My Birthday Gift to Myself...

Before turning 30, I decided that I wanted to do something special for myself to celebrate.  A few months ago, I came across a fellow blogger's page who decided to perform 38 "Random Acts of Kindness" to celebrate her 38th birthday.  

I often think to myself about how lucky I am to have SO many caring, thoughtful people in my own life.  How fun would it be to spread a little kindness around my little part of the world?  It turned out to be one of the best birthday gifts.  I met so many sweet people who were appreciative and in awe of "why" someone would do nice things...just because.  Why don't we do this all of the time??  I documented all of the things I did, just to remember each of them.  I don't think I will ever forget the people I met along the way or the smiles I saw because of simple little things. 

Random Acts of Kindness for My 30^th birthday Adventure

1,  I dropped off a box of donuts to our local volunteer fire station.  It was a cold day, and they were out on a call when I dropped them off.  But, I bet they enjoyed them when they returned!

2.  I sent homemade Valentine's Day cards from my class to the Marines.  Molly said that they all loved them!

3.  I dropped off dog treats and old blankets and towels to the local animal hospital.  They were so grateful, and a pet-owner in there kept saying how nice I was to think of them.

4.  I donated a HUGE bag of school supplies to needy kids through a church program.  Who doesn't love a brand-new box of 64 Crayola crayons?

5.  I donated two bags of toiletries to the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  They are a local organization who operate the only homeless shelter in Hunterdon County.  When I brought the bags in, the woman working there was close to tears and asked to give me a great big hug.  It's the little things like shampoo and toothbrushes that make a difference.

6.  A nice note and a bag of Godiva chocolates for our Mail Lady....She sent a sweet thank-you the next day.

7.  I sent some "Happy Cards" to kids with life-threatening and terminal illnesses.  When I found this website, I think I used up a whole box of tissues.   http://www.hugsandhope.org/kidslist.htm

8.  These people are walking in the crosswalk.  However, when I was at Target one day, there was a HERD of people who were crossing (not in the crosswalk).  Instead of turning in front of them, I waited for the entire group to pass slowly...and I smiled.  :-)

9.  I loved this book, and I hope whoever picks it up at the bookstore does too.  Inside of it, I tucked a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card.

10.  I brought my mom flowers on my birthday.  After all, she gave birth to me 30 years ago.

11.  I donated food to our "Backpack Kids" program at school.  This program sends home backpacks full of food with less fortunate kids over the weekends.  It is always sad when I hear a child say that they only had cereal to eat all weekend and they are very hungry on Monday morning.  This way, I know there are a few who will be full and happy.

12.  I dropped off a bunch of balloons, coloring books, markers, and crayons to the Pediatric floor at our local hospital.  I asked the nurses to please pass them out to children who needed a smile.  Sometimes, a kid just needs to feel like a kid.....and balloons can do that. 

13.  I donated several bags of gently used clothes and coats to Good Will.

14.  I paid for the woman behind me at the drive-thru of Dunkin Donuts.  I didn't get to see her face as I pulled away, but I hope it made her day!

15.  I taped scratch tickets on 10 lucky cars.  I hope they won something!

16.  I taped quarters to vending machines around the hospital.  Food in hospitals is usually terrible, so maybe people were happy to find a "free" snack!

17.  This is a wonderful program I learned about through a friend.  4Paws for Ability trains dogs to act as service dogs for children with disabilities, particularly children with autism.  I was so touched by her family's story of their experience with 4Paws, that I made a donation to the program.

18.  Waiting for news at a hospital can be tiring and boring at times....so, I taped quarters to the top of newspaper machines.  Reading the paper might help someone pass the time a little bit easier.

19.  I hid ten $1 bills in the dollar bins at Target.  Imagine the excitement from the kids (and grown-ups) when they find the free money!

20.  This organization grants wedding wishes to couples who are experiencing extreme hardships (suffering from terminal illnesses, suffering an extreme military injury, etc).  I made a donation.  This website made me cry too!  www.wishuponawedding.org

21.  I pushed back all of the carts in the Target parking lot.  I always return my cart, and just don't get how people can leave them in the middle of the parking lot.  But, I did it for them this time!

22.  We celebrated the 100th day of School in 2nd grade.  We talked a lot about what it might be like to be 100 years old.  Then, the kids and I made homemade 100th birthday cards.  I dropped them off at a local nursing home and asked the receptionist to pass them out to residents who turn 100 years old.  She said they had 10 residents right now that are 100.  Wow--good for them!  She also was so appreciative, and I know the residents will love those colorful cards.

23.  I left a good tip for a waitress.  I've never been a waitress, but I can imagine that the tips are not always great.  Luckily, she made it easy for me to give her a good tip!

24.  I mailed some packages to sweet friends and family for Valentine's day with homemade heart cookies...so that they know they are always in my heart!

25.  I left ten nice comments on other blogger's posts.  It's always nice when I get comments from strangers.

26.  I offered to let someone in front of me in line at the grocery store.  Every line was a mile long, and this customer only had a few things.  She was so appreciative!

27.  I made dinner and dessert for our neighbor who is a brand-new mom.  She has enough to worry about without having to make dinner!

 

 

 

28.  It was VERY cold one day.  I bought the gas attendant hot chocolate.  He smiled. 

29.  I threw my kids at school a popcorn party....FOR NO REASON.  They told me I was the best teacher ever.  Ha-wish I had known it was so easy!

30.  I held the door open at the mall for a woman who was carrying several bags and had a stroller.  She was kind of far away when I was at the door, but I saw her coming and waited and told her to take her time.  She gave me a relieved smile and said,, "No one does that anymore.  Thank you!"

I wanted everyone to see that this experience gave me back so much more happiness than I'm sure it gave anyone else.  My challenge to you--do something nice for someone today.  :-)