Saturday, November 13, 2010

Kindness & Giveaway


Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without means.

Today is World Kindness Day, did you know that? I didn't until the lovely Se'Lah wrote about it. She and Anyes are graciously organizing a day filled with random acts of kindness by bloggers around the world. All acts of kindness are welcome and it's not too late for you to participate-- Just be especially kind today and reach out to others more than you usually do in celebration.

What act of kindness do I have planned for today? Grocery shopping.

This afternoon is Senior Citizen shopping day at my local supermarket-- The Senior's van from our area pulls up to the front door around 3:15pm and very slowly unloads a few dozen folks using walkers and canes to do their weekly marketing. I usually avoid grocery shopping at this time, but today I'm going to be available to reach top shelves, push carts, help with checkout, carry bags and assist shoppers back onto their van.

Although I usually rush through grocery shopping-- a chore I do not enjoy, I know today will be different and I'll be smiling the entire time.

How about you-- Do you have a random act of kindness up your sleeve for today?
Welcome to www.TheFiftyFactor.com - Joanna Jenkins

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34 comments:

  1. I do. But mostly I keep those random acts a secret between me and the recipient.

    But you've inspired me. I also have to go to the grocery store today. Something I hate, and because of my anxiety, something that's really difficult for me at times.

    So I will smile at other people. And take deep breaths. And smile more.

    While thinking of you.

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  2. I didn't know it was World Kindness Day. I think your idea at the grocery store is perfect. I'm about to go to a wedding so I'll have to see if there is anything I can do there.

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  3. I had no idea that there was a World Kindness Day - maybe the idea will evolve into World Kindness WEEK, then MONTH, and eventually we won't have to designate a day to being kind.

    Anyway, yes, I practice random acts of kindness EVERY DAY. On today's list - bringing homemade truffles for all of us who go on break at the same; finding another compliment for the-woman-everyone-hates-because-of-her-sour-attitude; briefly conversing with the-tall-shy-guy-who-never-speaks-to-anyone-else; and taking a shopping cart in from the rack outside the door.

    Happy World Kindness Day!

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  4. I just brought a bushel of apples to a new immigrant family that we are supporting for a year. This is a wonderful initiative.

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  5. That's a really nice thing to do.

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  6. nice. what a cool way to help out jj...that is awesome!

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  7. you make me a better person every time I visit Joanna.

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  8. The simplest things make a difference in a elderly person life. I worked in a nursing home for years and any help is appreciated. Just the other day I was part of a fundraiser for the food pantry.

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  9. I didn't know it is World Kindness Day....it was kind of you to share that with us. I love what you are doing for the senior citizens. I hope I was kind to those who crossed my path today, well, except for maybe that guy at the drug store...oops, that wasn't very kind. I will be extra kind for the rest of the day.

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  10. I didn't know about this either! It's already dark here. I haven't left my house today. I've been trying to think of something to do for a friend going through a medical crisis with her husband. I know I want to do something for them in the coming week, but nothing seems 'enough'. Am I the only one who feels like my ideas are lame?

    I know money is going to be a huge issue and I do not have it to spare right now, so that is out.

    Even though I can't hand her a wad of cash, I want to help lighten her load in a significant way. And that's not enough - I want her to feel how much we care about them.

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  11. My kindness today was in the form of not blowing a gasket and remaining polite when a stranger was rude to me!

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  12. I agree - there's something sad about there being a designated World Kindness Day. Can't the world be kind every day?

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  13. What an awesome idea! Since I adore elderly people this is something I would really enjoy doing. I just got done spending the afternoon with an elderly friend of mine that is in the hospital. I did not know it was kindness day but I like you, believe in being kind every day. I choose acts of kindness to be my norm and the most fun part is doing it without telling anyone.

    I hope you had a wonderful day of sharing your kindness. I have a feeling you share it every day. XX

    I sure have missed visiting you here...so thankful for this opportunity to stop by and say hello. XX

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  14. Love the George Sand quote!
    And love your kind and gentle heart!

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  15. I like the idea of helping the elderly shop. We don't have anything like that out here. I would do it though. I like helping the elderly. It reminds me of helping my grandparents.

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  16. I am just enjoying reading about all the kindness being spread throughout the universe today. hope you are having a fantastic world kindness day. one love, my friend. thanks for all you do.

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  17. I try to daily be random and kind together,.. I love the way I feel when I get an chance to help someone out,.. nothing makes me feel that way! :)

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  18. I did not know it was World Kindness Day today. I was called into work to work today but nothing happened there that I can attribute to a random act of kindness. Well, unless you count the fact that I did not cause harm to my boss for calling me in on a Saturday when I had previously scheduled plans a random act of kindess. Nor can I count babysitting my little darling overnight for the first time a random act of kindess. Oh dear, I think I struck out. Actually, although I did not do anything specific today, I do RAK on a regular basis.

    I am so glad I finally had a chance to catch up on your posts. I missed visiting you and reading your wonderful posts.

    Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

    ~ Tracy

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  19. What a fine idea. Well today is just about over but that doesn't mean this lovely concept should end with it. I'll make a point of doing what I can whenever the opportunity arises. Thanks for this.

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  20. I think that is brilliant idea. they will so appreciate you. hugs to you kind one.

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  21. You are so kind, Joanna. I did not know it was world kindness day. How great of you to help out!

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  22. A great way to help out! I've given a Kiva loan and sent a book to someone who really wanted it - but it's a surprise! Gave my husband some time off from the kids...

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  23. That's really nice of you to help out the seniors. We'll be there ourselves sooner than we think!

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  24. That is a wonderful project. I do so wish that in our country we would promote kindness to seniors instead of shunning them. Not because soon that will be me. That has been an observation of mine my entire life and would teach my children to care about older people even if they get cranky. I encouraged my kids to help at senior homes when they were in high school and they learned much about caring about the left behind elders.

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  25. That is such a sweet thing to do. I'm sure the seniors appreciated your kindness very much!

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  26. my kind act is still on the horizon (having not really left the house this lazy weekend), unless cuddling bunnies counts. :-) tho' they probably thought they were being kind to me.

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  27. Joanna, I just got back from my travels but I hurried to visit with you and thank you for stopping by at my place. What a wonderful Day this World day of kindness, isn't it? Kindness bringing people together ... hmmm, I dig that! have a lovely day!!

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  28. I love that you are doing this, JJ. What a kind soul you are.

    My random act of kindness for today will be not throttling my 12 year old. It's the best I can do. :-)

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  29. Joanna, what a kind idea...I am sure it has been very much appreciated. Thank you for participating and having spread the word out :-)

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  30. What a wonderful idea. I had no knowledge of this day at all. Darn! I am going to have to pick my own day and try to do an act of kindness as well!
    Hope you enjoyed your day!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  31. I've never heard of World Kindness Day, but it should be EVERY day! High five and blessings to the creator of this great day!

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  32. That is a very kind thing to do!

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  33. I have a well-documented loathing of shopping on senior day. You are a far better woman than I will ever be.

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  34. I daily look for little random acts of kindness I can do. Heck, I get a bigger blessin' than those I help or give to. It's the ultimate feel good tonic! :o)

    God bless ya and have a great day!!!

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Thanks for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate it.