TheRealScottWeller.com » My 35 for 35

My 35 for 35 – Halfway Update

Scott — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:34:31 +0000

Happy Canada Day! It’s official! Half of the year 2014 is now in the history books. With only 6 months left to complete My 35 for 35, I thought I would provide an update.

I have broken the original list up into 3 different groups:

Completed – items that have been taken right to the finish line
In progress – items that have been initiated but have not seen the finish line yet.
Not Started – items that haven’t been initiated in any way yet.

Completed

5. Deliver 3 – 5 Public Speeches – I think I’m at 9 public speeches already. I’m actively searching more speaking opportunities. Especially as the release of “Beyond the Blue Collar” approaches.

7. Pose for a Fitness Photo Shoot – Probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life and I did it only 4 days after losing my Mother to cancer.

8. Become Passionate About a Cause – After starting a New Family Christmas Tradition and raising approximately $21,000 with Buck-A-Burpee, I think it’s safe to say that I have become passionate in supporting Ronald McDonald House Northern Alberta.

13. Become Certified as a Fitness Coach – I completed the Crossfit Level I Trainer course on January 19, 2014.

19. Be an Extra in a Movie or TV Show – Does my appearance on Breakfast Television Edmonton count?

31. Perform 35 Random Acts of Kindness – I have lost count after about 70 or 80 Random Acts of Kindness. The original idea has now evolved into #RAKattacks and was what initially inspired Buck-A-Burpee.

In Progress

1. Earn the Spartan Race Trifecta – I’m signed up for all 3 distances. Are you going to be at any of them?

Spartan Sprint – July 7 – Edmonton
Spartan Super – September 6 – Red Deer
Spartan Beast – September 27 – Sun Peaks

2. Get “Beyond the Blue Collar” Published – Thanks to a workshop I recently attended, I know how to make this a reality. Currently, my manuscript is being edited. Expected release date is September 1, 2014.

4. Write 35 Blog Posts – I think this post counts as number 27! I’m also available to write guest blog posts.

6. Watch 50 of the Top 100 Movies of All Time – I have yet to complete my list of the top 100 movies of all time – Do you have any suggestions to add to my list? I have watched 29 of the movies that did make the list.

12. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument – I purchased Rocksmith to learn how to play guitar. So far, I have spent 4 hours playing and I still can’t play Stairway to Heaven… what’s up with that?

15. Learn to say “Thank you” in 10 different languages – I can say “Thank you” in German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, English and French. Can anyone help me with 4 more?

16. Travel to Chicago to watch a baseball game at Wrigley Field – In 9 days I travel to Chicago to watch 3 games!

Probably the biggest reason I’m headed to #Chicago in 9 days, is to watch the #Cubs play at #WrigleyField during season 100 of this historical ballpark. #summeronpurpose via realscottweller

18. Take 1 photo each day for a year – For anyone who follows my Instagram feed, you probably wish I would limit to only 1 photo a day!

22. Go Skydiving – I have planned an adventure weekend in August that includes running Mud Hero, Skydiving, Whitewater Rafting, and Ziplining.

23. Go ziplining – See #22

24. Go whitewater rafting – See #22

27. Meet 3 of my personal heroes – When I originally included this item in the list, I never expected who those heroes would turn out to be. One being King Jacob, another being a woman who I knew my whole life.

Not Started

For all of the items below, I have had minimal success in getting things rolling. Any suggestions or assistance would be much appreciated.

3. Go on the first ever sibling-only-vacation
9. Interview 35 successful people in Edmonton
10. Let go of the serial bachelorhood
11. Learn to swim
14. Take dance lessons
17. Get a tattoo
20. Write a childrens book
21. Go bobsledding
25. Go snowboarding in the mountains
26. Go dogsledding
28. Master a magic trick
29. Grow a patio garden
30. Build a model train set
32. Help 5 people accomplish a bucket list item
33. Start a scholarship fund
34. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
35. Get Jax certified as a therapy dog

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The Fitness Photo Shoot – Take 2 – The Pain Behind the Eyes

Scott — Sun, 18 May 2014 17:12:19 +0000

I felt this story was best told in 2 different ways. In Take 2, I tell my story of the Pain Behind the Eyes.

Later that evening, after I had experienced My Last Moments with Mom, I thought to myself, “should I just call Linda and postpone the photo shoot?” I had been on an emotional roller coaster for 10 days now. I hadn’t slept, skipped training sessions and eaten like a trucker who had been on the road for weeks. I would have been easy to postpone and no one would have ever questioned it.

Through the entire preparation for the #fitnessphotoshoot, it seemed like the world pushing and shoving me away from accomplishing my goal. I may have fallen over a few times but it just provided the opportunity to build more strength by pushing myself up off of the ground, dust myself off and keep going. #perseverance. via realscottweller

“No Scott,” I thought to myself. “Mom, would not want me to put something on hold that I have worked so hard for.”

I showed up to the studio 4 days after saying goodbye to my Mom. I was still feeling the hurricane of emotion, thrashing around inside of me but I was doing my best to hold it together.

I still don’t have a complete understanding of what caused me to show up that morning. I think I felt obligated to show that I was strong, that no one had to worry about me, that I was fine.

Here I was, realizing a dream I had held in my mind for over 10 years and holding the poses was difficult but not nearly as difficult as it was to hold back the eruption of emotion that was swirling around in my chest.

When I replay in my head, the 2 hours I spent in the studio that day, I remember seeing Linda and Melsha smile and get excited as they looked at the display on the camera. They would turn and show me the camera and I would be disappointed with what I saw. I remember saying to them, “I don’t like what I see. I haven’t been working out. I have been eating like Shit!” I was searching for any reason to justify what I saw.

I worked so damn hard for this. I know I didn’t eat as well as I could have. I know I could have trained harder but I have been through hell! Give me a break… It’s moments like this that remind me why I hate roller coasters!

I got dressed and thanked Melsha for being there with me. I thanked Linda for her warmth and sensitivity through the experience and then left to go pick out a suit to wear to my Mom’s funeral.

Fast forward a few weeks and I meet up with Linda so she can give me the pictures. Linda handed me an envelope with a USB drive in it and said, “Scott, I want you to do something. When you look at these, do not look at your physique first. Look at your eyes first. If there’s one thing I have learned, it’s that the camera never lies.”

“Thank you, Linda.”

I found it interesting that initially this was my favorite photo of the bunch. It also happens to be the darkest. For an explanation, take a look at my blog post: http://therealscottweller.com/my-35-for-35/the-fitness-photo-shoot-take-2-the-pain-behind-the-eyes/ via realscottweller

When I got home and looked at the pictures, I immediately noticed exactly what Linda meant. The first thing I noticed was my eyes were saying so much. My eyes were saying, “I’m sad.” My eyes were saying, “I’m in pain.”

I have absolutely no regret that I decided to go ahead and do the photo shoot that day. If anything, I’m grateful that I did. It shows me, so clearly, that my thoughts that day “show that I was strong, that no one had to worry about me, that I was fine,” were so inaccurate.

No wonder I didn’t like what I saw when I looked at the display on the camera that day. I was looking through a lens of pain and sorrow.

Linda and I agreed that this is a great baseline. An opportunity to identify that I was not strong, that I wanted someone to worry about me, that I was not fine. With self awareness comes the opportunity to heal and grow.

Thank you Mr. Camera for telling me the pure, unaltered truth. But, just so you know, next time we meet, I’ll be ready for you!

Have you read The Fitness Photo Shoot Take 1 yet? It tells you all about the purpose behind the Fitness Photo Shoot – The Why

The Fitness Photo Shoot – Take 1 – The Why

Scott — Sun, 18 May 2014 17:09:55 +0000

I felt this story was best told in 2 different ways. In Take 1, I tell my story of the Why behind the Fitness Photo Shoot.

The Why behind the fitness photo shoot evolved very quickly from the moment I included it on my 35 for 35 list.

Initially, I included it because I wanted to overcome a fear that had stood in my way for over 10 years. I had always wanted to be in good enough shape that I felt comfortable enough to pose for magazine photo shoot but fear always restrained me from doing it. I always had a good excuse.

Believe it or not, I had a ton of insecurities around posing for the #FitnessPhotoShoot which I included on my #35for35. Later, I’ll be posting 2 separate blog posts on my experience working up to and including the #fitnessphotoshoot. #StayTuned #MorePicsComing Thank you to @timelessedge for your creative genius and soft, caring way. via realscottweller

I gave myself about 90 days to get into “photo shoot shape.” I started training hard, tightened up what I was eating and was ready to “just do it!” But then something happened. Maybe you’re familiar with the very same obstacle that dropped right in front of me and created a huge challenge for me while I was working towards my goal.

That obstacle is called LIFE!

Work got crazy busy. I was working 12 hours a day, on the slow days. Due to a decline in her health, Mom was now a permanent resident at the Fort Saskatchewan hospital. Life was pulling and tugging me in a hundred different directions. Emotionally, I felt like I was constantly on the edge of complete collapse.

It was only about 3 or 4 weeks into the 90 days, and I was ready to throw in the towel and close the door on this goal yet again. Then, things shifted for me. I realized through all the chaos that I was experiencing throughout the rest of my life, the time I spent at the gym was the only time that seemed to slow down and just let me be me. Thank goodness for that!

I also began questioning what my true intent was behind chasing after this goal. I knew I wasn’t looking to get into “contest-ready” shape. Competing never really interested me. I began to understand what I was really trying to do while I was talking to a friend, “It’s really not about getting as ripped as possible. It’s about inspiring others and telling a story that even when life gets chaotic, you can accomplish your dreams.”

I’m so grateful I came to this realization because life got even busier, even more chaotic but I kept reminding myself, I was trying to tell a very specific story and trying to paint a very specific picture:

There will always be obstacles, but the ability to overcome those obstacles is always present as well. Decide what you want, prioritize your life to align with those goals, and nothing is out of your reach – no matter how busy or chaotic life seems to be.

Be sure to check out Take 2 of the Fitness Photo Shoot – The Pain Behind The Eyes!

My Fitness Photo Shoot

Scott — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 16:26:44 +0000

Early on in my 20’s…

I had a dream of being confident enough to pose for a fitness photo shoot. In my mind, this looked similar to what you might see on the cover of Men’s Fitness or Men’s Health. Shirt off, flexing, veins popping out…

The motivation for this dream was completely shallow; it was to be able to tell everyone I met, especially women, “Hey! Did you know I was in a fitness magazine? Here! take a look, I just happen to have a copy in my back pocket.” I admit it, not the best motivation.

Every time I committed myself to putting in the work required to work towards this dream, because it wasn’t rooted in any substance, I would fall on my face. I’d make excuses why I couldn’t do it:

“Work is so busy.”

“I have to spend time with my girlfriend.”

“I’m just so tired.”

Fast forward to present day…

A couple months ago, when I put together my 35 for 35 list, I had a few people make comments to me about including on the list, “7. Pose for a Fitness Photo Shoot.”

“Scott, you talk a lot about being content with where you are. Accepting you for who you are. Posing for a Fitness Photo Shoot doesn’t seems sort of contradictory. What’s that about?”

I’m so glad you asked…

Admittedly, the initial motivation, 10 years ago was the reason I consistently failed. Today, the motivation is different. This time, it’s about proving to myself that I CAN do it. I CAN accomplish something that I wasn’t ready for back then. The timing wasn’t right back then but it is now. I’ve grown into the person capable of creating for the right reason.

When I am standing in front of that camera a couple months from now, it won’t be about creating a picture that I can brag to others about or use it as a tool to get a date with a pretty girl. It will be about telling the story that once you shift from acting from a shallow misunderstanding of why you do things, to a solid understanding of your unique why you do something, you will be able to accomplish anything. Even if you’ve failed at the exact same thing, numerous times before.

Getting #GearedUp for working towards the #FitnessPhotoShoot. #35for35 via realscottweller

So it begins…

I’d like to thank KEYLIME Athletic Wear who has offered me my deadline by inviting me to be a part of their Spring Clothing Line photo shoot. Also, Linda Patterson from Timeless Edge Photography who will be helping with my own personal Fitness Photo Shoot on April 13.

Time to get to work!

My 35 for 35 Holiday Season Update – Items 30-35

Scott — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 16:18:35 +0000

It’s been about 2 months since I finalized My 35 for 35 list. Here is a Holiday Season update on how I’m progressing so far.

31. Perform 35 Random Acts of Kindness – This is another item that has turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences on this list. When I put together this list originally, I thought this one would be nice but I had no idea it would turn into what it’s become.

I collected ideas from friends and family and created a post: My 35 for 35 – Random Acts of Kindness. I plan on creating additional posts specifically for this item because it has turned into something bigger all on its own.

Do you have any suggestions to add to the list of Random Acts of Kindness?

#HolidaySeason update on #randomactofkindness for My #35for35. I started it as a “this could be fun” thing. It’s now become something so much greater. I find it keeps me focused, searching for ways to spread kindness. I know I committed to 35 acts but, with your permission, I’d like to continue and #RAK up as many #randomactofkindness as I can. Is that ok with you? via realscottweller

32. Help 5 People Accomplish a Bucket List Item – I feel a little funny reporting back on this item. Instead, I’ll ask anyone that I may have helped accomplish a Bucket List item, to report back and share their story. Stay Tuned!

33. Start a Scholarship Fund – Does anyone know how to set up a scholarship fund?

34. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen – I know that there are plenty of options to help me accomplish this one. Do you have any suggestions? Do you want to join me?

35. Get Jax Certified as a Therapy Dog – If we have ever sat down and had a discussion about my perspective on life, you’ve more than likely heard me talk about one of my greatest teachers, Jaxie. That’s right, my 6 year old boxer Jax has taught me some of the greatest lessons in life.

Whenever I’m experiencing difficult times, just being in Jax’s presence helps bring me back around. Getting Jax certified as a Therapy Dog would allow me to share him with others who need the exact same therapy.

In a lot of situations, a dog needs to be certified as a Therapy Dog to be allowed on the premises but if you know of any groups that could benefit from a visit from Jaxie, please let me know. He’s magical – just wait and see!

My 35 for 35 Holiday Season Update – Items 21-30

Scott — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 16:32:45 +0000

It’s been about 2 months since I finalized My 35 for 35 list. Here is a Holiday Season update on how I’m progressing so far.

21. Go Bobsledding – I’m pretty excited about this one. I have a close family friend who is related to a medal winning member of the Canadian Olympic Bobsled team. She said she will make the connection and we are off to the races!

22. Go Skydiving – I’ve been skydiving before but this is still something that scares the _____ out of me so I thought it deserved to be here.

Here’s a video of the last time I jumped out of an airplane:

23. Go Ziplining – I’ve been ziplining in Mexico about 5 years ago and absolutely loved it. Do you know of anywhere in Canada that has a zipline?

24. Go Whitewater Rafting – I have never been whitewater rafting! This summer, that is going to change!

25. Go Snowboarding in the Mountains – I’ve already started to lay the groundwork to combine this with The First Ever Sibling-Only-Vacation. None of the four of us have ever really been skiers or snowboarders which, what I think, will make it that much more fun. Someone is definitely hitting a tree that weekend!

26. Go Dogsledding – I love dogs, I like it when others do the work for me… This just makes perfect sense to me! Plus, you can dogsled through the Rockies in some of the most incredible landscapes you will ever see.

27. Meet 3 of My Personal Heroes – When I first selected this one for the list, I didn’t really give it much thought other than, “that might be fun!” Since then, this has turned into one of the items on this list that has garnered the most thought. “What is a hero?” “Who are my heroes?”

When I was a kid, I could have answered that question in under 2.3 seconds. Now, after stuffing some life experience under my belt, I find myself questioning what and who I consider a hero to be. Then, I met someone who helped me understand what it means to be a hero:

King Jacob – Jacob oozes hero! I feel so blessed to have spent an afternoon arm wrestling and watching movies with him. I’m not sure if I could ever select a more suitable person to include on this list. Take a look for yourself!

Eric Thomas – ET is someone I see as a hero because he has walked the path that I am embarking on. He turned his personal struggles into the fuel that led him to where he is today – Renown speaker, author and activist.

Now accepting applications for a personal hero – I’m still trying to figure out who my third hero is. I’ll keep you updated as this one progresses.

Who are your personal heroes?

28. Master a Magic Trick – Does anyone know a magic trick they could teach me? The simpler the better. Simple minds require simple tricks!

29. Grow a Patio Garden – I love tomatoes so I think tomatoes make the best candidates for my patio garden next spring. I am in no way a “Green Thumb” so this should be a bigger adventure than some of the things listed above!

30. Build a Model Train Set – When I was growing up, a family friend had a giant train set in their basement. Since then, I’ve always had an affinity for model train sets but I have never built one before. My strategy here will be to start small and go from there.

Stay tuned for the update on items 30-35 tomorrow.

My 35 for 35 Holiday Season Update – Items 11-20

Scott — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 22:13:54 +0000

It’s been about 2 months since I finalized My 35 for 35 list. Here is a Holiday Season update on how I’m progressing so far.

11. Learn to Swim – That’s right! Mr. Obstacle Racer (yes, I just gave myself my own nickname) is incapable of swimming. I’ve found a nice quiet pool, close to my home that maybe no one will recognize me at. I hope they offer lessons! My goal is, by the next obstacle race I run, I will be able to complete any swimming obstacle without water wings!

12. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument – I took the easy road and went with the guitar as my instrument of choice. Before you cast the first stone, let me tell you just how easy the road is that I took. Oh yes, that’s right, to learn to play the guitar, I will be taking the Rocksmith 60-day challenge!

13. Become a Certified Fitness Coach – After consulting my current trainer, Karl MacPhee, I’ve decided to take the Crossfit Level1 certification as the entry point into fitness coaching. I’m scheduled to attend this certification program on the third weekend of January.

14. Take Dance Lessons – One major problem here, you usually need a dance partner to take dance lessons. Not mandatory but definitely makes the experience more fun. I have a feeling this one and number 10 may have some crossover. If it was you, what type of dance lessons would you take?

15. Learn to Say “Thank You” in 10 Different Languages – So far, I have learned to say “Thank You” in Spanish, Italian, Korean, and German. Only 6 more to go!

16. Travel to Chicago to Watch a Baseball Game at Wrigley Field – Who wants to go with me?!?!?

17. Get a Tattoo – I have the design picked out. Now I just need to decide where on my body I want to get it and then find a good tattoo artist. Any suggestions?

The next #tattoo. Where should I get it? A sleeve? Reaching up from my chest into my left shoulder? Other suggestions? via realscottweller

18. Take 1 Photo Each Day for a Year – Commencing on January 1, 2014, I have a feeling this will not be a problem. Stay tuned to my Instagram feed!

19. Be an Extra in a Movie or TV Show – A friend from the gym and I have just applied for The Canadian Amazing Race. Would that qualify for a check mark here?

20. Write a Children’s Book – I’m working on this one but I’m going to hold off on an update until I have some significant news to share.

Stay tuned for the update on items 21-30 tomorrow.

My 35 for 35 – Top 100 Movies of All Time

Scott — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 18:07:26 +0000

Number 6 on My 35 for 35 is to watch 50 of the top 100 movies of all time. The list below was started by collecting some titles from the list posted on IMDB and then modified based on suggestions made by my friends on Facebook and Twitter.

Here they are in no particular order:

~~The Godfather Part I~~
~~Godfather Part II~~
~~The Shawshank Redemption~~
~~Schindler’s List~~
~~One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest~~
I’m watching this #classic right now. Good #NewYearsDay activity and striking another one off of the #Top100Movies list on my #35for35. #recoveryday via realscottweller
~~Psycho~~
~~Forrest Gump~~
E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
Silence of the Lambs
~~Gandhi~~
Apocalypse Now
~~Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring~~
~~Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers~~
~~Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King~~
~~Gladiator~~
~~Saving Private Ryan~~
~~Fight Club~~
American History X
300
Unforgiven
~~Rocky~~
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
~~Braveheart~~
Platoon
~~Good Fellas~~
The Exorcist
Deer Hunter
Rain Man
Good Will Hunting
Tootsie
Fargo
American Graffiti
~~Pulp Fiction~~
Clockwork Orange
~~Taxi Driver~~
Raging Bull
Scarface
~~The Goonies~~
Memento
~~The Matrix~~
Se7en
~~The Usual Suspects~~
~~Back to the Future~~
Inception
The Departed
Reservoir Dogs
L.A. Confidential
Snatch
~~Batman Begins~~
~~The Dark Knight~~
Toy Story
The Lion King
The Sixth Sense
Sin City
Million Dollar Baby
Donnie Darko
~~The Princess Bride~~
Twelve Monkeys
Slumdog Millionaire
~~Star Wars: A New Hope~~
~~Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back~~
~~Star Wars: Return of the Jedi~~

We aren’t done yet! Do you have recommendations to complete the Top 100 Movies of All Time? Comment with your recommendations below!

My 35 for 35 Holiday Season Update – Items 1-10

Scott — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:02:57 +0000

It’s been about 2 months since I finalized My 35 for 35 list. Here is a Holiday Season update on how I’m progressing so far.

1. Earn the Spartan Race Trifecta – I’ve purchased my Western Canadian Spartan Race Season Pass and marked the days on the calendar. If you’d like to join me, sign up for your Season Pass by clicking here!

2. Get “Beyond the Blue Collar” Published – The first book I ever wrote almost 6 years ago and I have but one question – To self-publish or to not self-publish… that is the question. Anyone have any experience and advice here?

3. Go on the First Ever Sibling-Only-Vacation – This seems to be a bit of a theme for me. Work before relaxation. I’m going to focus more effort and energy on relaxing and giving back to myself including experiencing the first ever sibling-only-vacation.

4. Write 35 Blog Posts – Since I posted the final 35 for 35 list, this is post number ten. I don’t think it’s going to be too difficult to get to 35 blog posts.

5. Deliver 3 – 5 Public Speeches – So far, I have delivered 1 speech. I think I may have undershot this one. I think I could have easily committed to more. I won’t stop at 5! I’ll keep a running total through the entire 35 for 35. If you know of any opportunities for me to speak, please contact me directly by clicking here!

6. Watch 50 of the Top 100 Movies of All Time – I haven’t even finalized what the top 100 list is that I’m working from yet. Although, I think we can all agree that The Godfather, Gandhi, Schindler’s List and Shawshank Redemption are all on that list. That would put me at 4 for 50 then!

To see what we have as a Top 100 list so far, click here! Tell me what are your top 5 movies of all time!

7. Pose for a Fitness Photo Shoot – Thank you so much to KEYLIME Clothing who has agreed to include me in their spring clothing line photo shoot. Time to start burning off some of this Holiday weight!

As shallow as this may seem, it actually has some depth to it. In fact, it deserves it’s own post.

8. Become Passionate About a Cause – I think it’s safe to say I’ve accomplished this already. The Ronald McDonald House has found its way into my heart and I have definitely become passionate about getting involved with The House that Love Built.

To see previous posts on my experiences with The Ronald McDonald House, click here!

What a wonderful day. The inaugural #FamilyTradition donating #gifts and #time at #TheRonaldMcDonaldHouse. Thank you to all of you who were a part of it. It means a lot to our family that you chose to be a part of it. #gratitude via realscottweller

9. Interview 35 Successful People in Edmonton – I need your help on this one. First off, what do you think the definition of success is? Secondly, who do you know that represents that definition of success?

10. Let Go of the Serial Bachelorhood – It’s been a while since I’ve been in a relationship. By my count, it’s been almost 2 years since I’ve been in a serious relationship. Over the last 12 months, I’ve committed myself to working on Me, so that when I do open myself to a new relationship, I’m not bringing my “baggage” to the table. Plus, the psychic told me it was going to happen this year!

Stay tuned for the update on items 11-20 tomorrow.

My 35 for 35 – Random Acts of Kindness

Scott — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 12:11:51 +0000

On My 35 for 35 list, I have included “Perform 35 random acts of kindness.” I have received some comments saying, “random acts of kindness can not be planned!” To that, I reply:

The informal definition of the word random is, “odd, unusual or unexpected.” So, to me, you can still plan out the acts of kindness, but just allow the randomness to occur with the timing of when you perform these random acts of kindness (RAK).

#RAKcount to keep track of the 35 #RandomActsOfKindness for my #35for35 via realscottweller

In fact, there is a certain amount of planning that is required. If it’s going to be meaningful, I think it’s important to ask the question, “What is a random act of kindness?”

Here’s a list that I came up with:

Shovel someone’s sidewalk before they can
Pay for the person who is behind you in the drive thru
Give a hand written uplifting note to someone who is having a hard day
Put change in the washing machine or dryer for the person behind you
“Drop” a $10 bill on the ground.
Give a copy of an inspirational book to someone you think needs it most
Instead of just thinking it, share a compliment with someone
Take all the shopping carts in the parking lot and put them where they belong.
Pick up trash in a local park
Donate a possession that is dear to your heart
Clean out your closet and donate to a local shelter
Give a ridiculously generous tip to a server
Go out of your way to hold the door open for a stranger
Give a lottery ticket to a stranger
Leave positive messages behind you.
Give flowers to someone, “out of the blue.”
Call or write someone who changed your life
Forgive a debt and never bring it up again
Plant a tree
Visit a senior’s center
Take coloring books and crayons to the pediatric wing of a hospital
If you’re in a long line, let the person behind you go ahead.
Save your extra valentines and send them out in August
Strike up a conversation with that person who is standing alone
Ask – “How can I serve you?” and then follow through on their request
Wrap your arms around someone to remind them that they are not alone

Do you have any other ideas for random acts of kindness?