I'm working through the structure for a possible new story that will center on a person performing Random Acts of Kindness. I know the most popular acts are well known to me. pay for the car behind you in a drive thru, deliver letters and gifts to the elderly, generously tipping a server... but what other ways can you perform random acts of kindness? Can you help me explore more fun and unique takes on the idea of Random Acts of Kindness? Lets make a list!
...and leave a note saying that they've got to leave $1 million in unmarked notes in a secluded toilet if they want to see the clippings...
Towing somebody whose car is bogged/broken down Paying somebody's library fines Freeing a wild animal trapped in a fence Pulling over your car in pouring rain and offering a soaking pedestrian a ride home (not too dodgy?) Pay for somebody's petrol Take a homeless person out for a meal Spontaneously change your will so that all your assets go to the Fred Hollows foundation. Screw your three children, one grandchild and elderly aunt who lives in a shack.
I think the most meaningful act of kindness one can pay to someone is something that may not seem to make sense to you, but which clearly has meaning to the recipient. I feel this is the case because it requires you to step out of yourself for a moment, out of your personal engagement of things, and acknowledge the very different life the other person is living. Not a common occurrence these days. Have a quick read. True story that happened to me just some days ago. https://www.writingforums.org/entry/random-act-of-kindness.63739/
Complimenting strangers on something small, the kind of thing that would stop them with surprise, and then that genuine smile appears.
Getting a basket for another shopper who didn't get one at the entrance. Offer a homeless person to get them a hot drink on a cold day. Passing a stroke of luck (like found change or a voucher for a free meal) to someone who needs it more. Write Christmas cards for those in hospital without visitors over the holidays, (deviantART encourages its members to do this). Offering to help someone revise in a field you're strong in.
I've seen some homeless people in their twenties by a freeway exit ramp. It is a common spot for begging. In their case, what could really help them out would be if somebody spoke to them and offered them a job, or helped them find a job by compiling their resume for them, etc. Sometimes there are hitchhikers who could use a lift- I've seen a lot in Oregon, and I know hikers who go on long routes like the Pacific Crest Trail frequently ask for lifts to nearby towns where they have a hotel reservation or care packages.
Someone who loves to draw, buy them a sketchbook and pencils. Someone likes to read, buy them a book. Give someone something you've never used - gave my coworker my Keurig when he moved into his first apartment... it was brand new, never used it.
We went out for a meal with my daughter and one of her friends. My wife paid her a compliment, and in return received a card saying "You've just made somebody's day" (or thereabouts); apparently, she's had some printed out and hands them out to people who've done one of these "random acts of kindness". The funny, suspicious looks she gets from some recipients...
I am part of a Facebook group where people leave random art to be taken. It is left all kinds of places and all sorts of mediums may be left. It is left with a note to take. It can be something like a full painting on a hiking trail or a small paper flower on a bench.