My how time flies when you’re having fun being kind! A month ago I launched Random Acts of Kick Arse with a group of kick arse bloggers (check out the kindness the guys spread this month);
Lance from The Jungle of Life
Brandi from Joy Rebel
Lori from Jane Be Nimble
Dani from Positively Present
Melissa from Operation NICE
I was blown away by the response to the idea. While I thought it might strike a chord with the communities around each blog, I was surprised at how many people actually wanted to be involved.
We’ve had so many emails/comments from other kick arse bloggers who want to get in on the RAOKA fun, I decided to look at how others can be involved. I think I’ve found a way so if you want to get in on the action, head to the bottom of this post to find out.
Now on to last month’s RAOKA theme – kindness. My strategy for kick arse ways to be kind was less about being proactive and more about being aware. I decided to go with the flow and wait for kindness opportunities to show up in my every day life.
Now this was a risky strategy. What if nothing presented itself? What if I got to the end of the month and had a blank RAOKA post? I needn’t have worried, it didn’t take long for the opportunities to present themselves.
Given my strategy, my random acts of kick arse kindness, were, really quite…well, random! Here they are…
RAOKA Kindness 1
This is Katie…
Katie is Mum and Dad’s beloved Border Collie who we recently looked after while they were away. Katie is 12. That’s 84 in dog years, which is elderly by anyone’s standards. She’s deaf, slightly overweight and often walks into glass doors on accounts of her poor vision (lucky she can’t get around like she used to or she’d have constant concussion). She’s also a total sweetie and we love looking after her.
There are few things Katie loves more in this world than food, pats, walks and did I mention food. With this in mind, I decided my kind act was to give her an extra biscuit, a prolonged back scratch and a short walk (I think you can see from her smile, my kindness mission was accomplished).
RAOKA Kindness 2
Chris and I checked out a Festival of Kites in our local area. If you’re wondering what a festival of kites is, it’s a festival and a bunch of kites…
It was hot and there were a lot of people. Tables and chairs had been set up under a tree as an outdoor eatery and we grabbed the last 2 remaining chairs to have a bite to eat. A couple of minutes later a pregnant lady and her family came by looking for somewhere to sit. “Cool! A chance to be kind,” I thought, so I offered her my chair. She declined (they’d brought their own picnic rug) but was very appreciative of the offer.
RAOKA Kindness 3
My partner, Chris, is a travel consultant and his job can get very busy. During one of those weeks, I wrote a note reminding him to breathe and have a fun day and strategically placed it in his lunch. He found the note and rang me to say it made his day.
RAOKA Kindness 4
Our recent trip to Hawaii meant I could spread the kindness kick arse internationally!
During the trip, we had the opportunity to hike into a lava tube (ie underground tunnel created by a lava flow)…
The stairs to get back to the surface at the end of the tube were quite steep and spaced far apart. A lady with a walking stick was struggling to make it up (she had bad knees) so I gave her my hand and helped her to the top.
RAOKA Kindness 5
On the same trip, we visited the famous Dukes Restaurant and Bar on Waikiki Beach for lunch…
Now, let me just say that tipping is not commonplace in Australia but I have some tipping experience having lived in Canada. I know how much servers require tips to pay their rent! Our server was very friendly, most attentive and kept the Mai Tais coming. It was another chance to be kind by giving a larger than normal tip. The response from the server; “Wow! Thanks!”
Getting Involved in RAOKA!
If you’d like to become a Random Acts of Kick Arse Crusader, then here’s your chance;
- Follow along with our monthly themes and spread the random acts of kick arse!
- Write a post about what you got up to and publish it on the first Wednesday of each month if you are in the US or Thursday for Aussies (if you need a reminder each month, feel free to email me at sami [@ symbol] lifelaughsandlemmings [dot] com letting me know you want to be a RAOKA Crusader and I’ll send you a reminder email). If you don’t have a blog, you’re welcome to play along in the comments.
- When you see my RAOKA post published, fill out your details in the form below including the URL address of your own RAOKA post. This will then automatically create a link to your post for others to see what kind of arse kicking you get up to.
- Random Acts of Kick Arse Photo by kaibara87 In the words of Martin Luther...
- Random Acts of Kick Arse – Beauty RAOKA logo by Melissa at Operation NICE It’s Random...
- Random Acts of Kick Arse – Wacky RAOKA logo by Melissa at Operation NICE Lance from...
- Random Acts of Kick Arse – Gratitude RAOKA logo by Melissa at Operation NICE Melissa from...
- Kick Arse Question – Human Beauty Photo by The Ninja Monkey After the latest Random...
This Month’s RAOKA Theme
Brandi from Joy Rebel chose beauty as this month’s theme. So our mission RAOKA Crusaders, is to spread beauty in any way we wish. Got any cool ideas on how I can spread beauty? If so, let me know in the comments. Have a “beautiful” month!
Related posts:
Wow, Sami, awesome post!
Now, that’s RAOKA: Kindness!
I love the pic of Katie. Awwww…what a sweetie pie! I also like how you described your kind thoughts, even though someone didn’t actually need your thought (er, chair rather).
Thanks for pulling this together. You’re one kind chicka!
~xo
I got the best smile out of reading your update, Sami. And, being who I am, your kindness toward little Katie brought a tear to my eyes. The old ones are so very special, thank you for making this little girl’s day … not to mention for all the other acts of kindness you’ve given to the world!
Hello Sami!
Very nice post Sami!
Thanks again for starting the RAOKA! I am loving it.
By the way, I “borrowed” your RAOKA graphic for my post today. Is that ok?
Ok, silly me. I just noticed that Melissa designed the RAOKA logo.
Maybe she’ll be cool with me using it?
Now!! Let’s spread some beauty around shall we?!
@Lori
Thanks Chicka! Yep Katie is a bloody little cutie for sure.
@Gayze
Hey Gayze. You’re more than welcome. I’m glad it struck a chord.
@Keith
Hi Keith. Thanks so much. It’s great to have you on board. Melissa would be fine with you using the RAOKA graphic. Do you mind attributing the graphic to her like I did? That’d be great.
I love the concept and with throwing some beauty around, I will start by expressing beautiful thoughts about people even if my thoughts were NOT beautiful to start off with.
HI Sami,
I’m falling in love with idea of RAOKA with every passing minute. So i better sign up soon…am bursting to write the next BEAUTY RAOKA post
The only thing is..I Am In India….so which day does it fit for me to post ??? As you said it should be the first Wednesday of the month….
Also am planning to take the RAOKA badge and adding it to my blog..with a link to your blog post. Is that ok with you???
With Love
Zeenat.
Hey Sami,
Who knew…the Festival of Kites would be a festival with kites!! See, you Aussies just spell things out really good!!
Hey, awesome job just being more aware of kindness! Look at all the great opportunities that presented themselves! And Katie, she’s a real cutie!!
Here’s what I think is so awesome about this: your idea is something people are gravitating toward. Because I think we all can see the beauty that comes from being a little more kick arse in our lives. Hey, there’s that beauty term already (wow! this month is starting out well for me – already focused on the November theme!!).
Sami, I’m a month late to the plan, but I think it’s an amazing idea that I’d love to advance in my own circle. One drop in the water spreading ripples – you never know how far you’ll reach. I just posted this comment on Lance’s blog: “Lance, one ‘beauty’ to notice…the whole RAOKA concept.
…
For November’s challenge, to find beauty in the ordinary world, be beauty in the ordinary world – I’m in.
Thank you for the amazing KA!
What a brilliant idea! I’m definitely game to play with everyone. We all come from different points of view on what’s “beautiful”. What do you think about this idea: I just published a post on standing up for yourself (gaining respect and setting good boundaries) by throwing a dirty look when warranted. That’s beauty to me. Am I off base or can self-defense be beautiful too?
Cheryl
thatgirlisfunny.com
Love your random acts — especially the one with Katie! She’s adorable!
This post, the new November theme, and the comments (and maybe the kites) just made me envision two dozen balloons, with a beautiful quote attached along with a link to an inspiring post to be released into the air. Possibly at a park, with lots of people to watch them fly,then pray that the message (balloon) comes down to a person needing to hear it.
I know my boyfriend’s Church does a similar thing on Easter with postcards. Hmmmm, the wheels are churning. Thanks Sami!
@Wilma
Hey Wilma. That’s a great way to start off a month of beauty. Love it!
@Zeenat
Hey Zeenat. RAOKA in India! Now that’s too cool for words! I’ll send you an email to sort out the details. As for the RAOKA badge, I’m honoured you want to use it to promote RAOKA. Let me just check with the creator first (ie Melissa from Operation NICE). I’ll be in touch.
@Lance
Hey there Lance! Yep, us Aussies sure do say it as we see it!
Thanks Lance. I had no idea that this idea would take off like it has. It’s awesome to see. Just goes to show how many great people there are who want to make a positive impact on the world (you included my friend).
@Pat
Hi Pat. Thanks so much for your lovely comment. We’d love to have you (and your readers) involved. The more the merrier. I’m totally looking forward to seeing what you get up to! Have fun spreading beauty!
@Cheryl
Hey Cheryl, great to have you on board! One of the things I’m loving about RAOKA is how everyone is interpreting each theme differently. Everyone has a unique take and it’s making for very interesting results. I think standing up for yourself (whether it’s through setting boundaries, gaining respect, self-defense or any other way) is totally beautiful. That interpretation is very you by the way, which makes it authentic!
@Positively Present
Thanks PP! A successful RAOKA month for all concerned me thinks!
@Angelia
Hi Angelia. Now they are a couple of great ideas. Sounds like the “beauty” theme has got you thinking! Great stuff. Thanks for stopping by.
reading these are really awesome and inspiring !
@Rocky
Hi Rocky, glad it had the desired effect! Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, that’s so sweet. I’m totally taking part in next month’s challenge!
Thanks for the inspiration Sami
Andrew
Hi Sami,
LOVED your RAOKA Kindness Acts! My border collie, Ed the Wonder Dog is 12 years old, too. And he still plays frisbee…
Anyway…is too late to post my kindness for October?
@Andrew
Hey Andrew. Awesome! It’s great to have you aboard! You’re welcome by the way.
@Peggy
Thanks a lot Peggy. I love all pooches but Borders are my faves. Ed must be a wonder dog if he’s still playing frisbee at 12. Although, I’m not entirely surprised, they are obsessive compulsives when it comes to tennis balls, sticks and frisbees!
Definitely not too late to post a RAOKA kindness post for October. Go right ahead!
Hi Sami
Don’t know if it qualifies but I just came across a website that I thought was worth sharing as participating in the (free) project not only helps feed the hungry, but could also improve some of the knowledge & skills we may have missed out on at skool due to day-dreaming or trying to figure out how to ask Sarah Wilson out instead of paying attention to the teacher.
The site is http://www.freerice.com.
@Steve
Hey Steve, the fact that you brought this to our attention is an act of kindness so YES, it does qualify! What a great site. I got up to 90 grains of rice before I got the answer wrong (had a few lucky guesses though I must admit!). Great site – thanks for the heads up.