Jordan Abbott~ Guest Writer
Many believe mid-February to be the season of romance and affection, but it is also a time nationally dedicated to performing random acts of kindness.
Random acts of kindness is a phrase that was first coined by Ohio-native journalist and author Anne Herbert in 1982.
National Random Acts of Kindness Day was established in 1995 by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, and is celebrated annually on February 17th.
The random acts of kindness movement inspired by Herbert has led to the creation of charity organizations, television shows, books, websites, and more, all with the intention of doing good deeds without the expectation of anything in return.
There are many ways to celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day on campus, such as:
- Pay for someone’s coffee- After all, your express money won’t spend itself!
- Donate to the university’s food pantries– Food can be easily donated by placing items in any of the pantries or collection bins located around campus. Your donation could make someone’s day!
- Write a thank you note- Taking the time out of your day to write a physical thank you note is a great way to show gratitude towards a professor, staff member or student.
- Compliment someone- Giving compliments has benefits for both the giver and recipient. It is a great way to strike up a conversation.
- Visit the Center for Community Engagement for volunteer opportunities- The Center for Community Engagement, on the second floor of Drysale, helps coordinate all things service and volunteer related – both on campus and off.
Not only does performing a random act of kindness improve the lives of those around you, but it can also improve your personal wellbeing!
According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, “Acts of kindness are often accompanied by emotional warmth. Emotional warmth produces the hormone, oxytocin, in the brain and throughout the body. Of recent interest is its significant role in the cardiovascular system.”
For more information on the random acts of kindness movement, visit https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/.
Sources
- https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-quotes/123-wherever-there-is-a-human
- https://arraybc.com/random-acts-of-kindness
- https://www.lynchburg.edu/about/office-of-equity-and-inclusion/resources/food-pantries/
- https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
- https://www.lynchburg.edu/student-life/center-for-community-engagement/
- https://lnlchild.com/9-unique-ways-to-spread-kindness-on-national-random-acts-of-kindness-day/
