by Jennifer Riggins

As Jurgen’s blogpost last week already talked about, the we have discovered our three core values:

• Dare to be bold.
• Always be kind.
• Make it creative.

In the blogpost, we added our own improv photos of what we see as the we thought symbolized “Dare to be bold.” and “Make it creative.” (Of course, these topics are easier to get creative and to act bold with.) We decided that, especially in these increasingly negative and troubling times, “Always Be Kind” deserved its own blogpost (or 20!) because it is at the core of any happiness, both shared and self-possessed.

And after Americans binge-eating on Thursday and the whole world binge-shopping Friday through Sunday, we thought what better day to focus on symbols and random acts of kindness than on Cyber Monday — the day we’re all supposed to be binge-shopping online?

First, symbols of kindness crowdsourced from our membership, then we will dive into some small ways to send some big love, and, finally, of course, we will end with a call-to-action to ask you to share with us your symbols of kindness and your tips for RAOKs that we can do today and throughout the new year!

What does the mantra “Always be kind” look like?

They always say actions speak louder than words. Here are some examples from everyday life that exemplifies “Always be kind.”

Also Listen: Podcast on the power of giving with Bob Burg

Random acts of kindness are often small but always impactful. Below we see the impact on the audience of a generation. And then we see just as an important impact on an individual.

The importance isn’t on how many people it affects or how public your RAOK is. The importance comes from the act and the intention of kindness itself. And don’t forget, sometimes we need to remember to offer ourselves the intentional kindness of others.

And are you having a rough week? Losing faith in humanity lately? When you are in public — maybe in the stressful holiday shopping rush, maybe in the stressful commute home from work — a good mindful practice is to consciously look around to try and spot random acts of kindness hidden in plain sight of your everyday life.

Also Read: A guide to mindfulness at work

Some random acts of kindness you can try today

OK, it’s Cyber Monday, one in a string of days of sales and ploys for your pennies. How can we, instead of spending money, spend time on others, both online and off? Here are some random acts of kindness that take a few minutes and really leave an impact:

1. Say thank you! You can perform this action publicly by writing a kudo or note of thanks and displaying it at your office, favorite coffee shop or anywhere else someone deserves recognition. Of course social media is a great way to publicly or privately give thanks to someone you care about, like tweeting a kudo.
2. Send a pizza! Lisette offers 53 ways to recognize remote employees and colleagues, including sending a pizza, the yummiest of ROAKs.
3. Buy coffee! “Wandered into this lovely cafe this morning feeling pretty ordinary to be told my coffee was paid forward!! Turned my day around.” This was taken from a friend’s status message. By simply buying someone a warm drink — whether it’s the person behind you in line at Starbucks or someone outside asking for help — you can really brighten someone’s day. And you can do it anonymously or obviously. Either way, your day will probably be brightened just knowing.

Now, of course, it’s your turn. Have you been the giver or receiver of an epic or small random act of kindness? How will you close out 2016 with a little more joy? Tell us in the comments below.

Feature Image: Robert Baker (Unsplash)