Feb 16, 2023
Forget Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day -- the best February holiday may just be Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17. Aimee brings back to the podcast the Queen of Kindness (and her Mom) Fran Kandrac to talk about what makes this lesser known holiday so special. Fran and Aimee also share ideas to make someone’s day brighter without breaking the bank.
Episode Highlights
Send a handwritten note.
A popular suggestion to spread kindness mentioned on the podcast is the handwritten note, and Fran agrees it can be a great choice to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day.
The note doesn’t have to be very long (a few sentences will do) and can be sent on its own or with a token of appreciation like a gift card. However, if you’re short on time, you can send your message in text.
“If you intend to write that note, and you didn’t get it done, you can still send a text,” Fran said.
Roll up your sleeves.
Not all Random Acts of Kindness are sentimental. You can show appreciation for friends and neighbors by helping up with some physical tasks and chores, which may be especially welcome if someone has an illness.
Some ideas include:
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Taking out the neighbor’s trash
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Shoveling the neighbor’s sidewalk
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Offering to run errands
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Hanging pictures
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Cleaning the gutters
“It’s nice to say, ‘Do you have a honey do list that we can help you with?’” Fran said.
Compliments don't cost a thing.
There are ways to celebrate Random Acts Of Kindness Day without spending money. Fran encourages giving a smile and quick compliment whether passing someone at a grocery store or for a coworker at the office.
“If you’re in an office, compliment somebody or even leave a random post it note on their desk with a compliment,” Fran said. “We all can use a pick me up.”
Don’t forget to show kindness to yourself.
It feels good to give to others. In fact, studies have confirmed people feel better when they give rather than receive. However, don’t forget to also give yourself random acts of kindness.
“I’ve always enjoyed having fresh flowers and I buy them for myself,” Fran said. “You can buy them for yourself as a kindness any day and do something nice for yourself because we all deserve it.”
Spread kindness more than one day a year.
Sure, February 17 may be the official Random Acts of Kindness Day, but you can celebrate the occasion whenever you want to. One idea is to designate one day a year as the Random Acts of Kindness Day for your family.
“I love Random Acts of Kindness Day,” Fran said. “Even if all you do that day is smile at people, you’ll feel better and they’ll feel better.”
Resources + Links
About Aimee and WhatFriendsDo
Aimee Kandrac is a speaker, consultant, and the co-founder and CEO of WhatFriendsDo. Her work is instrumental for organizing support during life-changing events, and she speaks to organizations about creative ways to help friends and family during times of crisis. Aimee has been recognized as a Top 50 Mompreneur by Babble.com and is the first female CEO in the state of Indiana to close a $500,000 funding round. She has been featured in Forbes, Time, the LA Times, Oprah.com, the Indianapolis Star, and more.
WhatFriendsDo is a simpler way to create organized and actionable support during a time of crisis. The free, online platform empowers healthcare facilities, HR departments, families, and friends to easily coordinate meals, errands, transportation, childcare, communication, and more for those in the midst of a life-changing event. The women-founded and women-led company started as a solution for a friend with terminal cancer. WhatFriendsDo is based out of Indianapolis.