Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day, which is all about, obviously, randomly showing good will to a friend, family or community member, or a stranger, and celebrating the action.
A selfless act does not always require a monumental effort. Kind words or simple actions can make someone’s day, especially when life in general can be difficult due to escalating home and groceries prices, which is a concern for many in the community; the continuing effects of an economic downturn, which affects businesspeople, jobseekers, organizations and investors; and ongoing fear of the unknown when it comes to COVID-19, which is still lingering and affecting vulnerable people.
Donations to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank are one way to help, for those who have the means. But visiting and spending time with someone who is isolated, helping a senior with a chore, or being a good listener for a struggling friend can be appreciated just as much, and doesn’t cost anything but time.
A grand selfless gesture will always be welcomed, but kindness in its simplest form will never be taken for granted.
For anyone reading these words after February 17, fret not, Random Acts of Kindness Week, which started on Valentine’s Day, continues until February 23. You still have time to participate.
Kindness can be contagious, starting with one act by one person. Who knows what checking in on a friend, giving someone a voice at a table, or carrying a shopper’s grocery bag to their car will lead to? The possibilities for paying it forward could be staggering, and most important, full of kindness.
If you’re looking for a place to start, hold a door open a little longer, or offer to help out a neighbour with a chore. Use your imagination.
Acts of kindness need not be limited to one day per year, or even a week. Kindness can start with one act on one day and snowball from there, continuing through an entire month, or dare we say, year.
Some people are keen to help for as long as it takes. How about you?
