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Family Life, the Universe and Everything with a Latte on the Side

Turn on the Light. Random Acts of Kindness

Monday, 13 March 2017

"Happiness can be found in the darkest times, if one only remembers to turn on the light".
Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.  

In my post about trying to make sense of recent events, I talked about how kindness could be a powerful way of demonstrating priorities, world view and just because ... It's nice to be nice.  It makes others feel happy and improves their lives because they weren't expecting it.  It makes us feel happy because it just does.  Given how crazy and destructive the world seems right now, a little love and kindness goes a long way.

I don't usually bother with words for the year, but this year, I will.  My word for the year is kind.  It means generous, helpful,  considering the feelings of others and not causing harm or damage.  It has other meanings as well, but those are the ones I'm focusing on.  Yes, this is a bit late, but no matter.

It's lovely see to similar posts popping up all over the blogosphere.  Michelle over at This Happened to Me Today tells 2017 our children are watching and it's not okay.  She also wants to make the world a better place.  Liza at Lisapomerantzster: Are We There Yet and Emma at Islandliving365 have written some amazing posts (on this).  Maybe if everyone feels the same jumps up and down we'll make the world shake.  

Light Bulb


Here's some ideas:
  • Give a genuine compliment to a different person each day. 
  • Offer to help someone - baby sit their children, cook dinner etc.
  • Donate items to your local food bank or pet shelter.  Many supermarkets have a cardboard container at the back of the store where you can put your purchases to be picked up later.   Or volunteer.
  • Manners.  Smile and be friendly.  Listen to people when they're talking and don't interrupt. Please's and thank you's.  Sharing.  
  • Give up your seat on the bus or train for someone who needs it more.
  • If there's an argument or disagreement, keep out of it.  Don't add fuel to the fire.
  • Welcome newcomers at work, school or the various groups you attend and introduce them around.  
  • Buy lunch or suspended coffees for someone needy.  If your local coffee shop doesn't do this yet, maybe suggest they do.  
Got any other suggestions for acts of kindness or stories to share?  Let me know in the comments.
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Living God, Life, Simple
Posted by Tubbs

48 comments

  1. Jo13 March 2017 at 10:11

    A lovely post! Every year we have a calendar of goodwill through December that we complete with our children, and this year we have decided to continue it throughout the year. Little or large gestures, they can make all the difference. #bigpinklink

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    1. Tubbs13 March 2017 at 13:47

      Thank you! I love the idea of a good will calendar. Such a lovely thing to do :)

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  2. Mom Of Two Little Girls13 March 2017 at 11:37

    I love the idea of a suspended coffee. I've never heard of that. So small but so kind.
    #marvmondays

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    1. Tubbs13 March 2017 at 13:48

      It's a great thing to do and such a small thing. Yet a hot drink is such a difference to someone

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  3. Lucy | Leaning In13 March 2017 at 11:39

    i love the suspended post idea. There is a soup shop in Melbourne that does this too with soup and bread for the homeless. It is such an easy and simple way to give back and show kindness. # globalblogging

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    1. Tubbs13 March 2017 at 13:48

      The cafe I posted the sign from do lunches etc as well. It's a great idea and a really practical way to help

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  4. Modern Gypsy13 March 2017 at 11:47

    What a lovely list of ideas you have there. I've been wanting to do an art related random act of kindness - hopefully I'll be able to create a few small pieces of original art that I can leave out in the world for people to find. #mg

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    1. Tubbs13 March 2017 at 13:49

      There's someone in London who leaves little clay figures for someone to find. I was really chuffed to discover one a few years ago. It's a great idea. Enjoy doing it.

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  5. Unknown13 March 2017 at 13:34

    Kind is a very good word to live by. I like some of your suggestions. I have given a suspended coffee before. It is such a simple but effective thing.
    #BigPinkLink

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    1. Tubbs13 March 2017 at 13:51

      Simple things are often easier to do that great big complicated ones. Two lattes - one for me and one for someone later - job done.

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  6. Whisky of the Week13 March 2017 at 17:43

    Lovely post. I agree. It is better to be kind. It is sometimes the small things that count. Noticing the older person that struggle to reach something high on the shelf in the shop and offering assistance with a smile. #globalblogging

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:14

      That's a brilliant idea. Being tall, I take being able to reach things for granted. Thank you for commenting

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  7. Nicole - Tales from Mamaville13 March 2017 at 18:22

    This post brought a smile to my face. Such a lovely feel-good read. 'Pay it forward'... a concept I absolutely love and wish more people would follow! Thanks for sharing this with #globalblogging

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:15

      Pay it forward is such a brilliant concept. (I loved the film as well)

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  8. Alana - Burnished Chaos13 March 2017 at 21:26

    Great post, we could all do with a little more kindness. The smallest act can have such a huge impact on a persons day x
    #Mg

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:15

      So true. It's the small things that often make the biggest difference

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  9. Unknown13 March 2017 at 22:26

    Some lovely ideas. I've always tried to be aware of being kind and thoughtful, but this has reminded me again. Thank you for linking up #globalblogging

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:16

      Glad it helped :)

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  10. SHON13 March 2017 at 22:34

    Great post! Thanks.

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:16

      Thank you for commenting

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  11. My Petit Canard13 March 2017 at 23:03

    I love this and completly agree that a little kindness really does go a long way. I've never heard about suspended coffee before and love the concept, how fantastic! I am going to keep an eye out to see if any of our locals do this and contribute if they do :-) Lovely post, thanks for sharing it on #MarvMondays. Emily

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:19

      Yay! I hadn't heard of the idea until I went to Tiki's but it's such a good one

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  12. The Queen of Collage14 March 2017 at 12:53

    It's great to read of all the kind acts that go on in society. #mg

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:19

      It is. Really encouraging :)

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  13. Unknown14 March 2017 at 16:35

    I love this, a lot!! It's very high on my agenda at the moment-I used to be a nurse, and part of what I loved about it was getting to show people very in need, some kindness that they really needed. I realised recently that I really missed getting to show that kindness to others, so I'm looking into becoming an age concern volunteer. I also pay it forward in coffee shops too. I'd love to see others be kinder!!
    #bigpinklink

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:20

      Good luck. My friend works for Age Concern and they're always looking out for good people.

      Wouldn't it be great if people were kind?!

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  14. Steph D14 March 2017 at 19:44

    This is a lovely idea, lots of inspiration here! #globalblogging

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:20

      Glad it helped

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  15. Karen - The Allergy Mum15 March 2017 at 12:02

    There is no such thing as too much kindness, and I love the practical ideas you've added here. Have you heard of 40 Acts? I'm trying to follow it for Lent. Some brilliant suggestions there for things that make a real difference. #sharewithme

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    1. Tubbs15 March 2017 at 15:20

      I have, but I always remember it half way through Lent! I do want to do it one year. Hopefully next one

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  16. Unknown15 March 2017 at 14:17

    A great reminder. Kindness helps others of course but inadvertently helps us feel better about ourselves and the world too.

    #runjumpscrap

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    1. Tubbs16 March 2017 at 10:49

      It does :)

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  17. SHON15 March 2017 at 17:07

    Such a great and kind post! Why do we never thinking of making the world better?
    Your ideas are true - suspending coffee or giving up my seat on the bus for those who need it more. So simple and so nice! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Tubbs16 March 2017 at 10:49

      Thank you for the lovely comment :) I'm glad you enjoyed the post

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  18. Coombe Mill - Fiona15 March 2017 at 17:42

    I love this, there is as much pleasure in giving kindness as receiving it too, I love that surprised and happy look when you offer a kind word to a stranger or a complement to someone not expecting it at all. #SharewithMe

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    1. Tubbs16 March 2017 at 10:51

      That's true. People look so chuffed when you say something nice. It really makes my day

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  19. Anonymous15 March 2017 at 23:12

    I love this post! I love kindness, I always make sure I do as many kind things as I can through my week. I always give genuine compliments and send little messages to friends or my family, help friends out, it is just a way of life and I am a role model to my children, I can't expect them to be kind If I don't show the the way. Fantastic post! #mg

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    1. Tubbs16 March 2017 at 10:51

      So true. How can we expect our children to be kind if we don't show them how or teach them it's important. Thank you for the lovely comment and for hosting each week :)

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  20. Laura Dove16 March 2017 at 17:22

    Ahh this made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Some lovely ideas and it is SO important to teach our children to be kind. #sharewithme

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    1. Tubbs17 March 2017 at 13:22

      It is. They'll never learn if we don't teach and show them how to be kind. Just telling them never works.

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  21. Jacqui16 March 2017 at 19:33

    I LOVE this. Kindness should come naturally! It's such an important life lesson. It's our responsibility to teach our children that empathy and kindness should come before all else!!! Great reminder!! Thank you for sharing with us #globalblogging

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    1. Tubbs17 March 2017 at 13:22

      Thank you :) Glad you enjoyed the post and I agree. It's important to show and encourage our children to be kind and thoughtful.

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  22. Unknown16 March 2017 at 21:19

    It's just so important to be kind...I'm always on at my daughter. I like the idea of a suspended coffee and just being nice to a newbie. Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst x

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    1. Tubbs17 March 2017 at 13:23

      Thank you for hosting each week and for the lovely comment. It's so hard when they're small, they really are convinced the world is them shaped!

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  23. Mummascribbles17 March 2017 at 22:23

    What a lovely idea. I especially like the buying a coffee for someone! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday

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    1. Tubbs20 March 2017 at 11:45

      It's great isn't it? Such an easy thing to do. Thank you for hosting each week :)

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  24. Mummy Fever22 March 2017 at 06:48

    I love this - I talk to my children about this a lot. Thanks for linking to #sharewwithme

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    1. Tubbs22 March 2017 at 09:32

      Thank you :) We talk to the Tubblet about this alot too. Kindness is really important

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