Random acts of kindness

Lynnie

Just over a week ago, I helped another lady who was trying to help an elderly lady with a walker get down a 1 foot drop off the footpath to get to her car. Our streets here are not elderly or disabled friendly.
Then two days ago, I helped an elderly gentleman with 2 walking sticks get up out of a chair.
I didn't think about how it would make me feel at the time, all I could think about was that these people needed to be helped.
But afterwards, I did feel good.
We should all be ready to help for the reason of being compassionate not for the reason of feeling good. Feeling good is just an added bonus.

Pelly

Are we confusing random acts of kindness with that almost lost Australian culture of being courteous and friendly?

bliss

why not indeed be considerate and kind
it fulfills in you a happy mind
only do it because you want too
as it does'nt work if impressing others is why you do
many books on randm acts of kindness show
the giver is happier its been tested and is so
jeannie bliss

Vicky

Hi, Its a great feeling when you see someones face and they are so surprised that a complete stranger is willing to help them out or give them something for nothing. If more people did this the world would be a much happier place. A good one is to cellotape a parking pass that hasnt expired onto the pay booth, so when the next person comes along to pay for parking your ticket it there for them to have. I always buy heaps of extra time as I have two little ones and things always take longer than you think. A cool story is 'Pay it Forward' by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

legs

near where my husband works there was this older guy that lived in his car and he was doing it tuff so i thought i would go thru the wardrobes to see if there was any clothes my husband didnt want so we gave him some clothes and my husband bought him breakfast one morning on his way to work

Kaisee Cochrane

I catch the bus almost every morning and I recently assisted an elderly lady who walks with a cane and shakes when taking the stair on the bus with her trolley. I was embarassed to say that it took me to look up to see why the bus wasnt moving before I noticed the lovely older lady completely spent struggling to lift the trolley. She was clearly embarassed not to be able to manage herself.

I am seeing people less and less inclined to assist others and this was yet another example of young able bodied people so self involved that they can not assist a person in need. Needless to say I hope someone helps me when I am older and less able.

I definately believe in karma and paying it forward - lifes hard enough!

doona

i ran out of petrol right at the servo the tine was that long( cheap day) i ran out an when i put $10 in because that was all i had in my keycard my card didnt work the servo lady had a fit but wouldnt let me leave to get the money out of the bank even offered to leave my licence an what not there but no go a gentlemen walked in behind me an says its right love i get that for you that was the best feeling someone just doing something without even knowing anything about you i thanked him every much an he says no worries love that was at woolworth servo in altonia gate vic

shaz

after seeing an elderly man on a cold wet wintery day fall face first in front of country post office i went to his aid called ambulance waited til it arrived will never forget his face he looked at me and mumbled " THANK YOU "

Eyes

My sister's husband passed away a year ago and the following week, I had a lotto win. To help her out at that sad time, I gave her most of it to help her out. She decided to buy something that they were going to purchase if he got better. I felt so good just doing it for her, so I could imagine how she felt on receiving it.

Anonymous

More than once I have given a small amount of money to someone at the checkout who didn't have enough to buy all their groceries. I always try to be courteous when driving and let people into traffic and I am reknowned for letting someone know if their tag is sticking out on their clothes!

Nefertari

I know I have definitely done minor things such as opening doors for someone, saying 'good morning' with a cheerful smile to a complete stranger, returning money they had dropped to strangers etc...all little things but they made me feel so good at the time!
On the other hand though I can never forget how once many years ago when I was in my 'teens an old gentleman was walking home as I was walking to the corner shop in the other direction. Our paths crossed and he doffed his hat to me.....a very simple little gesture I know, but one that made me think I was 'someone special' and stayed with me all these years. At times I wonder ...did that old gentleman ever realise just how much he made my day

CAT17

I enjoy being of help to people. We get a lot of visitors to the suburb where I live being by the sea. Many of these visitors are from overseas and they get quite rattled by the transport system. I often get them headed in the right direction and they are always so grateful and thank me with their smiles. We have a very good local tram system but the time table is a bit confusing, having someone (like me) to give them directions and let them know where to get off the tram and then catch either a bus or train to where they want to go is so helpful to them. I would like to think someone would help me in a similar situation. It doesnt cost a thing to help others and I am sure it would make for a better world if we all did a bit more helping!

anna

I have helped a little, BUT in different areas I have been, I have been lucky & fortunate enough to see people do something to help others, it makes me totally proud to be an Australian. Lots of giving is not heard of much, but set a foot wrong & that is what we hear of!

anna

My younger daughter was recently married in Fiji and on her honeymoon she asked her husband to take her to the local school so she could deliver the books and pencils she had brought with her from...

wow what a great young lady! It does not take much to give, we do not hear enough of it as some do not wish to blow their trumpet! To give is beautiful & I feel very humble, i do not want recognition, but it makes me proud when i see all these wonderful things happen! What we get out of it is a true bonus! Somebody benefits is what i feel so good about! To all those who help, great one, I have the utmost respect for you! Take care & I hope you have the best of health & happiness always because your unselfishness!

CAT17

I have helped a little, BUT in different areas I have been, I have been lucky & fortunate enough to see people do something to help others, it makes me totally proud to be an Australian. Lots of...

My younger daughter was recently married in Fiji and on her honeymoon she asked her husband to take her to the local school so she could deliver the books and pencils she had brought with her from Australia. I was so proud of her to think she thought of making others happy on her happy honeymoon. Her mother-in-law was very impressed when she heard of this she sent a cheque to the school so books etc. could be purchased. Sharing with others who have so little is a very rewarding thing to do. I always bundle up good clothing to pass onto charities. I put parcels under the Christmas trees for the less fortunate and I must admit it makes for a very happy Christmas for me.

Leelita

I always help anyone i see in need. I was broght up to do this. I also have brought my children up to do the same and it warms my heart when my 23 yr old daughter or 19 yr old son tell me they gave up a seat on the bus or helped an elderly person with something or various other things. I beleve we were put on earth for a many reasens and one simple one is to be kind to others and to help when we can. I so dislike it when i see people ignoring others in need. Just not right.

luanne

probably buty can't think of a certain instance right now, but I am a firm believer to share nice things about people where to can, nice dress, nice haircut etc, if you cant see anything nice don't say anything at all

Shay-Dee

I am a BIG fan of pay it forward, I even joined the Face book group lol.

I do little things whenever I can to help people out :)

Anonymous

Bought soup for some homeless people but they didn't want it :(

summernz

At my local library recently where a young boy about 9 -10 was trying to borrow some book - his mum had some outstanding fees -8.50 which was blocking this from happening - I paid it on his behalf and went on with the day.:)

Anonymous

Doing selfless acts gives me a sense of euphoria. It has been proven in studies that people feel better about buying things for friends or family than for themselves. I try to be nice and do things for people whenever I get the chance to :)

Yo Momma

As I walked thru the station with my boys we saw an old man in a ragged suit eating scraps from the tables at Maccas. I asked the boys if they wanted to eat or give their lunch money to the old man. They chose to buy him a decent feed and a hot drink. He was so surprised he was speechless. It doesn't take much to give someone hope and show them you care, you should try it ; it feels good.

Anonymous

i always let eldery people go first or hold doors open for them

KNM

I have done a few things this year which I felt really happy doing - and I didn't know anyone of them. Whilst standing at a queue at a coffee shop, I bought a Mum and her little girl a coffee - didn't know them, but just offered them a drink. I think the Mum was very shocked, at first she thought it was a joke, but when she asked for what she wanted (and her little girl asked for a iced chocolate and cake), and I paid up and wished them a happy Xmas, they were standing there with surprised smiles on their faces. Have bought a couple of homeless folks a hot drink and sandwich in the Winter. But the thing that really made me feel happy was buying some toys/books and taking them down to Westmead Childrens Hospital and donating them as Xmas presents. Just knowing that a child waking up on Xmas morning and having a little gift that might make them smile whilst they're trying to heal/get better - gets me choked up with happiness.
I believe that if you dish out your kindness whenever you can - that one day, it will come back to you when you might need it.

Tha

I once ended up arriving in a town in the middle of Malaysia around 10 o'clock at night and for some reason the local hotels were all full so after an hour of traipsing around with my backpack I was contemplating a night in a doorway; female, early 20s, alone and to be honest scared. A complete stranger stopped to ask if I was ok and not only went off on his moped to find me a hotel room but also offered to pay for it for me. He was hoping to travel himself one day so was hoping that the good karma would come back to him when he was travelling. I was not only enormously grateful for his help, I also felt ashamed of initially suspecting his motives..... He was just a genuinely kind and generous man.

VivK

Its so nice to know there are lovely people out there. I know at times I have been surprised at the courtesy of teenage boys - opening a door for me or being polite when you expect them to be rude like most are. It proves that some parents do a good job.
I started this discussion as I had just done a RAK and wondered if other did too. Recently I sold one of my handmade needle felted bears to a lady in the States, she bought the purple bear from me as she was collecting purple bears in memory of her Mum who had died earlier in the year of pancreatic cancer. It was only after I sent her the bear that she told me this. I was touched by her story and decided to make another purple bear for her and send it as a Christmas present to her - her first Christmas without her Mum would be hard so I made a purple angel bear and sent it with a Christmas card. I dont know if she has got it yet but whether I hear from her or not it was my little RAK for this time of year. Its so nice to know there are still lots of kind people in this world. Happy Christmas everyone! (and keep telling me your stories too)

DiDi

On Friday A young boy in our Shopping centre left a bike lying across the walkway. I looked at him and said "not a good idea" he just pick it up and moved it and gave me a big smile. ( walk with a stick). Then a another fellow came along and pick it up and stood it up again the drain pipe to make sure the nobody fell over it. So there people out there that do random acts of kindness. This was in the suburb of Tahmoor NSW.

cedar51

A few months ago, a well dress young man got onto my train and when the ticket guy came to get him ticketed - he handed over his EFTPOS card but the guy couldn't do it that way - you either have to have cash or a pre-paid ticket.

the young man was ratting around in his pockets and briefcase but couldn't come up with the right amount...so I just called out

"how do you need?" and then paid his fare to the city...

the rest of the carriage kept looking at me, as if I was some sort of freak and the young man finally came over to me, wanted my contact but I said "no problems, do a good deed for someone else"

apparently, he never caught the train but had to drop his car off for service in my suburb and then thought "I'll get the train" obviously he hadn't thought through the whole thing - need fare!!

cedar51

ceder51 just want you to know that the fact the other people on the train looked at you as if you were a freak says a lot more about the sort of people they are than it does about you and the sort...

Jess25 thanks - I spend a lot of time doing things for others because I believe that it comes back to oneself in certain other ways :-)

Jess25

A few months ago, a well dress young man got onto my train and when the ticket guy came to get him ticketed - he handed over his EFTPOS card but the guy couldn't do it that way - you either have to...

ceder51 just want you to know that the fact the other people on the train looked at you as if you were a freak says a lot more about the sort of people they are than it does about you and the sort of person you are, I know which sort person I prefer, keep up the kindness and don't let anyone change the way you do things, have a lovely day.

mae

i have a sticker on my car that says' practice random acts of kindness', it certainly reminds me whilst driving to let someone else go first or get the car space

VivK

i have a sticker on my car that says' practice random acts of kindness', it certainly reminds me whilst driving to let someone else go first or get the car space

Its always nice when someone lets you merge in or indicates to let you go first when driving, Makes the experience so much nicer. I always try and let others in or go first if I can but there are so many aggressive drivers out there who make it hard for the nice ones.

Doc

Hi Viv,
I have both given & received R A O K.
On the giving, as a trained first aider, I like to give help when I can.
I have also just helped people pick up spilled groceries. Simple things like that.

On the receiving; Not long ago at a big shopping centre I had some keys cut & didn't have enough money to pay the full price.
A complete stranger nearby just walked up to the counter & handed the man $10 & said take it out oif that.
I couldn't thank the stranger enough.
Gary

cupcake40au

I have just come home from a bus trip looking at xmas lights. The couple who organised this did so at their own expense to take "single" people on an outing who dont have partners to go with. They hired the 49 seater coach, we toured around, went to maccas where they shouted everyone ice creams, then went driving some more ending up at a wonderful display of lights at a church where again they paid for us all to have a drink and cake or donuts. These 2 people would have to be the most unselfish kind caring couple I have ever come across .. they get enjoyment out of giving to others.

gardenbutterfly

I watched a very distracted/ harried bank teller serve the two people in front of me and my son. When it came our turn she was polite and said all the right things but was just flat and monotoned. Knowing how I was suffering the prechristmas blues I proceeded to the local bakery and bought a festive cupcake. I returned to the teller , her face lit up in astonishment. I hope the rest of her day was a little brighter! My children tell me I am embarrassing because I often find myself doing little things for others when out and about but I hope as they grow up they are kind enough to perform their own RAKs...............

Jess25

I watched a very distracted/ harried bank teller serve the two people in front of me and my son. When it came our turn she was polite and said all the right things but was just flat and monotoned....

Hello gardenbutterfly, so nice to meet a kindred spirit, my two kids(24 & 14 girls) also find my helpful ways a little embarassing but I know it is rubbing off on them as my eldest daughter has embraced the tradition of purchasing a gift for the Kmart wishing tree at Christmas time and she also buys 'The Big Issue' magazine and my youngest has handed in a purse that she found, I have witnessed both my girls perform small but very important acts of kindness sometimes without even realizing it and it makes me a proud mum, so you keep doing what you're doing and making the world a better place and your kids better people, they are lucky to have such a lovely, kind mum and I reckon they know it. Have a lovely day.

penszen

I'll never forget when a young homeless man from our neighbourhood offered my 4 year old some of his fish and chips. I'd seen him around, always barefoot, even through winter, and possibly with a mental illness. We happened to be sitting on the bench next to him one day and we offered my son a chip or two. It was such a lovely generous, thoughtful thing to do from someone who obviously didn't have much but was willing to share it anyway.

Ekkaboy

I was walking past the primary school that my kids attend and saw a frail elderly lady having trouble carrying a stack of wrapped Chrissy pressies. I helped her carry them to the teachers she wanted to deliver to - the teachers (who I actually knew as in previous years they had taught my own kids) were obviously very pleased with their pressies. Turned out the father (this lady's son) and the mother had recently had a rather acrimonious split, and the father had just relocated with the kids to the area. The grandma was really impressed with the special attention the teachers had provided to the kids to help them settle in, in this nasty time for the poor kids, so she'd gone out of her way to get them presents - and my help has just reinforced her newfound belief in the strength and friendliness of our local community.

Muskrat

We live in a bayside surburb.my friends and I have a policy pay it forward.recently a lady needed bus fare to get home i offered and when she asked how could she pay me back i told her to pay it forward meaning the next time she saw someone who need help just help them,i have helped a few people like this some short at the checkout or even in a fruit shop,i think if the world took this attitude then maybe we could get along together,instead of thinking of just our problems,(which i know people have many)some people like to help but don't know how they will be treated,all i can say is the smile i get is thanks enough knowing i have helped in a small wy

bliss

We live in a bayside surburb.my friends and I have a policy pay it forward.recently a lady needed bus fare to get home i offered and when she asked how could she pay me back i told her to pay it...

payforward is brilliant idea
they made a film about it and it was clear
that the small simple kindness has a ripple effect
can make the world a better place a river t an ocean is an idea to expect
jeannie bliss

Ekkaboy

We live in a bayside surburb.my friends and I have a policy pay it forward.recently a lady needed bus fare to get home i offered and when she asked how could she pay me back i told her to pay it...

Yo Muskrat - I love the "pay it forward" philosophy - I teach it to my kids as karma (tho I was raised a strict - now very lapsed - catholic!!!!)

grandmahawk

The day before our wedding, we were driving along and I saw an old man fall down in his front garden rose bed. We turned back and helped him and my husband alerted his family.
On our wedding day which was in the depths of winter the weather was fine with a light breeze and 26C. I think that was our unlooked for reward.:)

cat

yesterday at the supermarket an elderly couple came up behind me in the checkout aisle and i suggested they go ahead of me as a bit of respect to my elders