- A few months back there was a guy working the corner and I rolled down my window, waved him over and I gave him a $20 and asked him to do something nice for himself today and then pass it on. He jumped for joy and literally danced on the median. I watched him in my rearview as I drove away and he had the biggest smile…still dancing. Even if only for a few minutes, hopefully, he forgot his troubles.
- On three different occasions, at a local burger place where it’s drive-thru only…there are several kids who work the lines running food/drinks to cars in the heat, rain, no matter the temp. No one complains and I never see anyone give a tip, so I’ve made it a habit to do so….a BIG tip and they look at me like I have three heads and say “REALLY?!? Are you kidding?” Love to see their eyes light up doing a less than glamorous, thankless, minimum wage job. I just make them promise to pass it on and do something kind for someone else.
- I was in line at a sub shop and the young girl waiting on me was wearing a Gigi the cat hat from Kiki’s Delivery Service – one of my all-time favorite Japanese animated films. We got to talking and found out we both love the Totoro movie as well. Generations apart, but still had a common bond. She was so pleasant and hardworking…..I knew I had to do something, but felt weird just handing over some cash like I wanted something in return- AWKWARD. I asked her if all the tips had to be shared with her coworkers and she said: “yes, usually- but I’m off in a few minutes if you’d like to tip me off the clock”. I waited for her by the door and gave her some rolled up bills ($100)- she was shocked and could not stop thanking me. I reminded her that I wasn’t a freak or crazy and explained the RAK concept. She just lit up and thought it was so awesome that a company would actually give money to its employees to give to strangers. Told her it comes with a catch….do something nice for someone else, doesn’t have to related to money….just an act of kindness and she promised she would. I’m sure I’ll see her again at the shop and look forward to hearing about her own RAK.
- I was at a bar close to my house and overheard the bartender telling someone she was moving to a new place and how expensive it is to hire movers, buy new furniture, and paint her old place. She’s also a crazy cat girl and shared some amusing stories of which I could relate. Looked like it was a slow evening and I knew she couldn’t be making much so when I paid my tab, I wrote on the receipt “Here’s a little something to help with your move-ENJOY!” Slipped $100 under the ticket so I could exit before she saw it. I made it to my car and started driving away and saw her run out the door waving to me. We both had huge smiles and I waved back. Hopefully, she’ll remember the RAK when she’s in full-on stressful move mode.
As with all the RAKs I’ve ever done….I’m convinced I’ve gotten more out of the effort than my recipients. It’s just a natural high that keeps me going and reminds me even the smallest gesture can have a huge, lasting impact. In today’s climate, we need more kindness than ever. #kindnessmatters
– Keisha Lacy
