on acts of kindness
08.7.2012 
Last Thursday, I listened to a story on All Things Considered that literally had me sobbing in my car. It was way too good not to share!
The piece focused on the will of Aaron Collins, a Kentucky man who died unexpectedly at the age of 30. Collins’ family found his last request in a secret document on his computer. “Leave an awesome tip,” he said. “And I don't mean 25%, I mean $500 on a pizza." Since his passing, his family has not only given several $500 tips but has also raised over $55,000 to be randomly distributed among hard-working waiters and waitresses around the country. (Donate to Aaron's fund here!)
If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I am an eternal optimist. Call me naive, but I really and truly believe that simple acts of kindness can and do make a difference in the world. As a former waitress, I can only imagine how amazing it would be to receive a $500 tip from a stranger. However, acts of kindness needn’t be monetary (or random!). It can be as simple as holding the door open for a stranger, letting a tired mom - kids in tow - jump ahead of you in line at the grocery store, writing a letter to your grandparents or surprising your stressed coworker with coffee and a muffin.
Take a moment to do something kind for someone today. You'll feel awesome, promise :)
(envelope by lovejenna)
aaron collins, good deeds, tipping in a good thing
Reader Comments (13)
I completely agree! I love this story and am sad that I missed it (I'll have to find the podcast). I turn 30 this year and am planning to do random acts of kindness as part of a birthday project of my own. I love how simple things can change someone's day for the better!
Oh, I love this! I would be sobbing as well. I remember one chinese new year my friends and I decided to celebrate in true fashion (random college story) We arrived just minutes before a restaurant closed and we decided to tip over 100% for their hospitality. Best feeling ever, especially because they deserved every cent. I still make an effort to head to that little chinese place when I can :)
Absolutely love this!! You never know what your little act of kindness will mean for someone else.
Great write-up! Your article caught my eye when I saw the hand written note above addressed to a small town in the middle of WI. I grew up near there and still have family living in the area. Small acts of kindness speaks volumes of that persons character. Thank you for making my morning.
Doing for others is the best feeling in the world. Today I missed my flight and got stuck in Branson, MO where I stopped at Starbucks for an iced coffee. Right place, right time. There was a grungy young man sitting outside, backpack and all of his possessions in tow, including two dogs. I was compelled to do something. I bought the man a cup of coffee, breakfast, clean water, and snacks, and made sure to get two pieces of coffee cake for his dogs. I asked if I could share breakfast with them and he was so surprised. I had to hurry off to catch my next flight but it made me so happy I cried as I drove through the beautiful Ozark mountains. Best day in a long time.
I love this story! Too often I think, "what happened to manners and kindness?" It's so nice to hear about lovely things others are doing. And that envelope is to die for! xoxo
I looove sweet stories like this!! AMAZING!!
your comments are amazing, ladies! Mariah, I loved your story. major karma points, if I say so myself :)
x fallon
I definitely would love to do this when I send mail from now on. why is this so beautiful?!
www.eatblogpray.blogspot.com
xo
a fab will to spread the love
Such a sweet idea and how great that you are promoting it! I'm going to plan on tipping someone sweetly sometime this week. Might come as even more of a surprise in Belgium where there is not the same concept of tipping as in the States!
thank you so much for this beautiful post! it has inspired me to write my grandmother a letter to remind her how amazing she's been my whole life and i've never really told her. :)
Wow. Tears in my eyes. What a simple and lovely last request. So touching.
Heidi
www.therusticmodernist.com