Recently, I got together with a good friend and we talked about her upcoming 60^thBirthday.

“What special ‘thing’ are you going to do to commemorate this milestone?” I asked.  Ideas floated across my mind as I thought of the many fascinating possibilities I’d heard other people speak of.

“I’ve decided to execute 60 Random Acts of Kindness in the coming year.”

My mind stopped dead in its tracks like an emergency brake had been applied. It took a few seconds to bring my attention front and center and for her answer to register…

“What an awesome idea!!  I love it!!”  I bubbled with enthusiasm at her originality and selfless spirit.

“When you stop and think of it,” she said, “it’s really just a bit more than once a week.  I see this as quite doable!”

We talked about and evaluated different kindnesses that could be performed.  She had even done some research online to jumpstart her bank of ideas. I was in awe of the simplicity of it as well as the genuine joy she expressed in doing things for others.  Her enthusiasm was contagious and I found myself considering various possibilities.

What a real gift she is giving herself!  After spending a year looking for ways to bless others, I suspect the habit will be formed.  She will reap the rewards of living a life with an eye toward others, which she already does quite well!  This is just a more conscious effort on her part.  There’s a certain sense of fulfillment that comes when doing something good for someone who cannot return the favor; who is not even aware of the kindness; or of who carried it out.

Her “Random Acts of Kindness” campaign has the potential to be like a stone, thrown into a pond, its ripples reaching far and wide. As others witness such kindnesses, it will warm their hearts and they, in turn, may be moved to “pass it on.”  Already, I am inspired to start on my own similar odyssey.

Every day offers new opportunities to be kind. Only with awareness can I choose to do something about them.  Well… my awareness has been awakened!

I’ve read that what we focus on grows.  If I focus on kindness and giving joy, I can’t help but be spreading joy in my own life as well as those around me.  It seems like a very simple, life-enriching formula that I’m eager to try…

Thank you, dear friend!!

~Zanne

InSearchOfAuthenticity.com

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