The basic principal of an act of kindness is to simply do something nice for someone else. The only payback being that they in turn do one nice thing for someone else when they can. Simple. This simple act however can change a persons day completely around. Have you ever just had a terrible day and then someone goes out of their way to help or say something and suddenly things are just better? You're in a great mood and this great mood makes you want to help someone else.

These acts don't have to be just random. Take the Secret Society of Serendipitous Service to Hal. They take time to truly plan out ways to help people anonymously. This is harder than it sounds. You have to plan this adventure carefully. For instance I wanted to buy the meal for the person behind me at McDonalds. There was a payment window and a food window so by the time I would have gotten my food they would have known and it would no longer be anonymous. The person behind *them* in line hadn't finished ordering so I couldn't buy there's. My plan was foiled, but I'll get it to work next time. Just planning it and trying to make it work put me in a better mood and made me want to do even more.

The best thing about acts of kindness is that they can be done by anyone, anywhere. They don't take special skills and they add a bit of life to your day. Who knows you may get so much enjoyment out of it you'll just keep going!

Just a few things to try:

Pay for someone else's meal at a restaurant or fast food line - This is harder than it sounds!!!
Put money in a parking meter
Mow someones lawn
Rake a neighbors leaves
Buy someone else's gas
Pay for someones movie or concession stand food
Give an unexpected gift
Compliment someone
Hold the elevator door for someone rushing to get on
Hand out flowers
Hand out free umbrellas on a rainy day
Get freebies from a movie watcher program like free popcorn? Don't just throw it away if you don't use it - give it to someone in line who can use it. Movie food prices are out of control!

Only your imagination limits the good deads you can do! What better adventure is there than one that helps someone else?

One small follow up note - you might want to include a small card when you do these things to let the person know it was just an act of kindness. TheRandom Acts of Kindness and theSSSSHsites both have cards ready to print, but feel free to make up your own!

I add this because people may think there's a mistake or be suspicious if they're told someone else paid for their meal, etc. My own example is again from fast food. Went out at lunch today and tried again to buy for the car two behind me. First they made the mistake and gave me the amount for the car immediately behind me which was fine. However as I pulled away I saw her arguing with the guy that she didn't pay and there was a mistake. I could have avoided all of that with a little note. I did tell the person that it was a random act, but his English was not the best and I don't think he understood. So let the person know that you did mean to pay or whatever! They'll be spared the confusion and just be able to enjoy the gift.

Let me know about your kindness adventures!