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One of my best friends and I started our most prized shared accomplishment a year ago today, December 2nd. Any guesses? I sure have talked about it a lot.
One year ago today, we started our Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) club. What started as an idea to do more for our community later turned into the one part of the week that we constantly looked forward to. The bright, cheerful faces of the club members alongside the fun and impactful RAKs we planned as a board are still the highlights of our weeks.
I’ve learned so much through this journey, and because of the significance RAK has in my life, here’s also a shoutout to my “partner-in-crime”. Thank you <3
Now, let’s get into it, shall we?
1. Impact
To this day, we refer to RAK as our “baby”. It’s the one part of our lives that we share completely, that we continue to nurture and grow, and that we put so much effort and time into. More than that though, we love RAK because it is our passion. We strive to be better for the greater good, be the bigger person, and smile for no reason.
To us, it isn’t about getting anything back for ourselves when we do something kind. It’s about that feeling we get when we do it, that “ahh” moment, that sense of satisfaction, that really fuels us to keep going. Knowing we are making an impact drives us, and that’s one of the most important lessons we learned so far.
When you start anything, think of that - impact. What’s the impact you want to make? Making someone’s day isn’t as hard as we originally thought - even just a smile is enough - because little things really do go the longest ways…
2. Teamwork
I can say, wholeheartedly, that RAK wouldn’t be the same without the board members. Sure, decisions can be made and meetings carried out, but the real excitement and growth come from multiple heads working together. Without our board, we wouldn’t have the “devil’s advocate” perspectives that we need.
Each person has a different role but all of those roles coming together? We become unstoppable. When people think of RAK, they think of the big acts we’ve done, but they don’t think of the strength required to put that together. That’s our board.
And since we’re on this topic, of course - huge shout out to our board members. Thank you for all your hard work and for believing in us, all the way through.
3. Appreciation
If you noticed, I previously gave shouts to my co-founder and to our board members. Here’s yet another thing - being appreciative, grateful, and - and, and, and, and - vocal. Appreciating someone is the smallest, yet most important thing someone can do.
So, we talked about my co-founder and the board, but is there anyone missing… Yes! The actual RAK club members. We would be nowhere without them. At the end of the first couple of meetings, I noticed myself starting to say, “Thanks for coming!” to everyone. Now I realize how crucial this is to our success because if people don’t come to the meeting, how are we going to make that impact? What’s going to be the point of our teamwork?
Thus, that one phrase did a lot more than I could’ve possibly imagined back then. Whatever it is, say thank you. Show gratitude to that thing or that person(s). Be vocal - it makes the actual difference when spoken aloud.
But the best part? It’s a RAK in itself :)
RAK is officially one year old; I guess our slogan is true for the club itself: the little things go the longest ways, and the smallest ideas can make the greatest impact. Thank you to everyone who was even the tiniest part in our journey.
Happy One-Year Anniversary, RAK!
Thanks for reading! In honor of this very special day, do something kind for someone. Show your appreciation with a simple thank you note to a team you couldn’t have made that impact without <3