You are totally amazing

I didn’t know about this mission until now. And it’s the most amazing mission ever! I’ve once had something like that dropped in my pocket… it felt so good to receive a random positive message. People are always looking for messages everywhere they go (I know I am) and sometimes these things can really help!

I generally think that I don’t have enough money myself so I can’t go around buying people stuff or donating money… :D But I guess it’s wrong to think like that. Every little penny helps when it comes to donating and a tiny gift every now and then won’t kill me.

I think the easiest thing one can do, is to smile. Not only at friends or family, but at random strangers. That’s something people aren’t used to doing in Estonia for some very odd reason. I’ve recently noticed that I smile much more than I did before. Maybe it’s the feeling of being home.. But maybe it’s because I’m much more present and in the moment than I used to. And it’s unbelievable that I do receive smiles back at me, too! It’s the greatest feeling :)

A few months ago I was all checked out at Glut, our co-op, when I discovered that I had forgotten my wallet. A neighbor that I’m friends with (more that than a friend who lives close by, if you get the relationship) happened to be behind me in line. She immediately offered to pay my $45 tab, but didn’t want me to pay her back. She just wanted me to do the same the next time the opportunity arrives. I’m ready the next time someone needs it, but if that doesn’t happen soon I may just buy the next $50 of drinks at the local cafe and ask them to tell each person that Krista bought their coffee!

That is such a cool idea. I used to leave dandelions on my neighbors doorsteps when I was little and I would love to do something like this again! Heeheehee!

I just caught up with your posts so I did not know this was this months mission. I too would like to extend it. 4 years ago when one of my sons passed away after a long battle with cancer as a part of his celebration of life we handed out pink pieces of paper that said “this kind act was done in memory of Benny Petz” I like to think that everyone left there in search for chances to be kind. My family and I did lots of small things and some bigger things. We gave 3 young hitchhikers a ride to the nearest freeway exit and when we dropped them off we, much to their astonishment, handed them $100 to help fund their exploration. Another time we saw stranger sitting a few tables away from us at a local restaurant all by herself. We motioned the waitress and asked her to let us pay the bill anonymously. My favorite one was near Christmas my oldest son and I stopped at a Circle K and the cashier was their all by herself and so pregnant she looked like she may burst right there. We ran home and gathered some of our second hand baby items and a gift certificate for honey baked ham we had been given. My son and I drove back to the store and he told her the bags were for her and we drove away before she could realize what was happening. I also like to do random small things like leave my change in a vending machine for the next person to find. Leave cute little drawings taped up in random places just to make people smile. I also learned toilet paper origami so if I use a friends restroom I leave little origami gifts. It is fun to imagine their little smile when they see the unexpected goodness.

@ Amy Petz – you’ve done some amazing things to make people happier! It’s so inspirating. Reading your comment I remembered that once we were hitchhiking with my boyfriend in Australia (in 2009) and we got picked up by a random lady who gave us her lunch, offered a place to stay for the night, bought us dinner, showed us around in her city and the next day helped us find jobs and a new home. And then there was this old couple who also gave us a free tour around their city, bought us lunch and told us so many things about the history of Australia we’d never known before. These things you will never forget… It’s almost indescribable how much these moments brighten up our lives.

All these awesome comments have put me in happy tears! Y’all are so kind and creative and wondermous!! So consider your good deed done for the day. (; And Sayward, you made my week just by spelling my name right! After 5 years, my boss still does not. :)

Say, this is just AWESOME!!!! I was the recipient of little notes like this after my first husband died suddenly. They came from a group of friends at a retreat I went to. Every woman gave me a brief word of encouragement or affirmation of my strength and goodness. I still have them and will never forget their warm wishes and support.

YES, we should extend the mission for another month. These acts of kindness are priceless and we are all better for them.

Lee and I are volunteering for Habitat for Humanity tomorrow…something we have both wanted to do for years. I can’t wait and we’ll tell you all about it!

Thanks Say! I’m so proud of you!!

Keep it up everybody! Life is good!!!

YES!!!!!Love the idea of extending this mission! Our family has a motto, “Blessed to be a blessing”. We are always looking for ways to reach out to others and my hope is that is just becomes second nature for my kids to put others before themselves.
I am so tickled by all of the sweet acts of kindness documented here. Such great ideas! A long time ago, I read a book about how everyone has a love language (or two, or three ;-) ) that especially speaks to their heart. Some people love words of affirmation (like secret notes of encouragement), others love acts of service ( helping little grannies with groceries), for some it is gifts (free coffee!, baby hand me downs), some people love physical touch (big hugs), and finally, my personal favorite, some people love quality time (visiting with an older person who may not get a lot of attention or sitting a spell with a new mom who needs some company).
This is all so exciting! Thank you Sayward for this MM.

I could go for another month. At this point I’ve made a few things habit. One thing I’ve been doing is being more polite and patient on the road. If it’s possible I let people in, don’t get upset at stupid things, and take my time. It is so nice.
The other thing I’ve been doing is taking care of carts. It’s always bothered me when I see how people have left their cart in the middle of the parking lot. Especially when they’re close to a coral or the store itself. So I just go and gather them up, straighten things up, and put them in the coral. It’s one of the few jobs I haven’t done but I can’t imagine it’s fun having to go out and hunt down carts.
I’m all for another month to reinforce these habits and possibly start more!

Shaina, what you did for those kids with empty boxes it won-der-ful. I remember being at college far from home, and the hopefulness walking to the post office, and the let-down on days when nothing came for me. A sweet little note would make an ENORMOUS difference in someone’s day!!

I love the ideas here, I love this mission, what a beautiful thing, to spread kindness! I’m coming up with all sorts of ideas after reading through the post and the comments! I’m gonna head over to the extension post and share some cool links!