^^THIS^^^ |
| Sammie
(OP) User ID: 930440 United States11/17/2012 07:00 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Yes I agree, I do random acts of kindness daily in my everyday life. I think it's just in my nature to do so. I always say thank you and offer to help others, including strangers. I do it without thinking about it, it's just being me. I also agree that there are tons of things that can be done that require no money at all. In fact, I would say the best things can not be bought at all. It just so happened that after I put the money in the meters (which was not initially a conscious act of random kindness but just something I would normally do on a whim), that I decided to make a clear and conscious effort to do something everyday above and beyond my normal routine. In other words a commitment to do something above and beyond everyday until the end of the year and to do it with intention. I was hoping to get some others to join me in hopes of speeding that intent further than my immediate radius. And I thought it would be fun to share the different ideas that people come up with along the way. "Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow". ~Aesop "Once in a dream I saw a snake swallowing its own tail, it swallowed and swallowed until it got halfway round, and there it stopped and there it stayed, it was stuffed with its own self. Some fix, that. We only have ourselves to go on, and it’s enough…" -Charles Bukowski "Grasping at things can only yield one of two results: Either the thing you are grasping at disappears, or you yourself disappear. It is only a matter of which occurs first." -Goenka |
| DaddysGirl
User ID: 25203105 United States11/17/2012 07:05 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 07:08 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | This is great. Quoting: Sammie Yes I agree, I do random acts of kindness daily in my everyday life. I think it's just in my nature to do so. I always say thank you and offer to help others, including strangers. I do it without thinking about it, it's just being me. I also agree that there are tons of things that can be done that require no money at all. In fact, I would say the best things can not be bought at all. It just so happened that after I put the money in the meters (which was not initially a conscious act of random kindness but just something I would normally do on a whim), that I decided to make a clear and conscious effort to do something everyday above and beyond my normal routine. In other words a commitment to do something above and beyond everyday until the end of the year and to do it with intention. I was hoping to get some others to join me in hopes of speeding that intent further than my immediate radius. And I thought it would be fun to share the different ideas that people come up with along the way. See bold above. I don't know why but it's also in my nature. I'm fortunate that I make a lot of money and I give back to local food pantries, homeless,... The funny thing is that it's the things that do not involve money such as helping neighbors with stuff that I'm good like electrical, plumbing, fixing things... that gives me the greatest satisfaction. It's really weird and I've been trying to figure it out for what seems like forever. At this point, I don't question or analyze anymore. I just do what feels right. |
| Oldmotherhubbard
User ID: 3926723 United States11/17/2012 07:15 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. Last Edited by Oldmotherhubbard on 11/17/2012 07:16 PM Oldmotherhubbardglp (at) live.com ~mistakes are proof that you are trying~ ~be kind to unkind people, for they are the ones that need it the most~ |
| Sammie
(OP) User ID: 930440 United States11/17/2012 07:15 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Exactly. I have to laugh at myself because I do the silliest things and often if I am with a friend or family member they look puzzled by some of my actions. For instance, I routinely roll my neighbors trash bin to or from the curb if I happen to come or go before they do. I don't even know my neighbor. Lol. It's just a small thing and they probably have no idea who is rolling the trash bin off of the road after it's been picked up. It's just random. I just do things like that without really thinking too much about it. Which I guess is my point ...... There is no real intention behind most of the things I do, it's just who I am. I would like to make the commitment to do something a little extra and with intention. I would like to spread that intention if at all possible in order for the intent to be of greater impact. Is anyone willing to join me in this intention? "Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow". ~Aesop "Once in a dream I saw a snake swallowing its own tail, it swallowed and swallowed until it got halfway round, and there it stopped and there it stayed, it was stuffed with its own self. Some fix, that. We only have ourselves to go on, and it’s enough…" -Charles Bukowski "Grasping at things can only yield one of two results: Either the thing you are grasping at disappears, or you yourself disappear. It is only a matter of which occurs first." -Goenka |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 07:19 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. Quoting: Oldmotherhubbard We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. That's AWESOME. Kudos to you and your kids will learn from you. We have twin 9 year old girls that we take with us when we are bringing food to the food pantries or giving away old toys (tough at first)... At first they said why are we giving away our food and toys. Now they tell their friends about it and they are very proud. |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 07:22 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | "just do what feels right" Quoting: Sammie Exactly. I have to laugh at myself because I do the silliest things and often if I am with a friend or family member they look puzzled by some of my actions. For instance, I routinely roll my neighbors trash bin to or from the curb if I happen to come or go before they do. I don't even know my neighbor. Lol. It's just a small thing and they probably have no idea who is rolling the trash bin off of the road after it's been picked up. It's just random. I just do things like that without really thinking too much about it. Which I guess is my point ...... There is no real intention behind most of the things I do, it's just who I am. I would like to make the commitment to do something a little extra and with intention. I would like to spread that intention if at all possible in order for the intent to be of greater impact. Is anyone willing to join me in this intention? The power of intention is contagious. Keep doing what you're doing because it will come back to you in a good way. I suspect that you already know this though. |
| Sammie
(OP) User ID: 930440 United States11/17/2012 07:23 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. Quoting: Oldmotherhubbard We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. Those are all great things and having your children involved is perfect. I think it will impact them in a very positive way.....more so than you may even imagine. I also like the idea of it being something done without being known that you did it. I don't think its a requirement for it to be a secret act or involve money but I think it would be great if it was an act with intention....something extra that is consciously done and a little outside of the ordinary . I envisioned others joining in on the commitment and sharing their stories and ideas on the daily activities. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and share for the rest of the year. Regardless I plan to do something with intent everyday until at least the end of the year but it would be a lot of fun to have others to share the experience with "Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow". ~Aesop "Once in a dream I saw a snake swallowing its own tail, it swallowed and swallowed until it got halfway round, and there it stopped and there it stayed, it was stuffed with its own self. Some fix, that. We only have ourselves to go on, and it’s enough…" -Charles Bukowski "Grasping at things can only yield one of two results: Either the thing you are grasping at disappears, or you yourself disappear. It is only a matter of which occurs first." -Goenka |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 07:25 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. Quoting: Oldmotherhubbard We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. Those are all great things and having your children involved is perfect. I think it will impact them in a very positive way.....more so than you may even imagine. I also like the idea of it being something done without being known that you did it. I don't think its a requirement for it to be a secret act or involve money but I think it would be great if it was an act with intention....something extra that is consciously done and a little outside of the ordinary . I envisioned others joining in on the commitment and sharing their stories and ideas on the daily activities. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and share for the rest of the year. Regardless I plan to do something with intent everyday until at least the end of the year but it would be a lot of fun to have others to share the experience with I'm with you although I always have been.  |
| Oldmotherhubbard
User ID: 3926723 United States11/17/2012 07:25 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. Quoting: Oldmotherhubbard We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. That's AWESOME. Kudos to you and your kids will learn from you. We have twin 9 year old girls that we take with us when we are bringing food to the food pantries or giving away old toys (tough at first)... At first they said why are we giving away our food and toys. Now they tell their friends about it and they are very proud. They already are learning, my oldest almost 12 has a heart of gold. I used to take care of a little old homeless crippled man down the street. The first time my son saw me do this we came home and he was so upset. (it was Easter) he came out of his room with his coat and his shiny golden egg with a crisp $10 bill and requested I took him back up there. It makes me feel very proud that my children act the way they do. I hope they continue to live selflessly. Oldmotherhubbardglp (at) live.com ~mistakes are proof that you are trying~ ~be kind to unkind people, for they are the ones that need it the most~ |
| Sammie
(OP) User ID: 930440 United States11/17/2012 07:30 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. Quoting: Oldmotherhubbard We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. Those are all great things and having your children involved is perfect. I think it will impact them in a very positive way.....more so than you may even imagine. I also like the idea of it being something done without being known that you did it. I don't think its a requirement for it to be a secret act or involve money but I think it would be great if it was an act with intention....something extra that is consciously done and a little outside of the ordinary . I envisioned others joining in on the commitment and sharing their stories and ideas on the daily activities. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and share for the rest of the year. Regardless I plan to do something with intent everyday until at least the end of the year but it would be a lot of fun to have others to share the experience with I'm with you although I always have been. Yay!! Thank you! I look forward to hearing your tales :) It's getting late here and I have yet to go out today....... I may need to make my random act for the dogs and the husband for today :) I'm sure they won't mind......I,ll let you know what I come up with Last Edited by Sammie on 11/17/2012 07:32 PM "Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow". ~Aesop "Once in a dream I saw a snake swallowing its own tail, it swallowed and swallowed until it got halfway round, and there it stopped and there it stayed, it was stuffed with its own self. Some fix, that. We only have ourselves to go on, and it’s enough…" -Charles Bukowski "Grasping at things can only yield one of two results: Either the thing you are grasping at disappears, or you yourself disappear. It is only a matter of which occurs first." -Goenka |
| Oldmotherhubbard
User ID: 3926723 United States11/17/2012 07:36 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. Quoting: Oldmotherhubbard We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. Those are all great things and having your children involved is perfect. I think it will impact them in a very positive way.....more so than you may even imagine. I also like the idea of it being something done without being known that you did it. I don't think its a requirement for it to be a secret act or involve money but I think it would be great if it was an act with intention....something extra that is consciously done and a little outside of the ordinary . I envisioned others joining in on the commitment and sharing their stories and ideas on the daily activities. I thought it would be a fun thing to do and share for the rest of the year. Regardless I plan to do something with intent everyday until at least the end of the year but it would be a lot of fun to have others to share the experience with I like being anonymous there is just something about it I can't explain. And you're right, it doesn't have to involve money at all! A simple smile, letting a person go ahead of you, stopping to let a car out, picking up something someone dropped...it ALL makes a difference! Oldmotherhubbardglp (at) live.com ~mistakes are proof that you are trying~ ~be kind to unkind people, for they are the ones that need it the most~ |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 7416518 United States11/17/2012 07:43 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 07:54 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I always help shoppers in the stores, moms with kids, the elderly or even just random people that just look lost trying to find what they are looking for on the shelf. It's kinda funny too, people just come up to me asking where stuff is, my kids laugh when I say do I look like I work here?? Am always glad to help in whatever way I can :) Quoting: Anonymous Coward 7416518 People recognize kindness in others. Keep doing what you're doing. Every little bit makes a difference. You would be surprised at how an act of kindness can change someone's perception. |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 26369344 United States11/17/2012 07:57 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | To all of those that have replied to this thread. What we are all talking about is kindness which leads to karma. Karma is real and can "rub off" on others. Keep doing what feels good while reaping the benefits of karma. Sorry for being so heavy but I call it like I see it. |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 12956315 United States11/17/2012 09:06 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
| PENG
User ID: 1159762 United States11/17/2012 09:18 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I started a little secret project with my kids this month. Quoting: Oldmotherhubbard We've left $5 gift cards to subway on windsheilds $1 lottery tickets and a mini bag of skittles in random places Quarters in gum ball machines Quarters on the vacuum (for your car) $1 randomly placed in toy aisles at dollar stores Movie night bags ($2, 2 mini bags of popcorn and 1 theater sized candy box) on red boxes Paid for the person behind us in drive thrus Pie pumpkins with my pumpkin pie recipe written on them with sharpies on neighbors door steps Random bags of goodies on neighbors door steps We get so much more enjoyment out of giving (and keeping it a secret) than getting, to know we made someone smile, feels so good. I hope they all pay it forward. LOVE this! I always make a point to give money to people who have been holding signs out lately looking for work to support their family. Then explain to my kids how difficult it must be to stand there and ask for money. Kids model what we do. I am totally going to start doing the things you mentioned above. What a great idea! I am always telling them to pay it forward.  "May the road rise up to meet you.... May the wind be always at your back..." |
| Anonymous Coward User ID: 27522774  Spain11/17/2012 09:22 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
