The Gift of Nothing is a beautiful children’s book everyone should familiarize themselves with. It revolves around the holiday, and Cat’s difficulties deciding what to get his buddy, Dog. Eventually, Cat decides to wrap the biggest box he can find, filled with nothing more than air. The reason: There’s no greater gift than the friendship they already have. Cat smothers Dog in a BIG hug.
It’s unexpected and it’s beautiful
It really wasn’t a gift of nothing, was it? It was priceless. The number of delightfully, unanticipated gifts received around the world daily is phenomenal. And I’m not talking birthday gifts. It’s the smile and extra tip you leave the barista at Coffee Bean, or the time you take out of your day to help someone in need – simply because you can.
Receiving a “surprise” theatrical Thor poster in the mail definitely qualifies. Thank you, Lesann Berry.
This week is the Random Acts of Kindness Blogfest, today being the official kick-off. As a result, Immortal Monday will be pushed back to Tuesday, the 28th.
– Welcome to my Random Act of Kindness bestowed upon me –
My life would never be the same…
It began like any other weekend may have. I sat at a table outside of a Starbucks, enjoying time with a good friend. The sun was bright and it warmed my skin. The single difference was this day was about to change my life forever.
I am blessed to have an amazing circle of friends. Christine Ashworth is a star among them. That Saturday as we sipped our Chai tea lattes we discussed my writing path. I wavered, uncertain on the desired writing affiliation I wanted or was right for me. Was RWA the right direction for a YA fantasy writer? Or should I be investing my time and money in SCBWI? Waiting for the husband to weigh in, I was trapped in a holding pattern. Money was tight giving me little wiggle room.
Giving Expands Exponentially
Unprovoked and unexpected, I soon found myself a member of RWA‒Romance Writers of America, and I owe it all to the incredible Christine. She sponsored my membership that day, thrusting me into a whole new world of fantastic and supportive writers. Without her random act, or gift, I may not have chosen the Romance Writers of America, but I’m now thrilled to be a member.
I will never forget where my journey changed. Someday I will have the chance to pay it forward to another writer in the same way, on the same level. I look forward to that day. Until then, I give what I can of myself when I can.
Thank you, beautiful friend and fellow writer – Christine Ashworth. Thank you, to all my friends, fellow bloggers and writers out there. I wouldn’t be who and what I am today without each and every one of you. Each and every one of you is special, unique, and matter – to others, to yourself, and to the fabric of life, in ways you may never understand or realize.
Have you been the recipient of a random act of kindness? How did it affect you? Will you pay it forward? I challenge us all to pay our random acts of kindness forward for the rest of this week. I bet it makes you feel good. Try taking those actions beyond a week and keep going.
Check in at The Crazy Life of a Writing Mom to find out more about this Blogfest, the chance to visit more participating and inspiring posts, and to learn all about the cool anthology Wayman Publishing is putting together during this event.
Random Acts of Kindness Anthology
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GREAT NEWS! As part of the amazing Random Acts of kindness Event, Wayman Publishing is offering the eBook version of “Open Doors: Fractured Fairy Tales” FREE from May 27th-31st on Amazon. Remember, it’s one of those books I’ve been published in. 😉 You can read more about it here, plus enjoy more great offers while they last. Grab the book!
Also, the audiobook should be available through iTunes and Amazon within the next 3 weeks! Yay!
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I LOVE random acts of kindness ~ more so to give than receive, but both are excellent in my book. Christine is so fabulous for getting you involved with RWA! I have Kate Wood to thank for pulling me into the family. It’s been the single greatest thing I’ve done for my writing.
Here’s one random act of kindness I like to do on a regular basis ~ when I grab a chai latte from the coffee shop, I purchase one for anyone who needs a cup that day, but doesn’t have enough cash. I never know who the coffee goes to, but that’s okay. I know someone is sipping their drink and grateful for the kindness of others.
Today I’ll give a little extra to pay for any military folks who come into the shop. A little way of saying thanks.
I’m like you. I would much rather give, but in this case I have to give Christine a HUGE HUG. Imagine if I hadn’t joined RWA? Love her!
Your gift of coffee is so thoughtful. Elisa had some wonderful stories this whole month. I invite you to hope over to her blog and check them out. I really like some of the things she did. Kindness is contagious and that’s what this world needs. We can start with us and it really doesn’t take much time at all. My heart is all warm and fuzzy just talking about it. 🙂
Kind people can really make a difference in our lives!
I couldn’t agree more, Sherry. When were kind it tends to be contagious and often gets paid forward. I like that thought.
It was my pleasure and privilege. The passion in your voice as we talked that day just solidified my decision. Hugs honey!
Aw, thanks, my friend. I had passion? Hehe. Hugging you right back. {{{HUG}}}
The kindness of other writers I’ve met, and continue to meet everyday, is truly awe-inspiring. They are so giving of everything- their writing, their experience trying to get published, learning lessons the hard way which they offer to us for free. I am overwhelmed by it, everyday.
Thank you for sharing this act with us. This is such a fantastic idea and I’m so happy to have discovered Elise’s site and company.
Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you, Beverly. I have been astounded by what I’ve found in the writer’s community. They are some of the nicest, most freely giving of their time individuals. I consider myself blessed to be a part of it all. Happy Memorial Day to you. I hope your day is rich with beautiful memories and sunshine. 🙂
Love that pic. I’m looking forward to reading your story, Debra.
Thanks, Emma.
Friends make random acts of kindness all the time. What a neat story to share for this blogfest!
Thank you, M.J. I adore Elisa, and her idea for this blogfest if great! Yes, friends are pretty fantastic that way. Of course, a year ago I was just getting to know Christine, so the gesture really caught me off guard. I didn’t include that part in my story.
It’s great to have a friend who will help push you in the right direction, isn’t it?
It truly is! The generosity of people is a marvelous thing.
What a great idea for a blogfest! Friends are the random acts of kindness bestowed upon us by the universe
Love that, Kassandra. They really are. Where would we be without our friends? The event is scheduled to continue all week long. Feel free to sign up and join in. I’d love to read your story.
What a great friend! Kindness is such an easy thing to express to others. Have a great week!
It really is. It take little effort and we always feel so much better after the fact. Thank you, Diana. Have a wonderful evening.
Love this post. So happy to hear about a RAOK that changed your life.
Recently, I blogged about an entire day where my friends and I went around town committing Random Acts of Kindness. If you’re interested, I’d love for you to check it out.
http://lifeoutsideoftexas.com/2013/05/21/random-acts-of-kindness/
Sounds like you touched many people on your outing. I’ll be sure to check that out. I love that kind of stuff. My kids and I get a great deal of satisfaction when we bestow those little gifts on the unsuspecting. Thanks for stopping by, Meagan.
I love hearing about things like that. And I need to look for more opportunities to do random acts of kindness…which means I actually have to leave my house for more than just quick trips to the store. 🙂
The one thing that comes immediately to mind, when someone did something nice for me, happened last summer. I’d taken my van in for some work on the air conditioner. A gentleman came in to pay for his repairs, walked out…I thought to get in his car…but then he came back in and handed me a coupon for $25.00 off any service the business provided…including my a/c repair. It made me smile for days that a stranger would do something that generous. Not sure where the coupon even came from because it was in a nearby larger city, so I don’t get the paper.
Anyway, sorry I’m missing your posts. I’m doing SO bad on getting to all the blogs these days. :/
Oops….I meant to ask when that picture was taken. Pretty sure the only thing that could get me to jump that high is a mouse or a snake. 🙂