Random Act of Kindness Day originated in Denver, Colorado in 1995 by a non-profit organization called The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.  February 17 was marked as the annual day of celebration subsequent to its year of origin.

The aim of the day is to spread kindness in the hopes of brightening someone’s day – even the smallest act can have the biggest impact.  Although the official day itself is young, altruism has existed since the dawn of time. Historic figures in the past century including Princess Diana, Mother Theresa, and the Dalai Lama have uplifted others through kindness, compliments, and compassion.

What Can Kindness do for You?

The Mental Health Foundation explains that helping others has been proven to boost your own mental health and wellbeing. Acts of kindness have the ability to reduce stress and improve a person’s overall health – when you do good, you feel good. Random acts of kindness also have the power to brighten someone’s day, including your own.  Furthermore, kindness is a domino effect. When you do a random act of kindness, it inspires others around you to do the same.  Chances are if you see or hear someone performing a good deed, you will be inspired to follow suit.

Covid-19 and Kindness

As unpredictable as March 2020 was, it also brought large waves of kindness from all corners of the world. From helping the elderly and cheering on hospital workers to singing songs on balconies together, these acts of kindness created connections and a sense of community. These acts of kindness were particularly crucial during quarantine, a time where social isolation takes a toll on an individual’s mental health.

How to Get Involved

Two years down the road and the kindness continue. There are plenty of ways to get involved, both on Thursday, February 17, 2022, and in everyday life.

The first annual coloring contest began on February 1 and will come to an end on Random Acts of Kindness Day 2022 where five random entries will be selected to receive a prize. Learn more about the contest and get the free Random Act of Kindness coloring sheet here: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/.

Other ways to get involved include:

• Leave a positive review for your favorite bar or restaurant– you never know how far you can help an establishment by leaving a kind review.
• Check on an elderly or vulnerable neighbor by leaving a kind note in their mailbox.
• Surprise your family, roommate or friend with a coffee or breakfast – who knows? Maybe they will return the kindness!
• Tell someone how much they mean to you.
• Write a letter or call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Send someone a joke or motivational message if you know they are struggling.
• Be sure to set aside some time to spend with your pets
• Donate to your local food bank or a charity that resonates with you.
• If possible, donate blood to your local hospital.

 Kid-friendly suggestions include:

• Ask a neighboring child out to play.
• Compliment someone.
• Make a new friend.
• Let the person behind you in line go ahead of you.
• Sit with someone alone at lunchtime.
• Offer to take out the trash for an elderly or vulnerable neighbor.

With Random Acts of Kindness, there is no limit to how many lives you can touch!