Random acts of kindness {+ Infographic by Oxfam}

Random acts of kindness are actions performed by an individual or individuals without expecting anything back. Anyone can perform an act of kindness provided it’s given freely with no expectation of praise. Everyday we read or hear something about random acts of kindness performed all the time. This time of year many people take time to reflect on their lives and are thankful for what they have. Often this leads to now wanting to give back to the community or maybe donating to charity.

There is no act of kindness that is measured to be greater than the other, its all about the intention. If you’re giving expecting something back in return then you’re not giving wholeheartedly. Anyone can give back to the community whether its money or their time. Regardless, it is about what you can give freely without expecting anything back in return.

Personal Experience of Random Acts of Kindness

I was 18 when I decided to ditch my parent’s advice and go see a boyfriend, ah days of teenage love. He had promised he would drive me back home otherwise I wouldn’t have gone. When the time came for him to take me home, he decided to pick up a shift at work instead. He ditched me at the station in a city I had never been to nor knew anyone. To make matters worse, I had no money to get money and no credit to call my parents.

On a normal day, I would have done my self risk assessment before going with the ex-boyfriend. But this time, my hormones decided before I could and I found myself in a tough spot. Not knowing what to do I started walking aimlessly to the direction of the station. It is where I bumped into a man whose face to this day I do not know all I remember is light.

He saw the pain and tears on my face and stopped to speak to me, I wanted to tell the WHOLE truth but lied. Regardless this random man helped me, he bought me an expensive ticket and food. He bid me good day and to this day I am eternally grateful to this unknown man. Not once did he ask for anything in return, he just performed a random act of kindness.

How you can get involved!

This time of year many people love to give back, not to be seen but because they want to. And the acts of kindness your perform can be as simple as, re-tweeting someone’s message. Buying the next round of drinks for your friends or work colleagues. What’s important is your perform the act wholeheartedly without any expectation of reciprocation.

We are collaborating with Oxfam this year to share this message of ‘acts of kindness’. This incredible infographic shows how you can get involved.