ROGER MORONEY It is the first day of September but it is not "officially" the first day of spring, although many mistakenly believe it is. But we'll save that argument for later in the month when spring really does arrive ... that's not what's important right now. What is important is the factthat today is (and I'm not making this up) National Random Act of Kindness Day. In theory, if the human race were made of perfect stuff, such a day would not be required. We would be madly, intently, going about performing acts of kindness simply because that's what a perfect human would be expected to do. But we're not, and so it has come to pass that once a year we are encouraged to carry out a random act of kindness. Which is a fine and wonderful state of affairs because it doesn't cost anything. Like manners, and courtesy ... and forged tickets to get into the rugby. I researched the word "kindness" through the use of a colleague's dictionary. I had misplaced mine and he kindly offered his. "How kind," I said. "Not at all," he replied, at the same time kindly reminding me he would like it back ... unlike the scissors he lent me in May. This was a good start to Random Act of Kindness Day. Gentleness, geniality, benevolence, good-natured and pleasant. That's the requirement as envisioned by Auckland businessman Josh de Jong who teamed up with marketing and social groups to put the "RAK" day together. He had witnessed a road rage incident and simply thought ... "why can't people be more kind to each other?" So surprise someone today by offering part of your morning tea scone. No, what the heck - give them the whole thing. And surprise your partner with the kind gift of flowers. Feed the birdies even, and help someone carry their groceries. Above all, just be kind, and why not make "RAK" every day of the year? Although, everyone will think you're up to something . . .
