Kindness to Strangers

I love reading stories about strangers helping others. During the floods in Brisbane and Queensland there were hundreds of stories about individuals and groups giving time and energy to assist friends, neighbours and strangers. Thousands of people donated money to the Premier's Relief fund. In times of natural disasters, people band together to help each other.
In normal everyday life, we can create acts of kindness. There are some great stories on the Readers Digest website at http://www.powerofgood.com.au/stories.

We have many books that I have enjoyed and I'm sure others would too. I'm getting more information on the footpath libraries -  their website is worth a look as well. Go to http://www.footpathlibrary.org/index.html.

Now I'm wondering if anyone could benefit from listening to CD's that we no longer use.

Here's another comment on looking for opportunities to give - picture this:
A busy railway station, with commuters rushing to work, plugged into music, newspapers under arms. A mother with a toddler and baby in a stroller is hurrying to catch her train. The child's hat falls off and disappears under an army of legs. Luckily, someone notices. She retrieves the hat and takes it to the mother, just as she is berating her son for losing his hat. Relief and smiles all round. Is this only minor incident? I believe it's more than that. Thank you to all of who go out of their way to assist, no matter how small.

More on random acts of kindness

Do you think that we are in general a "less caring" society? I don't think so. I do believc however that we have learned to distance ourselves from others, which may be a form of self defence against the unrelenting tide of bad news world wide.
Most people are happy to help, to respond to a specific request. A wise person once told me to learn to ask for and accept help, because it makes others feel good about themselves.
Politeness and consideration for others may have diminished a little in our busy busy lives, but I think we can change that by looking for opportunities to help others.
So this week I am looking for the chance to give a little, and be more patient. Allow someone to easily enter my lane in traffic, hold a door open, smile at customer service people.
Still working on the pavement library idea as well.

Another Way to Give

Here's a request passed on by givit.org - it's a different way of helping out.

We have a wonderful campaign today!!
Karuna is an organisation that brings comfort, support, care and peace of mind to those who are dying, as well as their carers and families. They provide free nursing, counselling, spiritual care, grief and loss support and equipment loans to over 500 people a year.  They take amazing care for people who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and provide emotional, spiritual and physical care for these people and their families free of charge.
Karuna is having a fundraiser where they sell and auction BLING!  If you have any old, new or used jewellery that you do not wear that you would like to donate to a wonderful cause.
Drop off or post your bling to GIVIT, PO Box 3061, Newstead, Q4006.  We will let you know we have received it safely.

I've been reading about micro volunteering and really like the idea that many people can be involved in donating time and expertise for a common goal.
Next up? Some random acts of kindness. Not quite sure where to start with this - I don't want to be dragging little old ladies across the road against their will!

Excellence

I'd like to share my favourite quote:
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle

The food bank sent a lovely email thanking us for our donation. Another feel good moment!
I saw the Salvation Army at the shops during the week and gave them some change from my purse. I admire their organisation and the work they do.

I'm looking at the pavement book bank - I think that's what it's called. Books are available for homeless people to take and read. Seems to me that if I've finished with a book, then someone else should be able to benefit from that book.

Let's look at micro volunteering!

There are some great ideas on the net regarding small acts of giving. I've often thought about volunteering, but have been worried about the time I'd need to commit over a long period. This is no longer an issue. I'm sure there are places or organisations that would appreciate a few hours here and there. I've also found I can give small items spontaneously! Random acts of kindness have always intrigued me. I managed to give away a TV to someone who needs it. Also, some food for a food bank.
"The Ripple Effect" talks about how we feel better about ourselves when giving, and it's true. Yesterday I gave some chocolate to receptionists at a medical centre. They enjoyed the treat and I felt good!
So this week, I'll be reading what others are doing (in a small way) to help. I'm positive there will be some excellent ideas.

Week 2 - Giving this week?

I've joined givit.org and subscribed to their list, which details goods needed urgently. I have sorted out clothes for Vinnies and clothes for Dressed for Success.
Here's something interesting - now that I'm thinking about giving, I'm talking about it as well. One of my co-workers will also be donating clothes to Dressed for Success.
One of my favourite books is The Ripple Effect by Tony Ryan - how you can make a difference to the world every day. I'll be re-reading it this week.

This weekend it's clothes

I've done a quick search on the net and am glad to see there are many blogs and websites dedicated to giving - I will be reading them shortly.
This weekend I'll be sorting through some of my clothes. Anything I haven't worn for 12 months will be donated. There's an organisation called "Dress for Success" which is looking for clothing suitable for work situations. Casual clothes that still look good will go to charity.
Time to start giving!