Random Acts of Kindness Day

When:
🗓️ February 17, November 4, September 1

Since:
🥂 1995

Created by: Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Kindness: It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and it’s calorie-free! 🤝🧚💖🦸🤗

Random Acts Of Kindness Day: Be The Reason Someone Smiles Today.

A random act of kindness (RAK) is a selfless act of kindness performed for a stranger, without expecting anything in return. It can be something as simple as holding the door open for someone, letting someone go ahead of you in line, or giving a compliment. The beauty of these acts lies in their spontaneity. They remind us that the world is still brimming with little sparks of goodness.
Random acts of kindness are like sprinkles on a sundae: they make everything better.When we do something kind for someone, it makes them feel good, which inspires them to do something kind for someone else.
This creates a chain reaction of kindness that can make the world a little bit more of a better place.

A Random Phrase of Kindness

In 1982, Anne Herbert wrote the phrase “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty” on a placemat in a Sausalito, California restaurant. This phrase was formulated this way as a counter to the depressing “random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty” which was often used to describe the rise in violent crimes in the years before.
Anne’s more positive phrase went viral on many bumper stickers and inspired people all over the world to start performing random acts of kindness.

The Origin of Random Acts of Kindness Day

In 1995, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was founded in Denver, Colorado. The foundation’s mission is to promote kindness and compassion in the world.
Random Acts of Kindness Day was declared in the same year by its founder Will Glennon and was first celebrated on February 17.
Over time, multiple Random Acts of Kindness Days have sprouted worldwide, each on a different date. In New Zealand, it’s celebrated on September 1, and in Stratford Perth, Canada, on November 4.
Over the years, it’s taken on a life of its own, spreading its warmth around the globe.

Random Acts of Kindness: A Double-Edged Sword?

There are usually two sides on any coin:

The benefits of random acts of kindness are like a nice warm beverage on a cold day.
They include:

One small act of kindness can create a ripple of positivity, brightening not just one life but many.Turning the world into a better place, one small act at a time.
Acts of kindness strengthen the bonds of communities, making the world feel smaller and friendlier.
Kindness triggers the release of “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin, leaving you with a smile that could light up a room..
Research suggests that kindness can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.
They can inspire others to do the same.

As for drawbacks, well, they’re about as scarce as a unicorn sighting.
But if we have to nitpick:

It might be a tad challenging to come up with creative, unexpected acts every day.
Overextending yourself in the quest to be kind can lead to burnout, affecting your well-being.
Some might feel uncomfortable receiving kindness from strangers (we call them the “kindness shy”).
Some people may be suspicious of random acts of kindness and wonder if there is an ulterior motive.
If we perform random acts of kindness with the expectation of getting something in return, then it’s an act of manipulation, not kindness.
Some people want to take advantage of kind people. Be kind to yourself, set priorities and healthy boundaries.
There’s a risk of inspiring more kindness, which could lead to the world becoming an overwhelmingly nice place (a risk worth taking though).

Spreading Sunshine, One Deed at a Time

Ready to join the kindness revolution?
Here’s how you can sprinkle kindness everywhere:

Help a Stranger:
Offer a hand to someone in need. This could be something as simple as holding the door open for someone, letting someone go ahead of you in line, giving a compliment or changing a flat tire.
Surprise Compliments:
Compliment a colleague, friend, or even a stranger. Brighten their day with words. Or send an encouraging text to a friend or family member, reminding them of your love and support.
Unexpected Treats:
Surprise someone with a small gift or treat, whether it’s a coffee, a flower, or a piece of chocolate.
Compliment Flash Mob:
Gather friends and shower strangers with heartfelt compliments.
Hug-A-Thon:
Offer free hugs to strangers (with their consent, of course).
Dance Party:
Start a spontaneous dance party in a public space, inviting everyone to join.
Chalk Art:
Create positive and inspiring chalk art on sidewalks for passersby to enjoy.
Be Active:
Volunteer your time to a local charity or nonprofit organization.
Claim Ad Space:
Rent a billboard or ad space and instead of yet another boring advertisement put up a message like “Have a wonderful day!” or a picture of cute animals having fun.
Social Media Share:
Share Random Acts of Kindness Day stories and photos on social media using the hashtags #RandomActsofKindnessDay and #RAKDay.

So, are you ready to paint the town with kindness?

Sprinkle kindness like confetti!

Every day should be Random Acts of Kindness Day, but today, we make it official!
Now, go out there and make the world a better place, one kind act at a time. Open the door of kindness. It leads to a better world.
And in case anyone questions your enthusiastic Random Acts of Kindness Day celebrations, just tell them the Wild Calendar gave you permission to spread happiness like it’s the secret spice of life (which it is). After all, who can argue with a calendar that’s wild enough to make every day an adventure?
Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day!