26 Acts of Kindness Part 1

It's amazing how such an unspeakable act like the horrific tragedy that occurred at Sandy Brook Elementary School can somehow bind people into this powerful force that just might make a difference.  Even if it's just for a little while.  I'm sure most of you have seen the posts that have been going around about 26 Acts of Kindness.  I read about this and it took me about 20 seconds to decide to jump on that bandwagon.  I haven't decided how or what my 26 acts are going to entail but I do have the first few in mind.  My first will be today.  It's not an original idea by any means but when I saw what others were doing, I thought this act in particular was a simple way to get started by hopefully bringing a smile to someone's face.  I've decided to blog about my thoughts throughout my journey not only to possibly spread a little enthusiasm for others but also to keep myself accountable and to keep myself from stopping before I reach my 26th Act Of Kindness.

Act of Kindness#1 - A holiday card with a note and a $5 scratch ticket for a complete stranger.

The gesture is simple but carrying out such a simple idea is so complicated!!  Maybe I just overthink it but how/when/where/who is a lot to consider. 

HOW do you approach someone these days without them thinking you might be a lunatic with an exploding envelope?  I hate to admit it, but sometimes I do think the worst in people so what approach would it take for me to gladly accept an envelope from a complete stranger without turning right around to throw it away without opening it?  A smile for sure.  No problem.  The words I use will have to be upbeat, kind and sincere.

WHERE should one try to execute such an act?  A place where you think you might find someone who could use a little cheer?  But everyone needs a little extra cheer.  I don't want to be discriminatory in any way so maybe the only solution to WHERE is to carry around this envelope for the day and hand it out WHEN I feel the time is right.

WHO. The hardest part without being partial in some way.  Do you look for a certain type of person?  How on earth do you make that random?  Maybe all it takes is a game like... whoever is the next person to walk through the door gets the card.  That's random enough for me I guess but it's almost, how shall I say... risky.  It's a scratch ticket.  Should the thought be that it should go to someone who needs the money, or, I'm embarassed to write, someone who LOOKS LIKE they need the money if it's a winner?  Yes, most people deserve an act of kindness but in this case, with this act, I'd prefer to act on someone who looks like they need a little cheering up.

More to follow with the results from this act and details on my #2 Act Of Kindness.

Peace.