Random Acts of Kindness: Changing the Lives of Others

It's that time again. Another year has passed and we find ourselves looking forward to another new year. With the new year comes hopes for change, a new year to mend our broken past, and change our lives for the better. It is a chance to start all over and make the necessary changes that we failed to make in years past.

But what about making resolutions that can actually benefit the lives of others by doing them all year long? Instead of making some narcissistic resolution that you probably won't keep, why not try something that would actually help other people. The most rewarding things in life are often the selfless acts that a person does for the benefit of others. This year, my resolutions have changed. I have a few resolutions that will still change my own life, but I am looking for the bigger picture now. In 2008 I want to see a change in the world, no matter how minuscule...I just want to positively affect the lives of others.

Just the other day, I found myself at the counter in the local Starbucks ordering a venti fresh brewed coffee. In my hand I held a giftcard, a Christmas gift already put to good use. As I was standing there, something came over me. I can't quite explain what it was other than a feeling of good will towards men. My coffee cost about $2.00 and after my purchase I had about $3.50 left on my giftcard. I asked the young lady behind the counter to please give my giftcard to the next person that walked through the door and it felt really good. I know that $3.50 isn't a lot of money, but I am not a millionaire and this was just a small way to contribute to the next person who happened to be a complete stranger. I know that with that one simple random act of kindness, that I might have made someone's day or simply put a smile on their face. The most rewarding part is knowing that the person that I gave the giftcard to, will never even be able to thank me. The only thing they can do...is to do a random act of kindness for someone else.