Random Acts of Kindness

Holding the door open, smiling at a stranger, and lending a hand seem like pretty simple things, maybe even common sense.  However it doesn’t happen as often as it should.

“If we all do one random act of kindness daily we just might set the world in the right direction.”
                                                                                                                           – Martin Kranfeld

In our busy and chaotic lives, we forget to slow down and appreciate the little things. We don’t realize it until we are overwhelmed with joy at the simple, kind act of a stranger.  Don’t wait for that moment – start the trend yourself! 

My most recent experience:  As usual, I had bitten off a little more than I could chew when carrying some bags at work.  Trying to be time-effective, I had overloaded myself with several bags possibly equaling my own weight.  As I struggled through the hallways with my load (feeling a little like a pack mule) two strangers stopped on their way back from lunch and offered to help me.  I kindly refused because I was going completely out of their way.  They insisted however, and I was incredibly grateful. I hated to burden them, but in all honestly it probably only took a few minutes out of their routine and helped me tremendously.  A BIG thank you to them and to all those who have done something similar.

It inspired me…what’s your story?

There are so many things that we can do in everyday life that take little to no extra effort, but may mean the world to someone.  If we can do it in our daily lives, why not continue the pattern when traveling?

Traveling acts of kindness:

• Buy from local businesses and vendors
• Smile! Appreciate the culture and environment around you
• Take in your surroundings by walking through town instead of taking a taxi or bus
• Help nervous fliers by talking to them to distract them from the takeoff and landing
• Leave the place nicer than when you found it
• Try to understand the local language, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to attempt speaking it, they appreciate the effort
• Pick up after yourself and maybe someone else who forgot
• Carry a small bag of dry dog food and give some to the strays (this may seem silly, but for us dog lovers seeing the malnourished strays is heartbreaking, so I really love this one.)

There are hundreds more…use your imagination!

Tags: International Travel, random acts of kindness, voluntourism

Tags: International Travel, random acts of kindness, voluntourism