Random Acts of Kindness

Is it just me or do you ever see or hear about someone doing a random act of kindness for someone else and wish that you had thought to do something like that? You watch someone do something kind for someone and it actually makes you want to be kind as well?

Since this week is Random Acts of Kindness Week, I thought that it would be appropriate to discuss how you can take part not only this week, but every day. So many times, we hear about these grand and significant random acts of kindness. I don't know about you, but these intimidate me a little bit. 

Sometimes I witness or hear about some great thing that someone did for another person, and I think, "Woah, that was really nice. I would never even think to do something like that!" or "Wow, I wish I could make an impact like that on someone's day." But you know what, I can. And so can you!

Many times, even the smallest act done in pure kindness for someone else can make the biggest impact on their life. You do not have to do some extravagant thing in order to bless someone. I know in my life, some of the things that have meant the most to me have been the smallest of deeds. 

Speaking of deeds, I think that many people think they need to do something kind for another person in order for it to qualify as a "random act of kindness." I think that these random acts do not always have to be acts. You can make someone's day simply by giving them an unexpected compliment or word of encouragement. I can't even tell you how many times I've witnessed the cashier behind the counter's face light up as I told her that I loved her nails, or her lipstick, or the way her hair looked. 

I think my greatest advice to you as you embark on this journey to do as many random acts of kindness as you can would be to actively seek out opportunities to bless someone. Sure, a moment or two may spontaneously fall right into your lap, providing you the perfect moment to perform a random act of kindness. But most times, you need to be on the lookout for ways that you can impact someone's day for the better. 

Anticipate that someone who is walking to the door with their hands full might appreciate you going over to hold the door open for them. Keep your eyes peeled for moments when you see someone that is completely overwhelmed, and instead of asking what you can do to help, just do something nice for them of your own free will. Take the time to write a note or a letter to a friend or loved one, just because you know it will make them happy.

Starting right now, I challenge you to seek out opportunities to bless someone with a random act of kindness. And don't stop after this week. Continue the movement, and you just might find that you are overwhelmingly blessed in return.

What random acts of kindness have you done?

5 Things Puzzles Have Taught Me About Life

Is it just me or are puzzles some of the greatest inventions ever? I am a total puzzle fanatic, and would be perfectly content to just sit in the house all day working on a puzzle. In doing all of these puzzles over the years, I have actually begun to learn little life lessons that I think are worth sharing.

So what have puzzles taught me about life? Bear with me here as I try to make the connection between these things you do in your spare time to your every day life.

1. Patience, Patience, Patience.  Sometimes puzzles, like life, can be really hard, but if you give up, you will never finish! No matter how hard it gets, keep at it. I promise that you will get there eventually.

2. Get a New Perspective. There have been many times when I am working on a puzzle from one angle, getting nowhere, but then I simply move over to the other side of the table and BAM! I am getting pieces left and right. Life can be tricky, and sometimes you feel like you are stuck in a rut. Next time you find yourself in that situation, grab yourself a new perspective and see what happens.

3. Stay Focused On Your Goal. Puzzles typically come with a picture on the box of what the final product will look like. Unfortunately, life does not come with such a “picture” of the end result. However, think about what you want out of certain situations in life, and strive to get there every day. Focus on your final goal and don’t stop until you reach it.

4. Every Little Bit Counts. When you are doing a puzzle, every single piece is important. While it may not seem like it at the time, each small little piece that you add is getting you closer to completing the puzzle. The same goes for life. Sometimes it seems like your baby steps are getting you nowhere, but trust me, those baby steps add up, and someday you will realize that you are finally where you want to be.

5. Don’t Give Up. This one is kind of self-explanatory, so I will be brief and to the point. Don’t give up whatsoever. Don’t give up on the puzzle, and don’t give up on whatever you are going through in life. Things will all fall into place (literally and figuratively) as long as you persevere.

Am I the only one who finds life lessons in the strangest things? Do you have any lessons to add to my list?