text: By Langley Group | 7 December 2017
  Ali – I sent a friend in the UK a Sweet Memories jar filled with Lindt balls and slips of paper, with instructions to savour each chocolate and, as she did so, reflect and write down a happy family memory. For each chocolate taken out of the jar - a sweet memory was put in. I received the most wonderful text from her expressing her surprise, her gratitude and her love. It made me feel really close to her even though we are on opposite sides of the world.
  Some very dear friends from the US surprised my husband and I with an unexpected gift. They created a step by step 'how to make' a Lemon Drop Cocktail including before and after photos. This was linked to a special holiday we had spent together previously. In addition, they sent every piece of equipment and each ingredient so we would have no excuses not to make them! They arrived one package at a time over a period of a week with specific instructions to open in order. The time and effort taken had been considerable. It felt very special to be the receivers of such kindness and attention.
  Leanne – My random act of kindness involves sharing with interstate visitors to Sydney. Over the years I have found myself disappointed by the way Sydney bus drivers (on occasion) neglect to support visitors to our city - being very brusque about where people need to buy an Opal card, exasperatedly answering questions about whether their bus goes to Circular Quay or where the Opera House is. I have always felt it is a pleasure to answer these questions, and swipe my opal card on the visitor's behalf to ensure their experience is a friendly and enjoyable one. It takes no time and adds positively to the memory bank of that person.
  Mel – Here is a wee story about a random act of kindness...
  One of the acts, to give a coffee voucher to a stranger accompanied by kind words and best wishes for their day, sparked a very interesting story. With vulnerability, I approached a middle-aged lady, with bright blond curly hair and an expression on her face which I could not quite read straight away - she seemed plaintive and thoughtful.
  Following my small gesture, she beamed, and then gave me a big embrace! It turns out she had saved a person from being hit by a bus that day – her rather significant act of kindness. This she explained to me in full detail, and she shared how it had really impacted her - positively! And that the small and meaningful gesture of a stranger stopping to wish her a wonderful day and shout a coffee, to her, was extraordinarily kind, unexpected and made her day!
  Jacqui – My main random act of kindness tends to be for acquaintances rather than complete strangers. It usually involves giving them home baked goodies like biscuits or cakes - things they wouldn't expect and are usually very grateful for.
  The result is always the same - I feel such a well of positivity that lasts for ages. Sometimes people find it hard to receive a random act of kindness, so my advice is to persevere or to donate anonymously (as per a pay it forward coffee).
  We would also love to hear stories of how random acts of kindness have touched you, so please share your memories with us by tagging @langleygroup on Facebook, Instagram or @thelangleygroup on Twitter. Use the hashtag #randomactsofkindness.