This post starts with an example of something really easy to do – donate to a charity shop. We have lots to choose from locally and it is possible to choose, for example, between animal charities or ones focused towards people. What I find more challenging is deciding what to ‘let go’, and ensuring that what goes is of saleable quality. I tend to hang on to stuff ‘just in case’, and to wear clothes until they are worn, but there is still lots to choose from whether clothing, books, or other objects. And what of really good quality/expensive things that could (theoretically) be sold? Might funds from a commercial sale be more that could be raised by the charity in question? If so, selling the object and donating the money might raise more for your preferred charity. All food for thought!

As I have said before, it is difficult to know which acts of kindness can be seen as ‘random’ and so I am not worrying over much about this. What I continue to find, however, is that my awareness of ‘kindness opportunities’ has been raised, and so I hope that I am being kind more often. Although I generally notice and thank staff for good or caring service, I have tried to pass on compliments to their managers when appropriate, and in the list below there is an example of this.

What I have also noted in previous posts is that if I am given an opportunity to show kindness, this can also make me feel good. I was delighted to be asked by a friend who is unable to drive to be taken out one day to an place loved by them. I not only get to spend time with someone whose company I enjoy, but be introduced to an area I hardly know – what’s not to like?!

So my acts of kindness – I’ve:

26. Donated objects to the charity shop

27. Let a passenger sit in ‘my seat ‘ in the front of the car as she gets queasy

28. Agreed to take someone out for the day – I’m looking forward to it

29. After it was lost, arranged (and paid) for a replacement bus pass for my husband

30. Sent feedback to TfL about ‘Craig’ who helped with a lost Oyster card – his customer service was excellent.

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