It’s been one heck of a week in America.
Since last week’s inauguration, marches, protests, vandalism, and dissention have filled the hearts, minds, and news feeds of the globe. And, I don’t know about you, but I could use a break from it.
How about a little positivity? A little bit of optimism and love for your fellow man and woman? A little bit of free silver?
February 12th-18th is Random Acts of Kindness week, and Friday, February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but the goal during those few days is to pay special attention to those around you while going about your daily activities. Put forth a little extra effort to notice people around you and how you could brighten their day with a simple gesture
In 2017, technology abounds. Everywhere we go, there is wifi. We have phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, and electronic book readers to make sure we never actually have to interact with the people in our proximity (unless our battery dies). We don’t see the people who could use a smile or a pat on the back. We miss opportunities to make our world better. I’m all for peaceful protesting, but how much could we fix by just being decent and attentive human beings, each day?
So, this year, I want to challenge you to participate in National Random Acts of Kindness Day. What’s the golden rule? Treat others as you would like to be treated. A person with a heart of gold is someone who is compassionate and kind. The silver lining is a positive side of a negative situation. A silver bullet is a cure-all for a seemingly insurmountable problem. It’s evident we associate goodness with precious metals. So, as fans of bullion, let’s translate that positivity to the way we interact with the world around us.
We’ll start. How about we give away some silver? Comment below to let me know how you plan to recognize National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Do you have a coworker who could use some encouragement? Perhaps you have an estranged family member who needs a phone call. You could pay for the car’s order behind you in the drive thru line. Personally, I’m signing up for the Big Sister program, and I’m going to work on putting my phone away more often and engaging in meaningful conversations with those around me. Here are some more simple ideas that can have a radical change on your community.
From the comments, one lucky Samaritan will be chosen at random to receive a 2017 1 oz American Silver Eagle. I went through all of Provident’s silver bullion, and I decided I like the ASE for this prize. Lady Liberty holds the laurel branches of hope. She’s moving towards the rising sun in America. It’s a new day, and there is good to come. The winner will be announced on Friday, February 17th. If you want to start being kind now, you can share this post with your friends so they have a chance to win, too.
This week, the 2015 1 oz American Silver Eagle is on sale. The classic design is a must for ever silver stacker portfolio. And, if you haven’t entered yet, check out another great way to win silver- our Super Bowl Giveaway!
Happy Stacking!
-J
AB says
In my line of work I sometimes have to visit medical centers and hospitals. Yesterday, as I walked inside an enclosed large glass area of a waiting room, just before you enter the main medical center entrance, I spotted a woman possibly in her late 50’s who appeared to be quietly emotionally upset as she sat alone facing the large window and spoke on her cell.
I walked past her as I could hear her sob a bit..I slowly continued on my way inside the center while she stayed on my mind, as I finished my work.
As i walked back out 10 minutes later I saw up-ahead of me that same lady will stilling there,her back to me. normally the people who sit there are waiting on a ride and aren’t there for very long, But as I walked by her and was headed toward the door I turned to look back at her…she looked up at me with such emotion and pain, and not just ‘crying’ pain, but deep deep pain. I turned to her and asked if she was ok, mind you I don’t really get involved in others situation especially since she was still on the phone, she just looked up and replied back slowly as best as she could,through her hurt, ‘I just got some bad news..’ I walked up to her.and placed my hand on her shoulder and said ‘if you don’t mind I’d like to say a little prayer, I just simply said that I pray that God would put a hedge of protection around who you are hurting for’ …she nodded and told me thank you, I told her we all need to stick together and be there for each other..even if we are strangers…I don’t know how she managed a smile through her pain, but she did. When I walked away, I felt this sense of her pain with me, like it was her pain…I don’t really do this, like this in public, but I just couldn’t leave knowing how painfully deep her sorrow seemed without just being there just then.
I got in my car and slowly started to pull away as I looked back to see her watching me and felt a bit better as I drove away….I hope she is better.
ProvidentMetals.com says
Wow, you just made me tear up this morning. It would have been so easy for you to keep walking, but you didn’t. I’m sure you can’t even realize how much that bit of humanity meant to her. That’s really incredible.
-J
MintErrors.org says
This past weekend, I went to an eating establishment with 7 adults and four kids. yes I footed the entire bill. But when we arrived and were getting ready to be seated, I seen a lady bartender behind the bar. She was wearing a patriots #12 jersey – Tom Brady.
I said: So, you’re a Patriots fan?
she said: I am
I said: Besides Brady who is you other favorite player ?
she said: Rob Gronkowski
I said: are you sure?
she says in a matter of fact reply: I am sure.
The party I was with sat down and our waitress was, you guessed it – that lady bartender, Amanda.
After we ate, I was on a mission. I got the people who rode with me back to the house, and I went into the locker of goodies and dug around. I knew what I was going for, and I laughed. In there I have close to 15 autographed Rob Gronkowski 16×20 prints. I told one of my daughters that I’d be back. I went back to that establishment and walked towards the bar. When the lady bartender saw me she said: OMG, what is wrong. I said, nothing, and placed the 16×20 on the bar upside down. She flips it over and I started walking out. She sees its a photo of the Gronk – then realizes its an autographed photo. She was speechless. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.
Before getting back to my roots of coins and precious metals, I dabbled in memorabilia. I had the opportunity to buy some Gronk stuff when he was a rookie and I decided to buy a decent amount of it. I think I originally bought close to 40 of them, and made a decent profit off them. So, moments like this are simply awesome. I share the wealth when I can. There will eventually be a time where I cannot do it anymore so best get those deeds done while I can.
I am sure she is stable once again, I’ll have to go back in there and see how she liked the spontaneous surprise.
ProvidentMetals.com says
Wow!!!! That is so amazing! I know I would have been floored to have a Johnny Manziel or Von Miller photo, so I can only imagine how thrilled she was. That’s very cool. 🙂
-J
Sarah says
At the clinic where I work we had a half dozen 5th graders volunteer to sit in the lobby dressed in scrubs handing out ‘kindness prescriptions’ with directions written on a mock rx pad for their kindness week project. As I walked by one of the kids on my morning break one little girl handed me a prescription with directions to ‘smile at five people, twice daily.’ It was adorable, and I made it a point to do so. And, almost every person smiled back, or wished a good afternoon, or at the very least made some eye contact. I think in the rush of day to day life I forgot the smallest act of kindness, to just smile and acknowledge someone.
Thank you ‘lil Doctor Olivia’ and your prescription. I’ve made sure to stick to those instructions. 🙂
ProvidentMetals.com says
Awww! That story so brightened my morning!!! 🙂
-J
Kyle T says
Im introducing a young man who just graduated from college to my boss this Friday. I invited him as my +1 to an office party.
ProvidentMetals.com says
Nice! That’s a great idea.
-J
Mike says
I am going to make sure that I give every one of my students a compliment. Sometimes I forget
ProvidentMetals.com says
That’s a great idea; I’m sure they will really appreciate it. 🙂
-J
J. Michael says
This is a great idea! I’m going to pay for the order behind me next time I’m in the drive thru.
ProvidentMetals.com says
Wonderful! I need to find out how to get behind cars using this idea 😀
-J
Wolf says
This reminds me of a missed opportunity. A few years ago I was Christmas shopping with my son and we ran across an elderly lady looking at dog print PJ’s. In casual conversation, she commented to us how much she loved them but they would have to wait because gifts for her family were more important. At that moment I thought it would be wonderful to purchase them for the lady who was obviously putting others above herself. Unfortunately we quickly became sidetracked with our own quest and missed the chance to brighten someone’s day. I’ve always regretted that I did not follow through on this because it would have been a nice thing to do and it would have been a good example for my son. So, to all you readers out there, don’t miss an opportunity to brighten someone’s day. You may regret not being the best person you can be.
ProvidentMetals.com says
Aw, what a great story. It is so easy to get distracted by our own things and forget to take opportunities to serve those around us. Great reminder.
-J
Gregory Looper says
A couple of years ago a kind gentleman paid for my order at McDonald’s. Funny thing was I didn’t have much money to spare. So when my next paycheck hit my bank account I did the same for a woman behind me in line at the drive thru at Starbucks. I figured paying it forward was the right thing to do. I sure hope that woman paid it forward in time as well. Kind people are becoming a rare breed and its nice to know there are still a small few that care.
ProvidentMetals.com says
That’s such a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
-J
Michael Lebinowitz says
I’m not going to be a smartass.
Well, I’m going to try not to be a smartass.
Skip that, I am going to make an effort to think about not being a smartass.
Oh to heck with that, it’s impossible.
How much do those drive thru bills usually run?
ProvidentMetals.com says
Hahaha, I admire your ability to know yourself and your limitations. 😀
-J
Kevin says
I didn’t even know random acts of kindness week was a thing until now!! I think I’ll bring my coworkers some coffee and donuts, and watch for ways I could potentially make other people’s days!
Brad says
Why should random acts of kindness only occur on one day? Everyday people should do little acts of kindness and it will add up.
Robert shaffer says
I’m with you brad
ProvidentMetals.com says
I agree, as well. It’s just good to have a reminder sometimes when life gets so busy. 🙂
-J
ProvidentMetals.com says
I think it should occur every day, as well! With the hustle and bustle of life, I think it’s good to have a little reminder sometimes. 🙂
-J
Neal says
I plan on mowing my neighbors grass.
ProvidentMetals.com says
That is so kind! I really like when people go out of their way to do physical acts of service. I think it’s really touching.
-J
Matt G. says
My favorite acts of kindness– I’m always on the lookout for little old ladies I can help with loading groceries in their car or gas up their car and clean the windshield. It’s a pleasant reminder that there still are some gentlemen left in the world.
ProvidentMetals.com says
That is so sweet! I can only imagine how helpful that is for them. Keep up the awesome work!
-J
KEVIN ROWLAND says
I will build a wheel chair ramp for my neighbor who recently had a.stroke and is in a wheel chair
ProvidentMetals.com says
Wow. That just made me tear up! That’s really incredible.
-J