Random Acts of Thoughtfulness
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Several years ago, I was presented with the nametag in the photo above. I wasn’t the only one — dozens of these tags with different sayings on them were passed out that night. The goal was simply to make people feel good about themselves.
It would not have mattered which sticker I received, I’ve kept it all these years because it still brings a smile to my face and makes me feel like I matter.
The same person who came up with this idea would go to the Dollar Store and pick up random items. He would then present them to people as “prizes” for various things. My favorite was the time he gave a homeless woman a paintbrush and told her it was because she painted the world with beautiful colors.
This woman lived in the bushes outside of one of the local churches. When our group showed up she screamed and yelled at us — we were invading her turf after all. Once she received her paintbrush however, she joined us for dinner and told us wonderful stories about her life. She laughed and enjoyed conversing with others.
All it took to bring her back to humanity was someone telling her she mattered.
These are simple, random acts of kindness that took a bit of imagination, but very little effort. They continue to affect the lives of everyone involved.
We all could use a little love and encouragement these days. How easy would it be for you to come up with a fun way to brighten someone’s day?
1. Be observant — why would someone appreciate what you have to give them?
2. Think about the kindest way to present your humble gift to someone. Do keep it simple, the object is not to spend money on something someone doesn’t need.
3. Keep it fun! Fun is a bridge that ties us all together and makes it easier for others to accept a bit of love from others.
4. Which brings us back to being observant. What personal touch can you give to your thoughtfulness?
5. Don’t forget to smile!
Making the world a better place doesn’t need to be about big things that you are incapable of doing for various reasons. It’s a collection of small acts that can change the world.
Don’t forget your paintbrush.
