Give & Take: Random Acts of Kindness Day
Since we were young, many of us have been taught the words of the Greek fabulist and storyteller, Aesop, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” As adults, we understand just how true his words are—and we’ve come to learn that often times, the smallest acts can make the biggest impact in people’s lives.
We at Prosek know the significance that a small act of kindness can play. Whether it’s paying for a colleague’s coffee, passing along a client’s “kudos” note to senior leadership, or simply congratulating someone on a job well done, supporting others is at the heart of what we do.
Last Friday (February 17), was Random Acts of Kindness Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and encouraging random acts of kindness globally. It originated in Denver, Colorado in 1995 as a way to make the world a better place. The message is simple: spread a little light around and have kindness be a part of our everyday lives, in ways big, small, and everything in-between.
On the heels of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we asked some of our colleagues to share what they did to take part in this annual celebration of showing compassion to others. Here’s what they shared:
- Our Fairfield, Connecticut office hosted “Secret Cupid” in honor of Valentine’s Day, by placing a small gesture of appreciation on individual’s desks.
- Hallie Erlich, an Account Supervisor in our New York office, sent a Starbucks e-gift card to a friend for a coffee “on me.”
- Chaneigh Bernard, a Senior Account Executive in our Boston office, took her sister out for drinks in celebration of passing her boards.
- Brian Janson, an Account Supervisor in our Boston office, swiped someone into the park street garage
- Sarah Denning, an Account Executive in our Boston office, bought her roommate a coffee ahead of her big presentation at work.
- Caroline Coghlin, a Senior Account Executive in our Boston office, Venmoed her friend for lunch who was working a 12-hour nursing shift.
- Sam Norquist, a Senior Vice President in our New York office, offered to make reporter introductions with anyone she has a close relationship with.
- Kearney Dewing, an Associate Vice President based in Charleston, bought her friend her favorite meal to celebrate a recent job interview.
- Lauren Hendrickson, a Vice President in our LA office, surprised her family with lattes from Bluestone Lane Friday morning after her mom and dad flew into LA from Michigan late Thursday night.
- Lindsay Jablonski, an Account Supervisor in our New York office, picked up a soda for her doorman on her way home.
- Sara Bader, an Account Supervisor in our Palm Beach office, sent Starbucks gift cards to three people she knew had long days ahead of them, and brought her neighbor’s packages up from the mail room so they didn’t have to go down.
Finding joy in the little things – and showing compassion to others through small acts of service – allows us to take an active role not only in our own happiness, but in the happiness of others. Whether it’s leaving someone a kind note or dropping off groceries at your local food pantry, no act of kindness is too small.
As you head to work today, tomorrow, and any day in the future, we highly recommend stopping and asking yourself, “How can I show kindness to someone today?”—and then acting on it. 