An Article by Karen Kitchel
If you asked
most people if they want to scatter kindness, I believe you would hear a
resounding "yes!" If you need
some ideas on how to begin, here are a few simple ways to start scattering
kindness.
Interrupt the ordinary
Think about the people who help you get life done (mail delivery person,
garbage collector, etc.) Interrupt them
on an ordinary day with a cold bottle of water or candy bar and a "thanks
for what you do."
Love from afar
Send a little treat or trinket with the name of your state to a faraway friend
or distant relative with a post-it note that says you were just thinking about
them.
Popsicle scattering
While
at the grocery store, pick up a box or two of popsicles and drop them off at a
local shelter. All you have to say is "enjoy!"
Pennies for wishes
Save
up your pennies and spread them out near a fountain where kids will find them,
and they can make wishes.
Take the sting out of sorrow
Add to your calendar the birthday and
anniversary dates of friends who have recently passed away. Then do something
to remember the loved ones left behind on these difficult yet special days.
A line to say to
make someone's day
"That
color sure looks good on you!"
Magazines for the
homeless
If
you enjoy reading, gather your used magazines or ask your doctor or dentist's
office to save some for you, and take them to a homeless shelter.
Kindness cards
Make up a
few note cards to keep in your purse or car. Randomly drop them on an empty
park bench, a counter or windshield.
They can say things like:
"You are appreciated" -
"Always remember how special you are" - "There is not another person in this
universe just like you" - "You
are better than butter!"
About the author:
Karen Kitchel is
passionate about scattering kindness. As President of the Cheerful Givers
nonprofit organization, she helped to bring birthday gifts to more than one
million less fortunate children. Prior to that, she helped create a corporate
university at BI Worldwide. Currently
she serves meals to the homeless, is a job coach, teacher, writer and mentor. She can be reached at
karenkitchel@comcast.net.
