Rules of Happiness - Do Random Acts of Kindness

“If you want others to be happy, practice

compassion. If you want to be happy,

practice compassion.” - Dalai Lama

We’ve all felt it.

That spark of happiness which ignites within us whenever we
do a good deed for someone else.

We hold open the door for the elderly lady behind us, and
she returns the favour with a warm, grandmother’s smile.
You bring a box of chocolates into work for no particular
reason, and get the warm attention of all your colleagues.


The more we give, the more we receive.

And one perfect way to add a little extra happiness to your
own life, and the outside world, is to indulge in Random Acts
of Kindness. Or RAKs as I prefer to abbreviate.

So, what are Random Acts of Kindness?

Well, the clue is really in the name. A RAK is a small act of
kindness that you grant to someone else in the world – for
absolutely no reason whatsoever, without expecting
anything in return.

The classic example of a RAK is to pay at a toll booth for the
car behind you. The recipient of the Random Act of
Kindness will not only be flattered and uplifted by your
generous deed, it’s likely they’ll “pay it forward” to someone
else too. And that person may pay it forward yet again.

Indeed, your single Random Act of Kindness could just
change the world.

So, what Random Acts of Kindness could YOU indulge in –
to make yourself, and the world around you, happier?


Donate to a charity shop. Give someone a hug. Write a letter
of appreciation. Say “I love you” to your parents. Pay for
someone behind you. Donate blood. Scrape the ice off a
stranger’s car windscreen.

Do something for them that they can’t. Give $1 of your
money in the best way you can. Become a conservation
volunteer. Give your groceries to a neighbour. Take
someone out for the day. Spend time with a local elder. Send
someone a bunch of flowers, randomly.


Take chocolate into work for sharing, without a reason.
Thank your mentor for their support. Plant a tree. Pick up
litter. Be someone’s biggest fan for a day. Be nice to someone
who looks low. Smile more. Give food to a nearby shelter.
Hold open the door. Give a cup of food at
www.thehungersite.com.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be exuberant, and it doesn’t
have to cost you a penny.

Just throw a little extra kindness out to the world – and watch
how you find greater happiness starting to flood back into
your own life.

THE 18 RULES of HAPPINESS, Karl Moore