R.A.O.K.s

R.A.O.K. - Random. Acts. Of. Kindness.  This world really has gone crazy, as the Judd’s sang in their song ‘Grandpa’.  Every day I read about so much mean-spiritedness and hatefulness that people are doing to others, just for the sheer purpose of doing it, or needing to feel as if they are in control.  I often ask myself why people would do this? And then I read a story about an unsung hero that gives of themselves to help another, just for the sheer delight in bringing a smile to someone’s face.

RAOK’s are very simple things.  They don’t always take a lot of money.  They don’t always require great investments in time.  They just take a mindset that we are blessed and should share those blessings with others.

Join me on the porch to learn a few ways you can offer Random Acts of Kindness. And who knows? We may just make this world a better place to live.

The Farm Wife (Website & Resource Page)

Let's Visit! (email)

Transcript

R.A.O.K. - Random. Acts. Of. Kindness.  This world really has gone crazy, as the Judd’s sang in their song ‘Grandpa’.  Every day I read about so much mean-spiritedness and hatefulness that people are doing to others, just for the sheer purpose of doing it, or needing to feel as if they are in control.  I often ask myself why people would do this? And then I read a story about an unsung hero that gives of themselves to help another, just for the sheer delight in bringing a smile to someone’s face.

RAOK’s are very simple things.  They don’t always take a lot of money.  They don’t always require great investments in time.  They just take a mindset that we are blessed and should share those blessings with others.  They can be something as simple as putting a sticky note on the bathroom mirror to remind your spouse or children that they are wonderful.  

We may love the idea of Random Acts of Kindness, but we aren’t really sure where to start. That’s easy. If you don’t have any money to spend, start with a sweet smile, and wish the person you see a cheerful ‘Good Morning!” Take food to a sick neighbor. If you are in the checkout line, allow someone with one or fewer items to go ahead of you.  Make it a policy to offer kind words to the people you see.

If you are tall, help someone reach an item on the top shelf. When you see someone drop an item, reach down, pick it up, and hand it back to them – with a smile. 

Go to the children’s ward in a hospital and read to some of the patients.  You will bring a little joy to the child, and also maybe provide a quick break for the parent who is keeping watch. Or ask permission to read to an elderly patient who doesn’t have any visitors. 

There are days when we do have a little extra cash. For some, even a gift that costs a few dollars is welcome. Did you see that homeless person on your way to Subway?  Buy an extra sandwich and a drink, then drop it off on your way back.  Take a bouquet of flowers to the nurse’s station in a hospital and ask the nurses which patient needs them the most or take them to a Nursing Home, put them in the common area, then have a seat and visit with the residents. If you are fortunate enough to grow your own cut flowers, this will only cost you a bit of time. If you don’t, you can usually get a bouquet at a local grocery store for a relatively reasonable price.

In today’s world, there are too many kids who are left on their own after school or during the summer, because their parents both have to work just to put a roof over their family’s head. Most of them have arranged for day care, but occasionally they need a sitter. Volunteer to keep a child one day a week, or once a month.  Offer a young couple with small children and very little money to babysit one Saturday night.  Give them gift certificates to a restaurant or tickets to a Community Theater.  Or give them a ‘Day Date’ by packing a picnic lunch for them to take to the park.

Recently, I saw a Facebook post where a group of people are doing R.A.O.C.K.s – which translates to Random Acts of Crochet Kindness. They crochet small objects, like bookmarks and tiny animals. Then they package them in a plastic bag with a note that begins, “I’m not lost – I’m waiting for you!” From there they leave these kind gifts in various places with the hopes that they bring a smile to someone’s face and heart. 

But you don’t have to crochet to offer this same type of Random Act of Kindness. Other crafts, such as knitting, and pin loom weaving will work just as well. Are you a skilled painter? Offer painted rocks with encouraging words, such as ‘Hope’, ‘Dream’, ‘Faith’, and even something such as ‘You Got This’! If you enjoy calligraphy, consider designing your own bookmarks. I recently found an article in an old issue of Handwoven magazine where Laurette Hoagland shared her ideas for weaving a Hallelujah Doll. It was so cute I went to the Handwoven magazine website and purchased the May/June 1997 issue. They are surprisingly simple to make, so I will be making several of these to share! And just in case you are interested in making them as well, I shared a link to the Handwoven issue in the show notes. 

Place each item you make in a plastic bag and add a note letting people know your gift is free for the taking. The beauty of this type of R.A.O.K. is it doesn’t cost much. It may even be free if you already have the craft supplies on hand. And it’s something you can do in the evenings, or even during your afternoon teatime. 

If you’re like me and have a huge stash of yarn, consider making scarf and hat sets and donating them to your local homeless shelter. Bake cookies and deliver them to the people who work at your bank. Send a note of encouragement to someone you know is struggling. 

The list of possible RAOK’s is endless. And even the smallest gesture can begin to help others to believe in the beauty of the world and mankind, when they have just about given up hope. 

As much as I hate to add these next words, I truly have to add a caveat to offering Random Acts of Kindness. In the world we live in, there are situations that we should steer clear of, even if we are truly trying to be kind and do the right thing. Going into questionable areas alone – and in some cases, at all - should never be done, for the sake of safety.

When it comes to visiting hospitals and nursing homes, there is a chance we will be turned away. If you are not a family member or approved visitor, the medical staff would be violating the strict HIPAA laws, which means they cannot allow you to do this. If this is still something you want to do, talk to the Human Resources department, and ask if they have a volunteer program you can join. 

If you see an elderly person struggling, be aware that your presence may frighten them. Approach them slowly and at a distance and ask first if you can be of some help. If they are still struggling, but tell you no, tell them you understand, and then ask if you can go get Security to assist them. If they still say no, then step back and watch until they overcome the struggle. If the situation is obviously a real problem, tell Security anyway. 

Here's a surprising thing about RAOK’s. Not only do they bring happiness to others, but you can also benefit from it as well. Doing for others helps us to feel a sense of purpose and gives us an opportunity to build connections. It may even give us a better perspective and see where we aren’t the only ones who need help in difficult times.

Are you thinking RAOK’s is something you want to get started doing? Then here’s your homework.  Sit down and make a list of any and all the R.A.O.K.’s that you can do.  Then make a point to do at least one or more every day.  If we all do this, and others catch on, wouldn’t the world be a nicer place to live? 

If you want to learn more about living a Simple Life, just visit my website at www.thefarmwife.com/ . If you’re enjoying listening to these podcasts, you can support the show by clicking the SUPPORT button in the show notes. When you do, you’ll be helping me continue bringing you fun and helpful ideas for living the Simple Life you love!

If you have questions or just want to stop in for a visit, you can do that through email at thevirtualporch@gmail.com. And be sure to subscribe – you don’t want to miss a single conversation. I'll be sitting on the porch every Monday morning waiting for your visit!

Thanks again for stopping in. I will see you next week on Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. And while you are waiting for the next episode, grab that glass of refreshment, pull up a rocker, and sit back for a while. It’s time to relax and enjoy.