Practice random acts of kindness

I’ve just read this lovely blog entry, ‘When In Doubt, Speak Up With That Compliment! (It Just Might Make Someone’s Day)’ (http://joyin.wordpress.com/2008/03/04/when-in-doubt-speak-up-with-that-compliment-it-just-might-make-someone%e2%80%99s-day/) , and it’s so true!

The writer speak about how instead of just thinking nice things about strangers and shrugging it off due to embarrassment or fear, be brave and tell them! You might feel silly telling someone they are beautiful/have nice hair/look so happy, but it might just make their day (probably will).

After a glass of wine or two, I often compliment random girls. I’d like to do it to guys, but I don’t want any guy to think I am hitting on him (I am happily taken, thank you). Also, in this world of insane beauty pressure on women, being a feminist and I-feel-ugly girl myself, I want to encourage other girls to feel pretty and good about themselves. I wish I dared doing it without drinking, because I know it means a lot more heard on the street than in pub or bar..it’s just seem more honest, more true. Maybe one day…

Today is International Women’s Day. Use it as a chance to let the women in your life (grandmothers, mums, sisters, girlfriends, friends) know they are great and that you are proud of what they have achieved! Send them a sms, email, or even call, telling them why they are great. Maybe even do something for a female stranger, or a charity. Celebrate the strength of women everywhere!
And if you’re a woman yourself, celebrate your own achievements, goals and dreams too! Do something lovely for yourself for once.

Boyfriend’s elderly neighbour called; wondering if boyfriend could help push his car. However, boyfriend was not in and wouldn’t be back until later – which I told the neighbour. Unfortunately, later would be too late. Well, nothing to do about it. So we kept chatting for a bit, then just when we were about to hang up, it hit me. I could try and push the car!
Ok, boyfriend is big and strong and I am neither. But I was the only help available, so I thought I could at least try.
And I did it! It was nowhere near as difficult/hard as I thought. And the neighbour was so happy – it made it possible for him to go to the shops. Just glad I could help out.

Wear a red shirt tomorrow for Burma!!

The news from Burma today is appalling. Wear a red shirt (top, t-shirt, whatever) tomorrow to show your solidarity with the Burmese monks and other protestors who are simply demanding the freedoms of democracy.
If you are on Facebook then go to the Red Shirt for Burma event page and invite all your friends.

It might not make much of a difference, but if enough people do it it will draw attention to the cause, and let the world’s leaders see that people do notice, and care.

I saw some toys in a shop that I knew these little kids I know would love. But instead of just making a mental note, I bought them and sent them to them. And they loved it :)
Feels great :)

Copy and paste this questionaire and email it you friends. You get to know some really lovely things you had no idea they thought about you and it really brightens your day. And if you’re lucky, they’ll send it back to you so you can brighten their day too :)

What do you know about me – the QUESTIONAIRE WITH A TWIST

YOU fill in the answers about ME, and send it back to me.
But, send an unfilled questionaire to all your friends first, so they can do the same for you.
Be honest – it’s much more fun to get back! Maybe you’ll find out something you didn’t know about yourself. It only takes a couple of minutes – so don’t hesitate!
First – send the questionaire to everyone you know to see how well they know you. Then – fill it in about the person who sent it to you and send it back to him/her.

1. My name:

2. Where did we first meet?

3. How long have you known me?

4. How well do you know me?

5. Do I smoke?

6. Do I believe in God?

7. When you first met me, what was you first impression?

8. My age?

9. My Birthday?

10. Hair colour?

11. Eye colour?

12. Height?

13. Any siblings?

14. List one of my bad traits

15. One thing I like to do?

16. The first thing I ever said to you?

17. What kind of music do I like?

18. What is my best trait?

19. Am I shy or outgoing?

20. Am I funny?

21. Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?

22. Any particular talents?

23. My favourite colour?

24. Your best memory of/with me?

25. Three words that describe me

Here’s a chance for a random act of kindness that will really make a difference to a little ill boy’s happiness.

Shane Bernier in Canada has had severe leukemia since he was 5. For his 7th birthday he wishes to break the world record for the most number of birthday cards ever recieved. So send him one! It takes no time and just the cost of a stamp, but I’m sure it will make all the difference in his world if he manages to break the record.

Shane Bernier
PO Box 484
Lancaster Ontario
K0C 1N0,
CANADA

(for information, check out: http://shanebernier.ca/)

I really want to do this; but I keep being ‘randomely kind’ mainly to my boyfriend…and while I’m sure he appriciates it, it’s just not random enough. I want to make stranger’s days brighter too!

Any ideas?

When at the supermarket today, after I’ve finished my shop, I stayed to help an older lady, putting the heavier stuff back in her trolley for her.
I didn’t think I was doing anything worth noticing, she was very frail, obviously needed help and it only took a second, but she called me an angel! I don’t do kindness for the praise, but it sure feels great to be appriciated :)