Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day – as with all of these days, it’s a chance to take stock and look at what we can do to make things better. In this case for others.

My story for this week begins not with what I’ve done for someone else, but the impact that an act of kindness, has had on me.
Many years ago when I was six and McDonalds was a new thing (I know I know I’m showing my age), mum and dad took myself and a group of my then friends on an outing to Southend to celebrate my birthday.
I was so excited. It involved a train journey, a behind-the-scenes visit to the Maccy D’s branch in question, where I was able to make milkshakes and was treated to a visit from Ronald McDonald himself, where he gave us enormous balloons each as a memento.
I loved every minute of it. But whilst on the train back home and playing with my enormous balloon, it burst. I was understandably gutted. It was my pride and joy from an amazing day. I sat and cried.
But one girl who was on the outing with us, called Susan, without any hesitation, gave me her balloon.
It was an incredibly kind thing to do, as every one of us loved our balloons. As it does, when you’re six, immediately put a smile on my face once more and birthday happiness was restored.
Now here’s the thing –
So much so, that this is what inspired my second book, James and the Birthday Balloon.
Little did six-year-old Susan or my six-year-old self realise just how far-reaching a simple yet profound act of kindness could have.
So, on this Random Act of Kindness Day, I want to thank Susan – because what she did was really special.
And please know that you too, just through the smallest acts of kindness.
A smile, a simple hello to an elderly person in the street, a heartfelt message to someone who reaches out to you, can make a world of difference.
Not only on awareness days like today – but always.
Be kind everyone – for you never know the impact it will have on others… x
ps If you would like to help spread the kindness message with your children – James and the Birthday Balloon and James and the Amazing Gift can both be purchased from Amazon
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