The Random Acts of Kindness: Key Issues

Introduction

In today’s world, not many people understand what kindness actually means and what benefits may be observed. For example, a man is confident of his kindness when he holds a door in an elevator or gives a seat to a pregnant woman or the elderly. However, it is necessary not to confuse kindness with ordinary decency. The value of kindness is usually disregarded, and individuals forget about compassion, selflessness, and happiness that are associated with the chosen concept. This presentation focuses on the action known as a “random act of kindness,” when people are ready to offer their help to the whole world, regardless of the existing social, financial, or ethical inequalities. During the pandemic era, such attitudes are highly appreciated because a person alone cannot resist the COVID challenges alone, but society, as a whole, is able to survive, demonstrating kind and supporting behaviors. Random acts of kindness have their unique backgrounds and solid outcomes, and it is high time to find new reasons for sharing positive emotions and helping each other.

Body

1. Although random acts of kindness do not represent an official movement or policy, it is a great chance for society to promote improvements and show the best qualities that are inherent to humans.

   1. In the United States, citizens have officially celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17 since 1995 (Random Acts of Kindness Foundation).

      1. A number of activities are frequently promoted as a part of this holiday, including sharing the line in a store, donating to shelters, or sending encouraging texts.
      2. Many organizations find it interesting to participate in sharing their services or products for free and demonstrate their care for the population.
   2. The concept of kindness is complex and may be explained in a variety of human actions when social exchange and equity are appreciated (Stoerkel).

      1. People find it normal to help each other if they have close relationships, and random acts of kindness expand similar actions at an acquaintance level (Stoerkel).
      2. Promoting acts of kindness during COVID-19 has already become popular and is revealed through sharing essential product, visiting friends distantly, or celebrating the joys of life (McDermott)
2. In addition to social support and cooperation, random acts of kindness are associated with increased well-being.

   1. On the one hand, this kind of relationship helps find out an emotional balance that is critical to many people in different situations (Stoerkel).

      1. Those who receive kindness feel loved and forget about current problems or unpleasant situations, at least for some moment.
      2. For example, it is possible to appreciate the work of some customer service manager and leave positive feedback, which may result in financial benefit for an employee (Random Acts of Kindness Foundation).
   2. On the other hand, positive changes in physical health and mental well-being cannot be ignored (Stoerkel).

      1. Kindness is considered as one of the causes of increased oxytocin, known as the love hormone, that lowers blood pressure and stabilizes the heart work (Stoerkel).

         1. Kindness is closely connected to increased self-esteem and optimism, which reduces the risks of depression, anxiety, or another mental disorder (Stoerkel).
3. It is always voluntary to perform random acts of kindness, and people enjoy these activities as they are rewarding for the establishment of a community spirit.

   1. Not many people are ready to put their health at risk during the coronavirus crisis, but kindness strengthens human relationships anytime (McDermott).

      1. Some community services are limited due to social isolation, and if individuals start meeting their needs distantly, they can avoid multiple problems.
      2. It could happen that one person lacks something, and another person has extra, and kindness is what makes people share and gain control of shortages.
   2. It is evident that during the last several decades, people have appreciated their individual growth and independence a lot, and random acts of kindness show how rewarding cooperation could be.

      1. Instead of buying another pair of shoes or watching a phone, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation suggests buying a coffee to a stranger in line and observing positive emotions and unbelievable rewarding.
      2. Unfortunately, today, it is not common for teachers to hear “Thank you” from students, and these acts of kindness remind people that the best feelings can be provoked by simple actions (Stoerkel).

Conclusion

Millions of modern people are preoccupied with a variety of complex goals, difficult plans, and high expectations. Relying mostly on their technologies and the already established standards, society has forgotten about simple but essential values and qualities like kindness, support, and mutual help. Random Acts of Kindness is an idea that aims at the restoration of old traditions and human factors that were in demand in former times. However, it is not enough to expect kindness from someone, but it is better to become the authors of kind thoughts and actions. It is always easy for people to wait for something good from others, neglecting the possibility of real contributions to social development and community perfection. Random acts of kindness are created by people and for people, and this type of cooperation is probably the last chance not to lose humanity in a constantly changing world.

Works Cited

McDermott, Marie Tae. “Helping One Another During the Pandemic.” The New York Times, 2020.

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. “50 Kindness Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Day.” Random Acts of Kindness, 2017.

Stoerkel, Erika. “Can Random Acts of Kindness Increase Well-Being? (Incl. 22 Ideas).” Positive Psychology, 2020.