Commit a random act of kindness this week and pay it forward

I think my first encounter with a random act of kindness was when I lived in San Francisco and saw a meter maid approaching my car that was parked at an expired meter.

I was on the second floor of the apartment building, and couldn’t get my act together fast enough to feed the meter. As the meter maid approached with her ticket pad in hand, a random guy waved her off and put coins in my meter.

I was stunned. I opened the window and yelled a big “Woo hoo!” and profusely thanked him for his kindness. That was more than 30 years ago, yet I’ve never forgotten that single act.

This is the week to pay it forward. It’s International Random Acts of Kindness Week is Feb.10-16.

Take this week to step out of your normal routine or comfort zone and attempt a new random act of kindness each day of the celebratory week.

Post and share your stories, photos, videos and ideas on social media channels. If you need inspiration or more information, visit the website, www.randomactsofkindness.org.