One thing I know for sure is that kind words and kind deeds spread joy. A couple of weeks ago I was at the gym running on the treadmill. My goal was to run 7 miles. When I reached 5 I was done. My mind was creating many reasons of why 5 miles was good enough. Just as I was about to slow down a stranger came over and said how impressed he was that I was still running. He said I was an inspiration. I was shocked. All it took were a few words of encouragement to change my attitude. His kindness was my inspiration. His words cleared away all the negative thoughts I was having about being too tired to go on, and I easily ran the extra two miles. Runners are such a supportive group!

The amazing thing was that before I had gone to the gym that day I was wondering whether or not I should continue the Random Acts of Kindness Day I started last year. I had my answer.

May 7th!

So, this Thursday May 7th will be the second annual Random Acts of Kindness Day! Please join me in helping to make someone’s day a little brighter. Last year we had several people on Facebook sharing their stories of random kindness. Hopefully, the tradition will continue. If you’re not sure what you can do here are some suggestions.

1. Drop off baked goods to your local fire station or police station

2. Pay for a coffee, meal for someone at a restaurant or drive through

3. Write a card to someone telling them how much they mean to you

4. Tape a bag of quarters to a vending machine

5. Post a kind Facebook message

6. Give a genuine compliment

7. If your name is Eric Rausin…buy some chocolate for your wife <grin>

The possibilities are endless! I’d love to hear from people who participate. You can find me here or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Thank you for helping me celebrate my 38th 😉 birthday by spreading kindness and bringing joy to others.

“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” Maya Angelou

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” Henry James