Have you ever heard someone say something similar to “what you may think are the little things, may really be the big things?" I can attest that this has been evident in my life. The small surprises and genuine actions have reminded me how special this world is.

Here’s a list of the sweetest random acts of kindness I have experienced in the twenty-one years of my life. It goes to show that there really are down to earth people with a good heart.

1. Warm Feet

Walking into a residence hall late one night there was snow all over the ground. This guy sweeps me off my feet and tells me that he can’t let me get my feet wet. I said I could easily just walk through the snow. He insisted that my shoes were going to get soaked and he couldn’t let that happen. Talk about a gentleman.

2. Bill Please

I was out to brunch with a friend and the waitress brought us our bill. Seconds after she dropped it off, she returned. She went to take the bill and said she forgot to put something on it. After giving her a funny look, she informed us that a man behind us had said he wanted to pay for it. He is an alumni at the college we go to. That moment warmed my heart and made my whole week. I hope to be able to do the same thing one day.

3. Unknown Angel

Around Christmas time a package showed up in the mailbox. It was addressed to me, but had no return address. I opened the package and inside was a little box containing a gorgeous angel necklace. I searched all around for a note or something. I wanted to make sure to thank the sender. There was no note, no name. It made me grin from ear to ear. To think someone would send a necklace and remain unknown is precious to me. If it was you, thank you.

4. Surprise Flowers

A few birthdays ago, I went to walk outside and there sat a bouquet of flowers with an envelope. On the front it read “Erica”. I opened the envelope. It was a birthday card but had no writing on it. I began questioning friends and family, but no one claimed to have left the caring gift. I was beyond appreciative to receive such a generous gesture from someone I never had the chance to thank. These gestures certainly take a kind heart.

One of my favorite things about all of these acts is that they were not done for recognition. Not one of these people received an award for doing what they did. They were not doing it because other people were watching or they would be on the news. They did it because they wanted to and they cared. In these situations, no one knew the reaction or how appreciated their actions even were. Spreading joy can be very simple. Pay it forward.