|
|
Post by missfrenchjessica on Oct 20, 2017 16:18:52 GMT
Hit me with your best ideas!
I turned 46 (😳😍😂) last week and I decided that I wanted to perform 46 random acts of kindness over the next year.
I've thought about paying for someone's food/coffee order etc but I need lots of other ideas.
So...what RAQ would you love to perform or receive?
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 20, 2017 16:35:06 GMT
This woman did 50 RAKs for her 50th birthday and posted about it on her blog HERE. She had a lot of great ideas listed. My favorites were putting together coloring books and markers/crayons from the dollar store and handing them out to random kids at the mall, taping a dollar bill with a note on it to enjoy a free movie to Redbox video rental spots, sticking a $5 bill inside a book at Barnes & Noble. Other similar things I’ve read suggested making homemade cookies or cupcakes and taking them them to the local fire house or police station, leaving small toys or boxes of sidewalk chalk at the park for little kids to find, dropping off new dog and cat toys at the animal shelter to give to people adopting pets, making bookmarks to give to the elementary school librarian to give out to school kids. When you really start thinking about it there are tons of things you can do to brighten someone’s day.  |
|
|
|
Post by malibou on Oct 20, 2017 16:36:06 GMT
What a fabulous idea Birthday Girl.
I used to have to go over a toll bridge and nothing thrilled me like someone paying my toll. I always made a point to do that when I could. Now a days that bridge is automatic, no person taking money anymore.
What about a small bouquet of flowers for someone that helps you on the regular.
How about a small sweet treat you could bestow upon the person you catch being sweet.
|
|
|
|
Post by Susie_Homemaker on Oct 20, 2017 16:54:18 GMT
Visit a nursing home and take some flowers to brighten up someone's (several) day. I'm sure there are many that never get any visitors at all.
eta: Just thought of another one. If you have a hospital near by go to a parking lot/garage and pay for X number of cars that come through. Maybe if it's a person in a booth you can ask to pay for the next X number that are leaving.
|
|
|
|
Post by clarencelynn on Oct 20, 2017 17:00:17 GMT
I used to have to go over a toll bridge and nothing thrilled me like someone paying my toll. I always made a point to do that when I could. Now a days that bridge is automatic, no person taking money anymore. , i totally read this as you "go over a TROLL bridge and nothing thrilled me like someone paying my TROLL" and I thought to myself, "where is the world does she live that there is a troll bridge?" Then I realized it was toll. But if there was a troll bridge I'd be pretty happy someone paid the troll for me! |
|
|
|
Post by clarencelynn on Oct 20, 2017 17:05:55 GMT
I turned 50 this past September and I decided to do 50 RAKs this year (spreading it out some). So far I've filled the desk candy jars for 2 people I work with, mailed a 'get well soon' card to someone I only know by acquaintance, I've left quarters in the Aldi carts. I plan to take some magazines to the hospital reception rooms they have on each floor. The rooms are beautiful and are for the use of family/friends when visiting patients but there is nothing in the rooms to help pass the time (like when the patient is getting xrays, etc.) I want to stash a few magazines in the empty drawers so if someone was bored enough to look around for something to do they will find them. I'm also working this weekend to clear out some closet space and donate clothes to a co-worker's family in Mexico (in response to her request, not forcing her to take them!).
Thanks for sharing ideas here!
|
|
|
|
Post by flanz on Oct 20, 2017 17:06:48 GMT
I love doing things anonymously for others, and how I usually treat myself on my birthday. Just trying to brainstorm some ideas that I haven't tried myself yet...
do you have any neighbors or others living nearby who could use some help? say someone usually keeps their home well maintained and all of a sudden the grass is a foot high. go and mow it?
i think a lot of people are wary of baked goods or homemade cooking done by people they don't know, but if you've seen a moving van in your neighborhood recently, maybe a card welcoming the new folks along with a gift card to a local restaurant so they can grab a quick meal?
leave a pot of flowers on the porch of an elderly neighbor, maybe along with a note to try to schedule a time for a short visit, as older people are sometimes very lonely?
|
|
|
|
Post by idahopea on Oct 20, 2017 17:13:12 GMT
Drop a quarter on a busy sidewalk for someone to find, leave your change in a vending machine, take cute cards to a nursing home, VA, or rehab place for them to give out to the patients, give someone a token for a free car wash, pay for the next person behind you in a drive through, return someone's shopping cart for them, take a shopping cart from the parking lot on your way into the store to make 1 less for the attendant (the guy doing carts at Costco thanked me for doing this), let someone go ahead of you in a checkout line, leave a candy bar for your mail or newspaper carrier.
Most police departments do not eat homemade food unless someone on the force can vouch for you, but fire fighters generally do. You should call and check with them before going to a lot of work and expense. If they have vending machines maybe you could bring a couple rolls of quarters for them to buy something from the vending machine with. I'm sure a nice card thanking them would also be appreciated.
|
|
The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,146
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
|
Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Oct 20, 2017 18:23:21 GMT
I anonymously paid for a pedicure for a very pregnant lady.
Pay for a meal in a restaurant for an elderly couple or someone serving in the military.
Pay for people behind you in a drive thru.
How about putting quarters expired parking meters. |
|
|
|
Post by rst on Oct 20, 2017 19:03:40 GMT
How about a Little Free Library -- or putting some very popular books in an existing one?
If you eat out, leave a noticeably large tip together with some kind words.
Write a letter to a teacher or professor you've lost touch with and let them know some way in which they had an impact on you. Even if they've passed away, it may be meaningful for their family.
Plant some bulbs in a forgotten and empty space -- my sons and I did that about 18 years ago -- 2 yellow daffodils, and one red tulip, and we still see some of our plantings in odd little spaces. It's one of their favorite memories as little guys, sneakily planting bulbs near bus stops or in a vacant lot.
Write a note of appreciation for someone you notice doing something well, and give it to their boss. I like doing this at grocery stores or pharmacies when a staff member has been particularly gracious or helpful.
Make donations of toiletries and personal items to a women's shelter.
Sew a blanket or quilt for a hospital or nursing home. Some wards collect them, others require specific dimensions, but they are often appreciated.
Volunteer to walk dogs or socialize puppies at an animal shelter.
If you have an interesting or flattering photograph of someone, scan it and send it to them -- specially if they are unlikely to have many photos from that time.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 29, 2024 9:27:01 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2017 20:03:05 GMT
Plant some bulbs in a forgotten and empty space -- my sons and I did that about 18 years ago -- 2 yellow daffodils, and one red tulip, and we still see some of our plantings in odd little spaces. It's one of their favorite memories as little guys, sneakily planting bulbs near bus stops or in a vacant lot.  |
|
|
|
Post by heckofagal on Oct 20, 2017 20:10:55 GMT
I'm turning 50 in March...I think I will also do 50 RAKs.
Question though...if its truly random shouldn't it be for someone you don't know?
I like the idea of showing up at a cancer treatment center with milkshakes or little tubs of ice cream. i was going to do this on my mom's bday after she passed but her center closed.
|
|
|
|
Post by rst on Oct 20, 2017 21:17:51 GMT
I feel like random doesn't have to be strangers, just unanticipated and not expected to be reciprocated. So sending a kind note to s former teacher or neighbor, or passing on photos from way back, while giving to someone you know, is random in that you did it just to brighten someone's day and without expectations.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lexica on Oct 20, 2017 21:28:47 GMT
I enjoy doing random acts of kindness, but I've never even considered trying to do a certain number of them and putting so much focus on it. I've always done so when an opportunity is clearly in front of me, but love your suggestion of advanced planning. I'm going to implement this in my own life. Thank you so much for the suggestion! I will be watching this post and writing a list for myself.
|
|
|
|
Post by lesserknownpea on Oct 20, 2017 21:37:25 GMT
How about a Little Free Library -- or putting some very popular books in an existing one? If you eat out, leave a noticeably large tip together with some kind words. Write a letter to a teacher or professor you've lost touch with and let them know some way in which they had an impact on you. Even if they've passed away, it may be meaningful for their family. Plant some bulbs in a forgotten and empty space -- my sons and I did that about 18 years ago -- 2 yellow daffodils, and one red tulip, and we still see some of our plantings in odd little spaces. It's one of their favorite memories as little guys, sneakily planting bulbs near bus stops or in a vacant lot. Write a note of appreciation for someone you notice doing something well, and give it to their boss. I like doing this at grocery stores or pharmacies when a staff member has been particularly gracious or helpful. Make donations of toiletries and personal items to a women's shelter. Sew a blanket or quilt for a hospital or nursing home. Some wards collect them, others require specific dimensions, but they are often appreciated. Volunteer to walk dogs or socialize puppies at an animal shelter. If you have an interesting or flattering photograph of someone, scan it and send it to them -- specially if they are unlikely to have many photos from that time. I like the way you think! |
|
|
|
Post by missfrenchjessica on Oct 20, 2017 22:38:01 GMT
WOW! Those are some great suggestions! Thanks everyone for your input so far. I can't wait to start--I have a few ideas brewing now thanks to your suggestions. Any other suggestions are certainly welcome!  |
|
|
|
Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Oct 20, 2017 22:53:04 GMT
I like to people watch. Mostly I keep my monologue about what I observe strictly internal. But sometimes, I feel compelled to speak my thoughts out loud. "You have the nicest smile... so infectious." "That color is beautiful on you." "Your little boy is incredibly polite."
I love to see the pleasure flood over someone's face when they are the recipient of a sincere and specific compliment.
Years ago, an older woman looked me right in the eye and said, "I like your face." It was so random, but so remarkable. I smiled to myself for days mulling over her random compliment. Ever since then, I've tried to speak those thoughts aloud sincerely when I see something about someone like that. It's my small way of passing on to others the little bit of warmth and happiness she gave to me.
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 20, 2017 22:56:35 GMT
I love doing things anonymously for others, and how I usually treat myself on my birthday. Just trying to brainstorm some ideas that I haven't tried myself yet... do you have any neighbors or others living nearby who could use some help? say someone usually keeps their home well maintained and all of a sudden the grass is a foot high. go and mow it? i think a lot of people are wary of baked goods or homemade cooking done by people they don't know, but if you've seen a moving van in your neighborhood recently, maybe a card welcoming the new folks along with a gift card to a local restaurant so they can grab a quick meal? leave a pot of flowers on the porch of an elderly neighbor, maybe along with a note to try to schedule a time for a short visit, as older people are sometimes very lonely? In my experience, it’s typically women who balk at eating stuff made by other people. Most of the men I know don’t even give it a second thought. If it looks good, it’s going in their pie hole!  |
|
