By Jennifer Blanck, MiCAFE Network Coordinator

Jayne Howard Feldman started Be An Angel Day back in 1993 as a way to encourage people to do random acts of kindness. Although it is nice to have an official day to raise awareness, it really should be a part of our daily lives that we never need reminding. It is much easier than we think, and more impactful than we will ever know.

The other day I was driving to pick up my mom and had a lot on my mind. I was feeling rather stressed and kind of in a funky, grumpy mood. I must have had a grumpy look on my face as I was stopped at a corner waiting to turn, when I man in another vehicle made his turn passed me and said ‘Hey girl, smile!’ and he had a goofy smile on his face. I couldn’t help but to shake my head and give a chuckle, and I smiled the rest of the way to my mom’s house, which helped to get my mind out of the funk that had been bothering me. A small, simple, silly gesture that helped to change my mood and cost that man absolutely nothing, is just one example of doing a random act of kindness. This also helps remind me to pay it forward to other people I may cross paths with as well, so I can maybe brighten up their day.

Here is a list of other ideas to show random acts of kindness:

• Hold the door for a stranger

• Pay for the next person’s coffee

• Let someone go in front of you

• Give a simple compliment

• Wave and/or say hi to a stranger you are driving or walking by

• Mow your neighbor’s lawn

• Write a kind note for a loved one or coworker

• Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while or send them a card

• Fill a parking meter

• Volunteer

• Do a household chore for parents or grandparents without being asked

Remember, future generations are watching, we need to lead by example, so choose kindness.