Help Others.org: 30 Acts In 30 Days for My 30th Birthday -- A Kindness Story

As some of you know, my 30th birthday party is coming up and I have themed it a 'Random Acts of Kindness' party where we will be doing various things to bestow kindness upon others.

My best friend, who cannot attend because she lives in South Africa (I'm in Australia) has chosen to participate in the event anyway. She has given me the best present possible! I felt so good when I received her email. Not just because of the beautiful comments she made, but also to see that my random acts of kindness idea has even reached the other side of the world and will make a difference to people so far away. It's absolutely inspirational.

Since we met in July 2003, you have been a wonderful inspiration to me and a great friend. You are a special person and I love your unique way of looking at the world. It inspires me and stretches me to look at the world in a new way too. I love your optimism and outlook on life, and I love your idea for the Random Acts of Kindness to celebrate your birthday. At a time when most people would be looking at themselves, I love that you have chosen to turn your attention to spreading kindness to others.

So, my commitment to you, to celebrate your 30th birthday, is that I will do 30 acts of kindness in 30 days in your honour. I started today, and will email them to you as I do them (although you'll have to wait for any from Botswana until I get back on the 11th)

They say it takes 30 days to make or break a habit, so I hope that by doing this deliberately for 30 days, it will become a habit to think more of others and less of myself, and to find little innovative ways to make someone's day.

1. Went in to work on one of my days off for an extra half day at Cheetah Outreach to give them a hand as this time of year is very busy

2. Got up at 5am and baked home-made cookies and took them to work as a moral booster (very well received by all!)

I am so fortunate to have the most precious friend in the world. I can't wait to see what else she does!

Reader Comments

30 comments: page 1 | 2 | 3

Norman wrote: Thanks for sharing and happy birthday by the way (in advance if not yet commemorated). Its so wonderful,insightful and a great approach to birthday celebration. Come to think of it, during memorable days, some countries have a sequence of event to mark the respective days. Just never brought it down to a personal level during individual birthdays. Tell u what, from now on, i'll borrow your friends idea of a birthday celebration (i.e if not yet patented). God bless and many happy returns on your upcoming birthday.

Norman wrote: I love Niels idea of RAOK day. Well, for some of us its daily, but then, we have Valentines' day too yet some express it daily. RAOK day will certainly be a noble idea.

AAJ wrote: Being kind to others is something I long for always, and I get more inspired when I see or read about other poeple who devote their lives to kindness.
I am more inspired today and eagerly looking to read about the remaing 28 day's events. God bless you.

CKM wrote: Thank you for this wonderful message! I'll be 75 this December. Wanted it to be meaningful...I'm inspired! I started a log/journal this evening. I have 28 weeks between now and then to log up 75 RAOK!

Bhavneet Arneja wrote: Jackie,
A real true inspiration! And a cause very well done!
I had never believed in celebrating my birthdays all these years, however, now I have all reasons to celebrate the day this way each year.
And a special thanks to your friend, for all her efforts!!

Natural wrote: It is an extremely beautiful gesture. I always believe that it costs absolutely nothing to be kind and polite to all around you. And the best reward is that wonderful feeling after a good deed.

cindy wrote: what a thoughtful birthday gift. I know you must be proud to call her friend.

walkin talk wrote: Beautiful! There needs to be more people in the world like this! I'm going to start doing random of acts of kindness again, it's a blessing to be able to bless others in any way possible. Peace, love, nd harmony to all!

Sr. Lina wrote: Very inspiring idea, comgratulations! RAOK is what the world needs today, not grant parties, May this message be known to many and and inspire them as it has really inspired me

bharni wrote: Very inspiring! I am happy for you to have such a wonderful friend:)

30 Acts In 30 Days for My 30th Birthday

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