Sometimes it’s hard to find reasons to be positive when there seems to be an abundance of negativity around us. However, if every person did one random act of kindness each day, maybe there might not seem to be as much negativity.
Wednesday, Feb. 17, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. On this day, random acts of kindness are encouraged. Even though we all should do things that are kind to those around us often, it is heartwarming to know there is an entire day dedicated to doing random kind acts.
The good thing about doing a random act of kindness is that it does not always require a lot of effort or money. Oftentimes, people think they cannot do something good for others because they do not have the money to spend. However, kindness
can be as simple as complimenting a stranger on their outfit or holding the door for the person behind you that has their hands full.
LJ Hardy, a sophomore exercise science major, said, “To me, random acts of kindness have so much power because it’s the randomness that can brighten up a person’s day.”
On the Random Acts of Kindness foundation website, www.randomactsofkindness.org, there are several different ways that one can celebrate the day dedicated to doing good for others. Sending a letter to a friend letting them know they are appreciated, making a random acts of kindness jar and handing out small care packages are suggestions for those who want to acknowledge this positive day.
Doing a random act of kindness is something that not only affects those who are receiving the kind gesture. Usually, the act of being kind also affects the one who did the act because they see the excitement and thankfulness of the person that receives the kindness, or they know they have done something good for another person.
Colby Thorn, a fifth-year exercise science major, said, “I have always been someone who loves to give back and do things for other people and see the joy that it brings them.”
Right now, the world feels uncertain and many are struggling with their mental health because of the inability to see their friends and family while also having to change their daily routines. However, the positivity that can come from random acts of kindness can help make the world seem not as bad as it might feel.
“I love doing random acts of kindness,” senior social work major Catherine Kinder said, “because I love having the opportunity to give someone else a reason to smile.”
Even though Feb. 17 is the day dedicated to doing random acts of kindness, it is important to remember that we can continue to do kind things for others on the other 364 days of the year. Simple ways to be kind can be by buying coffee for the person in line behind you in a drive thru, calling a friend just to chat, or by smiling at the person you pass in the hall. You may not see their actual smile, but the squinty eyes may give it away.
Photo by Kaily Paddie
