Random Acts of Gratitude

Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer

Have you recently experienced the kindness of strangers? There’s something especially meaningful about it, because there is ‘no reason’ for it. They’re not friends or family and certainly have no obligation to help you. It’s an act of giving that is it’s own reward.

How about those times when friends and family, or colleagues and partners, helped you out for no other reason than you needed the support? No hidden agenda or ulterior motive, just an honest intention to lighten your load.

There’s nothing that elicits a deep stream of gratitude than to be the recipient of kindness for no special reason. It’s an affirming act because it honors the intrinsic value of our human connection. You are worthy of kindness, support and care, just because you are. What a powerful way to mirror what’s true for one another!

If you’re feeling especially grateful for all this abundance you might want to consider paying it forward. Here are some simple and easy ways to get you groovin’ with gratitude:

1. Hold the door open for someone.

2. Let someone go in front of you on a line.

3. Pay the toll for someone behind you.

4. Share your favorite dessert with someone.

5. Leave double your usual tip.

6. Say good morning and make eye contact.

7. Offer your seat on a plane.

8. Give 1 compliment a day.

9. Show appreciation for routine tasks.

10. Make someone laugh.

11. Share your gratitude with someone.

12. Smile at someone.

13. Make an anonymous donation.

14. When you see that someone needs help, offer.

15. When someone gives you too much change, return it.

16. Return lost items.

17. Say something nice about someone to someone else.

18. Bring in your neighbor’s trash can.

19. Donate your old books.

20. Volunteer with your favorite organization.

21. Fill out your organ donor card.

22. Recommend someone.

23. Give a hug.

24. Let someone merge in your lane.

25. Give up your parking spot.

26. Laugh… a lot!

This doesn’t have to be complicated and you don’t have to give a lot. It’s the small and regular giving that creates an avalanche of abundance. Random acts of goodness have the power to unleash gratitude in someone’s life. Go ahead, make someone’s day!