How I Celebrated My Birthday (aka 38 Random Acts of Robyn)
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago my birthday wish was to complete one Random Act of Kindness for every year of my life thus far, as well as asking friends, readers, Facebook fans and fellow Twitter-ers to each perform one Random Act of Kindness and to let me know about it throughout the day.
I planned out 38 things ahead of time just in case, but really was praying for opportunities to present themselves throughout the day. It was absolutely freezing and windy but we were not to be deterred! My husband, three daughters and my husband’s parents joined me in the most favorite birthday of my life!
OUR 38 ACTS:
1. Returned grocery carts back inside the store from the parking lot for shoppers.
2. Loaded bags of groceries into cars for shoppers (received a hug from one adorable elderly man).
3. Handed bottled waters out the car window to joggers/walkers/bicyclists we passed by (felt like we were support for the Iron Man triathalon or something…lots of laughs from people on this one).
4. Inconspicuously dropped coins on the playground for children to find while they played (my girls are really good at this apparently. No, no one choked on a random found penny. Yes, LOTS of squeals of delight floated through the air as we walked away!)
5. Fed parking meters.
6. Paid for the next two cars behind us on the toll bridge. (Toll operator said, “You gotta be kidding me”).
7. Handed out Tootsie Pops to children (asked parents permission first of course!).
8. Bought a gift card for groceries and turned around and handed it to woman in line behind me. I wasn’t prepared for the look on her face. I immediately left before I started to cry.
9. Walked up to a family eating lunch at a local restaurant, placed a gift card on their table and walked out.
10. Dropped off several hand written thank you notes and doughnuts at the police station.
11. Gave a dozen hot doughnuts to a very cold crew working on the power lines.
12. Took a large bag of clothes to the local homeless shelter.
13. Left 3 gift cards with notes hidden amongst books at Barnes & Noble.
14. Paid for the woman’s coffee behind us in line at Starbucks.
15. Chased down and caught runaway Happy Birthday balloon and returned it to the owner’s unlocked car (then secretly watched as he returned and was completely baffled at the balloon sitting in his front seat!)
16. Tucked happy notes in car doors in parking lot wishing people a good day full of God’s blessings.
17. Handed out mylar balloons to children shopping with their parents.
18. Took art supplies to the Family Waiting Room of labor & delivery floor of the hospital for new big brothers and sisters to be.
19. Dropped off stuffed animals on the children’s floor of the hospital.
20. Delivered balloons to hospital patients.
21. Handed out water bottles to very appreciative nurses (who knew they were so thirsty?).
22. Taped change to vending machines (I actually saw passersby stop and take pictures of the machines without taking the money).
23. Pumped woman’s gasoline so she didn’t have to get out of her car in the cold. (We also added a bottle of some sort of additive since she asked. I should find out what that stuff was. I never add stuff to my gas tank.)
24. Left quarters at a laundromat.
25. Delivered handwritten Valentine cards to the local assisted living facility.
26. Phone card to young woman in need. (I asked the owner of a store I frequent if he knew of any customers who might need it and he got a big smile on his face. He looked at the girl working there and told me she had just confided in him yesterday that she couldn’t afford her minutes on her cell phone to call her family back home. It was a suuuper cool moment.)
27. Handed out hot chocolate at ice skating rink.
28. Left free Krispy Kreme doughnut coupons on coffee table at church.
29. Gave coffee to a toll booth worker on our way home. (He seemed the least affected or appreciative of the day. I feel like he might have needed it the most of everyone.)
30. Walked into McDonald’s and asked the cashier to use my free coupon on next person in drive through line.
31. Wrote a letter to old friend and mailed it (yeah, the total old fashioned way).
32. Took plates of cookies to 2 neighbors I don’t really know and spent some time talking with them (no, I did not bake them myself but no one seemed to care).
33. Read a story to children in Barnes & Noble (I think people thought I worked there! The kids liked it and the parents loved it!). BONUS: My 8 year old daughter found a little guy and read him a book too.
34. Took pictures of two tourists in front of Hard Rock Cafe and a family in the park.
35. Brought in the neighbor’s garbage can for them.
36. Gathered a newspaper that a woman who’s hands were full dropped at the grocery store.
37. Left a small treat with a note of thanks for the mailman.
38. Read an entire Junie B. Jones book (all 9 chapters) to my children before bed, instead of the usual two chapters. (Happy girls indeed!)
**************************************************************************
I was overwhelmed by the number of texts, emails, Facebook messages and Tweets I received from family, friends, colleagues and people I don’t even know, telling me a Random Act of Kindness they did in honor of my birthday. I cried several times throughout the day from how touched I was. Here are the great RAOK other’s did:
Jeanette: I am so glad to hear that you had an amazing birthday! My ROAK - My assistant teacher was having a rough week so I baked her a box of her favorite cookies… Snickerdoodles!!
Heidi: we collected old towels, washcloths and newspapers and am donating them to the local animal shelter!
Debbie: Just paid for the order for the car behind me at the drive thru lane….
Kimberly: Happy Bday! We just taught an older lady how to use the automated postal machine from start to finish ;o) (everyone deserves to learn how to avoid the postal line!!!)
Will: Called a new colleague to tell her a press release had a major typo on it before it went any further! Handled it graciously and with understanding that we all make mistakes.
Becky: Happy Birthday Robyn! I let someone use my discount card at the grocery store since they didn’t have one…not major, but I thought of you and smiled! Hope you get all of your Random Acts of Kindness fulfilled! Enjoy your day! Xoxo
Deanne: I didn’t kick the %$#* out of someone who drove me crazy tonite~~~ does that count?
Sandi: I collected something from Freecycle (electric Hannukah menorah) that I donated to an Adult Living Facility. I know that they prefer electric over real candles. Does that count towards your 38? I love your post!
Heidi: In honor of your birthday i cleaned out our closets and have donated 7 garbage bags of clothing to haiti!! (this was on my radar and i needed a little incentive, thank you!) happy birthday sweet friend!
Traci: We bought a box full of medical supplies, food, etc to donate to Haiti. O. was thrilled to help me pick out band-aids, gauze pads, tape, etc. Love you friend…hope you had the best birthday ever!! XOXO ♥
Mara: Happy Birthday Robyn! A. and I are making valentine cards to send to the military troops today! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Shandra: My random act was that I just paid for the bridge tolls of strangers behind me in line coming back from Logan airport. 
Also gave the toll taker a coffee from Dunkin Donuts. It’s WICKED cold here today.
Stacy: This pay it forward thing is an amazing idea. Wow. I am going to have to do this on my next bday. You have inspired me!!! Giving away free food randomlly to people at our (pizza) place today in your honor…probably shouldn’t say where, huh? xoxo
Lara: Today we spent the morning at the school doing yardwork and then came home and cleaned out closet/garage and donated everything to The Bargin Box!!!
Cameron: I let a mother with two squirmy kiddos ahead of me in line, even though she had way too much stuff
Lynn: Does it count if the lady next to us in “Avatar” was crying her head off and I gave her some tissues? She was most grateful…:)
Nicolle: My RAOK in honor of your Birthday…but, before I share, I have to say that you have started a tradition…and I, too, will use this request on my Birthday in August! I just LOVE this, Robyn…it is right up my alley and has filled me up today with good cheer and warm vibes and in turn has brightened the worlds of complete strangers~ matter-of-fact, I had such fun doing so, that I did it twice today! Ok, ready?
RAOK #1: Walked up to an elderly man in the mall today and simply smiled, asked if I could bless him and was surprised to find how open he was to the occassion…rested my hand on his shoulder, said a silent prayer, smiled and told him he was a special addition to this world of ours~ he, in turn, had tears and a smirk all in one. My heart was fulfilled~
RAOK #2: On the way home, stopped in 7-11, a little girl was glaring at the big cookies…asked her Mommy if I could, she said yes, so we (D. delivered) bought her a BIG GIANORMOUS cookie and some milk to go with it….D.’s little heart was fulfilled and his cheeks were rosy~
Thank you, Robyn!!! YOU, my friend, have made MY day! I adore you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY all over again!!! xoxo
Lara: My raok today, I bought coffee for the man behind me at Starbucks today!! And I just read that you did the same thing! How fun!
Amy: Bought tea for the lady behind me in line at the coffee shop declaring “it’s Robyn’s RAOK day.” Granted she has no idea what that means but my new friend, Betsy, declared that I must be the nicest person in the whole city. : ) I do stuff like this at the Holidays all the time. Thanks for the reminder to keep it going all year long. Love to you! (And I’m totally stealing this for my 38th in 2 weeks!)
Alexandra: In your honor, spent 2 hrs counseling a past acquaintance in his new walk with the Lord. Happy Birthday….
Claire: Hey Robyn- RAOK took $40.00 worth of quarters into Magic Kastle Laundromat and asked the lady behind the counter to pass out to all customers for a day of free laundry. Guess great minds think alike!
Diana: WOW ROBYN! I have never been so excited to have my Bday! You have inspired our whole day! My husband got involved we cleaned my 96 yr old great grandmothers house then went grocery shopping for my cousin who is currently unemployed! My acts werent randon but they were kind! Thank so much for a wonderful day!HaPpY BiRtHdAy my friend!
Michelle: had to call a maintenance guy out to my place yesterday (friend of a friend) - his 7yr old daughter was tagging along with him everywhere on Sat - when I realized I didn’t have any goodies for her, I stepped out & bought some Little Debbie Zebra Cakes & her very own bottle of milk - when I brought them back they were both blushing & smiling when they received them - the whole time I was thinking about your day! Thanks Robyn. B-)
Laura: RAOK We boxed our pizza up and handed it to two guys on the street in NYC. They were so excited.
Corinne: I pushed wayward grocery carts up to the front of the store so the bag guys/gals didn’t have to.
Carlos: RAOK - A boy came to the house selling chocolate bars so that he could earn money for him and his baseball team to go to Cooperstown. When I paid him, instead of picking out the bars I wanted, I told him to take what he wanted for himself. His face lit up! Not the biggest deal, but it was nice for him. And plus, it was for baseball!
Lynn: While visiting the freezing cold restroom at the Outlet Mall, I realized that the lady cleaning the area must really need lunch and a hot cup of coffee. Her sweet face and shocked response when I handed her the cash REALLY made my day! Thanks for inspiring us, Robyn!
Sean: After purchasing our tickets at the theatre, we purchased the next in line’s tix too! The Mom and her two teenagers were completely floored. “WHAT??? WHY????” then…”thank you so much, thank you!!!” We were giddy with having made their day and saved them a buck or two!
Joanna: Our random act of kindness on Saturday in honor of your birthday… At R.’s cheerleading competition we met a girl from Pensacola who was competing as an individual. Her coach, her family and her friends weren’t able to go to the competition, so she didn’t have anyone to cheer her on. We all yelled our lungs out for her. She placed 1st in her division Happy Birthday Miss Robyn!
Kylene: Inspired by your RAOK so I paid for the ladies’ coffee behind me at Starbucks this morning. She seemed excited.
Julie: In honor of your bday I treated the stranger behind me @ Starbucks to their morning coffee. Thanks for the inspiration!
Amy: Just bought gift card for lady behind me @DSW shoes.
Lindsay: not that creative but I paid for a girls cookie at the great cookie co at the mall:)
Amanda: RAOK - paid for the person’s meal in the car behind us.
Michelle: Hi Robyn - hope ur having a great wkend! Reached out 2 a troubled teen 2day-thx 4 the inspriration
Kate: I paid for the next two people behind me at the coffee shop this morning in honor of your bday.
Elisha: I’m organizing an event with friends to help raise money for a friend that has lost 5 members of her family in Haiti and is trying to get money together to send to other family members who are in need of a tents that are ranging in price from $500 -$700 each.
Kylene: Me & my hubby took pictures for 6 different groups of people at Millenium Park in Chicago yesterday. We’re both photogs. 
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATED WITH ME. With the exception of my wedding day and the days I gave birth to my children, my 38th birthday was by far the best day of my life. We were both exhilarated and exhausted but mostly reminded how opportunities to help others are all around us all the time; we’re just usually too busy to notice. And thank you again, Kimberly, for the inspiration. You, my dear, are the original Rockstar!
February 10th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
That is the best birthday celebration I have ever heard of! Happy Birthday Robyn!!!!!
February 10th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Robyn,
I’m so blown away, inspired and proud to know you! What a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful celebration of your life!! Can’t even read them all because I can’t stop crying I am so touched. xoxo
February 10th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Such an amazing read, brought tears to my eyes!
February 11th, 2010 at 1:07 am
You made my day and have inspired me. Great idea. I’ve always thought that birthdays were backwards. The birthday person should be the one giving gifts not receiving them. Thanks for doing this. On my next birthday, I am going to get gifts for everyone and donate everything given to me.
February 11th, 2010 at 7:05 am
I LOVE THIS IDEA!
I will be doing this next year and I am going to do random acts of kindness in your behalf this week!
Plus I will be blogging about you today!
THANKS FOR BRIGHTENING MY DAY!
happy birthday!
February 11th, 2010 at 7:43 am
Now I’m all teary-eyed! What a wonderful way to celebrate your own blessings, and great teaching opportunity for your kids.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:13 am
I wish the entire world could read this post. Your acts of kindness will live forever in the hearts of those you gave to on your birthday.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:40 am
You are simply an extraordinary human being. Selfless, beautiful and inspirational. xoxoxoxoxo
February 11th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Wow, this was an amazing way to spend your birthday. What an inspiration! You definitely made a difference, Robyn!
February 11th, 2010 at 8:53 am
i am so inspired. what a lovely idea. did you do all these things in one day?
February 11th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Love love love it!
February 11th, 2010 at 10:58 am
absolutely incredible!!!! since I missed all the fun i will do a RAOK today in honor of your birthday
February 11th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
You are so incredible!! This is so amazing and wonderful and I really am gonna share this with everyone I know I can. This is so great.
What a wonderful way to spend your birthday.
I love that you did this! You’re such an amazing person!
February 11th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
I put a link to this post on FB and told everyone that the world would be a better place with more people like you in it! You are wonderful!
February 11th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
My niece posted this on her FB, and I was so blessed to read ALL 38 that you did. I have been a recipient of RAOK and I was really surprised at how it touched me so deeply. This is an absolutely amazing idea. Thanks so much for the picture portfolio!
February 11th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I smiled and cried through this entire post! What a great birthday for you and for everyone you gave a little gift of love to!!!
February 11th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Wow * Wow* Wow* What an Amazing thing to do! Thank you for showing this world that people DO care.
I want to do this too!!
February 11th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
this is one of the most touching & inspiring things i’ve ever read…what a great lesson for your kiddos. i can’t wait to share a day of raok with my own kids.
February 11th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
We all live such time crunched lives - how great that you gave your day to everyone else!
February 13th, 2010 at 11:24 am
I absolutely love this and it warmed my heart to read all of the great things!!!
February 13th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Ok, I don’t know you, but I have to tell you that I LOVE THIS IDEA!!! What a great way to celebrate! There is not better feeling that being in the service of others. And, I’m going to copy your idea…..I’m turning 40 in April, and I am going to do 40 Random Acts of Kindness to celebrate, and ask of of my blogging and facebook friends to join me! I’m so excited!!! Thanks again and Happy Birthday!
February 16th, 2010 at 10:40 am
This is so awesome. I remember a lady buying me a box of diapers in the grocery store before. She doesn’t know it but she had just saved me from overdrafting my checking account on diapers. I was so thankful. Thank you for doing this.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Your entry was posted on a message board that I frequent. I have to say that I have been feeling pretty down the last few days and reading this really lifted my spirits. I think instead of dwelling on the pain my daughter is about to go through I’d like to do something like this. Thank you for inspiring!
Joanna
February 16th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
This is one of the most amazing blog posts I have ever read. What an incredible idea & way to celebrate life! & an inspiration for my next birthday, coming this June.
A belated Happy Birthday!
February 17th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Robyn, I don’t even know you, but you have inspired me. What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday. I loved reading this and picturing all the wonderful things you and your family did. I cried like a baby and can’t wait to do it myself. I loved it!
February 17th, 2010 at 10:40 am
This literally made me cry. God bless you for being this way. I was having a really bad day until I read this.
There are still good people in the world.
Thank you!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 10:36 am
what a fun person you must be!
February 19th, 2010 at 10:18 am
OK- this has inspired me to do the same thing. I cannot think of a better way to spend a birthday! Thanks so much for sharing.
February 19th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Hi Robyn i just read your blog today happy late birthday but in honor of your birthday well belated birthday i did three random acts of kindness the first i put change on the front of the payphone at the gas station where i was feeling up. The second on i put change on another payphone at the store i was at. And the third i went to albertsons to pick up some milk i bought a ten dollar gift card from their. Then I stood in the produce section for a couple mintues after checking out looking for that somebody who i could give it to. Then i saw this man who reminded me alot of my father and i thought he looks like he is probably single doesnt have much money not broke but not a rich man by any means this is what i was thinking in my head who knows he could have millions hehe so i walked up to him handed him the card and said here is a ten dollar gift card he looked at me and said thank you and it was like he was in shock and didnt belive me it was a card as i walked off i notice him reading what i had wrote on the front of the card. I put the same thing you did here is a random act of kindness for you have a blessed day! We caught eyes one more time he smiled, and i said have a great day. It felt so good i was kiddy! Thank you Sandy It made my day
February 20th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
THIS WAS THE MOST AWESOME ACT I HAVE EVER KNOW YOU ARE A INSPIRATIONAL PERSON TO SAY THE LEAST. Thank you for doing this
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:34 pm
[…] « How I Celebrated My Birthday (aka 38 Random Acts of Robyn) […]
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:38 pm
That is why you are such a blessed woman! That is one of the sweetest things I have ever heard. Many of us receive things for our birthday, and yet you decided to give. What an unselfish thing you did and it was sweet to see your children helping and learning about giving in such a special way.
God bless you today and everyday!!!
February 24th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Robyn,
I’m late in seeing your post but it has brought me to tears (happy ones). This is such a beautiful idea. I’m going to incorporate this into my family. Imagine what a world we would have if everyone did this on their Birthday. Thanks so much for this wonderful idea and for sharing it with us.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
So happy to have stumbled across your post. I’ve been sitting here grinning the whole time I was reading it. Happy blessed birthday to you!
February 25th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Robyn,
Thank you!!!!!!! We are doing a study at church about the Holy Spirit and how he moves in our lives…I think your acts of kindness are evidence of the Holy Spirit working in your life and through your blog. LOVED IT…Gives me chills!!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:02 am
That is an INCREDIBLE idea! Love it. What a great experience for your kids. Thanks for doings so many wonderful acts of kindness. I am going to steal some of these great ideas. Happy Birthday!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:01 am
I shared this on my blog, i hope it is ok. You have truly inspired me and I hope to inspire others to give rather than receive!
March 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
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March 3rd, 2010 at 8:48 am
I hope you had a fabulous birthday! You have inspired me….. Even though I do not know you, thank you for being YOU! A random act of kindess does not have to be financial….. But for some reason, people have forgotten that. YOU ROCK! Thank you, Thank you……. I will be sharing this with everyone I know. God Bless
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Every year my family forgets my birthday. And it hurts. So much especially because I make their days so great [at least I think so] and I have 6 kids.
For once I think I will have a birthday to remember - it isn’t until September, but I won’t forget your inspiration and will do in kind. Thank you.
[Funny thing is I have never done all of these things in one day - but I have literally done ALL of them at random, singular times].
March 4th, 2010 at 7:49 am
My sister in law shared a link to this article. How inspiring you are. I wish I had seen it before my birthday. But I think I will do it for my anniversary which is coming up. This was such a great idea and I’m so glad it’s making it’s way around for other’s to consider.
March 5th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Happy Birthday,
I have to let you know……..I had a horrible day today, feeling down, I got cut off 4 times while driving, my 5 yr old gave me a challenging morning……..but then I read your site. I am in awe….. I am putting this link on my FB page AND my churches page and issuing a challenge…….. I am going to ask everyone I know to do at least ONE RAK…….I figure 1 x1×1x1×1x1×1x1×1x1×1x1×1x1×1x1×1… let’s spread the love around….. thanks for lighting my candle and making my day brighter….. I just may celebrate my 44th birthday in June the same way…. In Christ……Jenn
March 10th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
[…] want to do this for my Birthday!!
March 11th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
well then, that’s just very, very cool. My friend/ neighbor noted this on her blog (because that’s how neighbors in WI communicate during- via internet :).
I love it!
I posted on facebook and got instant reaction. So, doubleYay!
Thanks,
Another robyn with a y, no, not an i; yes you can spell it that way.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
winter. during winter. clearly i need a cup of coffee.
March 11th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
seriously, like for 3?
yes, a third comment.
sorry.
noting my common love for agave.
just picked some new Raw organic agave this morning at trader joe’s. not sure what raw means, but whatever…
coffee.
March 12th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
To plan 38 random acts of kindness is one thing, to have actually accomplished it is another.I ADMIRE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. respectfully,
Amy Pickering
March 15th, 2010 at 9:32 am
I found your website randomly, but love the idea of the RAOK on your birthday.
I have one coming up in a few weeks, so I think I’ll do the same!!
March 17th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
2 days before Christmas I had someone in front of me in the Starbucks drive through pay for our drinks..so I paid for the car behind me. The next morning I was told by the people that work there that it went on for about 3 hours!!! So On Dec 23 at my Starbucks anyone that went through from 4am until 7am paid for someone elses drink!!! I thought it was pretty cool!!!
March 25th, 2010 at 9:16 am
That is the coolest thing I have ever heard of. It’s my fortieth b-day in 8 days and I am for sure going to hook something like this up. Love it, love it, love it. Hmmmmm! All the possiblities.
March 25th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I do RAOK but your list is not only impressive + generous, you also gave me many ideas for further RAOK.
You are a fine example to people everywhere, young + old.
March 25th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Amazing story- Happy birthday Robyn! I turn 51 in a few weeks- so I think I may take this idea and have some real fun! You gave me such a smile today- make that RAOK #39!!!
March 27th, 2010 at 5:21 am
[…] How I Celebrated My Birthday (aka 38 Random Acts of Robyn), Mix Mingle […]
March 28th, 2010 at 2:47 am
Ive been thinking about what I could do for my 40th birthday and feel so uncomfortable with the usual idea of a big party with lots of random people that dont really know each other. I like your idea and am inspired about what to do on my special day to bring joy to friends and the community around me. Thanks from Jocelyn in AUstralia.
March 28th, 2010 at 5:13 am
[…] 38 Random Acts of Robyn. I’m thinking about incorporating this as a 30 day project. […]
March 29th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Absolutely amazing and very inspiring! Thank you!!
March 30th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Your blog post is definitely making its rounds on FB. I put it on the Charity Chicks Houston fan page. Truly an inspiration!
March 30th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
So wonderful and inspiring ♥ Happy Birthday Amanda!
March 30th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
You have done more for your kids than words could ever do, they will know what it means to put others before themselves as Jesus did when he died on the Cross to pay for our sins. God Bless
March 30th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
WOW what a great Idea, an to include your children. I have always taught mine to pratice RAOK. Hope you had a great Birthday
March 30th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
this post made me cry. this is such a great, inspiring idea.
March 30th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Wow…this is amazing. It actually made me cry…this is just a GLIMPSE of Heaven!
March 31st, 2010 at 1:53 am
Wow what an amazing way to celebrate you birthday - how are you going to top that next year?!
I love your blog, just found it through A Familiar Path’s Melissa.
Have a lovely day,
Jade
March 31st, 2010 at 5:34 am
Great article - I love hearing about how people are blessed and inspired when they bless others. Imagine what the world would be like if we all sought to help others on a regular basis in our daily lives. Certainly a much better place.
March 31st, 2010 at 3:24 pm
[…] 38 Random Acts of Robyn. Wow, what an amazing post. (@Mix Mingle Glow) […]
March 31st, 2010 at 5:10 pm
What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! Mine is coming up and I’m already thinking of what I can do with my boys. The city I live in is home to the 10th Mountain Division, Army - and many of our men and women deploy. We have lived here our whole life and are not military but have a considerable amount of appreciation for all that they are giving up for us. Many times if we are in a restaurant, we will secretly pay for a military families meal. Thanks for your inspiration!
April 1st, 2010 at 5:54 am
WOW. Tears in my eyes, smile on my face…can’t wait to turn 30 in May - thanks for the inspiration:)
April 1st, 2010 at 9:23 am
Wow…this definitely brought tears to my eyes! I LOVE this idea! Can I use it for my sister’s birthday??
April 1st, 2010 at 11:33 am
Love this idea!!! I gave it a thumbs up on stumble upon!
April 1st, 2010 at 11:21 pm
[…] This post really made me smile. This lady celebrated her birthday with random acts of kindness and blogged about it. […]
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:34 am
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April 3rd, 2010 at 10:03 am
Plain and simple, this is awesome. Making someone forget about their own stress in life for a few moments can have positive effects way beyond the simple act of kindness. Kudos 2 you!
April 11th, 2010 at 2:56 am
Found you from “It’s Come to this” blog on the Ultimate Blog Party as one of her favorite stumbles. I think this idea is SO ME! I love to do RAOK and you have just made my 40th BP this summer look so much more exciting then I ever thought it could be! So thank you so very much for inspiring me, and so many others. Oh, and just think, (as I see this has happened a LOT) your 38 acts, driven by one selfless act..(that is, the act/idea of doing something for others) has produced a VIRTUAL RIOT of RAOK’s that become real, touching, day, hour, minute or life changing moments for 1,000’s and 1,000’s of people all over the world. I would say you are definitely Blessed to be a Blessing. So great to meet you. Warmth and love, Tracey
April 13th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
This made me cry. Thank you for existing. It makes me much happier knowing that the world has people like you out there.
This is inspirational.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
[…] How I Celebrated My Birthday (aka 38 Random Acts of Robyn) ~ @ Mix Mingle Glow […]
April 14th, 2010 at 6:40 am
!!!**WAY-2-GO Girl**!!!
( : 2 Thumbs Up : )
April 14th, 2010 at 6:42 am
Hello
Just read your “38 Random Acts of Robyn”. Very nice! I am presently working on a website to raise money for sick children. A whole new experience that will (i hope) change how we help people. A lot of effort put on the user experience.
If you have any tips, please do not hesitate.
I am from Montreal, Canada.
Thanks again for proving to me that pure generosity still exists.
Have a great day!
April 14th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Wow!! This was an amazing post to read!! It brought tears to my eyes!! What a fantastic idea!!! I think I’m going to try this. Although, I’m so weird - whenever I do something “unexpected” for someone I don’t know - I get all choked up. So then I just look like a freak who is giving/or doing something for someone and crying while I do it. Ay yi yi!!!!
I’m going to try though. God bless you - what a beautiful person you are!!!
April 14th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Hi
Mom had a stroke and she really appreciated visits 
When I saw the smile he was trying to make as he touched the purple hydrangeas I knew it was the right thing to do, even if he wasn’t able to smile back or talk anymore because of his stroke. Next week I’m going to bring him socks that will keep his feet warm. People are often afraid to visit people who are sick, but they so appreciate it. You’re a great inspiration 
I loved your 38 random acts. It gave me chills & tears at the same time. I’m going to try to do at least one every day now. The other day I brought flowers to a neighboor who had a stroke & has brain cancer; his wife didn’t think he would appreciate the flowers, but I wanted to do it anyway. I also brough hot cross buns for Easter
I am from Riverview, NB, Canada
April 14th, 2010 at 10:41 am
Hi!
I can’t tell you how this have moved me! I have always thought that during times of crisis, to give back is the best way to get over it, rather than dwelling on your situation. I say this because I am going through some of my own personal turmoil and my birthday is coming up! After reading your blog and what you did for your birthday, you have inspired me to do the same! I host a radio talk show in London, Ontario and will ask my listeners to hep me (I have a week, my b-day is Apr. 22 and I will be 43 so I will do 43 acts!) I know you won’t mind me copying my idea and maybe I could interview you before the 22nd! It was also so inspiring how you included your kids in it. Watching my mom do Random Acts when I was growing up, always kept it on my mind. She once won a gift card for an achievement at work. She was excited but as we drove home, we stopped at an unfamiliar house. She went inside and when she came out, I asked her where we were. We were at our local women’s shelter and she had simply taken her gift card straight in and donated it. I’m tearing up as I write it. My mom, and you and your family, are wonderful examples!
Shauna Rae
London, Ontario, Canada
April 14th, 2010 at 11:33 am
This has brought tears to my eyes. So nice to hear the good things that people do. You are a special woman Robyn and your kiddos too for helping! Thanks for the inspiration. I have always believed in complimenting people but this is something new to start doing. Love it! God bless and Thank you!
April 14th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Wow!! I hope all of us who are inspired choose to do this on days other than our birthday. It’s amazing how simple acts can make such a difference in someone’s life. Thank you for the inspiration!!
April 14th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Nice! I have donated a truckload of goods to Big Brothers and Sisters. Cleaned out my library of books, donated the ones I haven’t read in eons to the library. Old games, DVDs, CDs, clothes, furniture, all donated to Big Brothers and Sisters.
April 14th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Wow, Robyn you’re a huge inspiration. I love this idea.
I’m a breast cancer-survivor and have had many an act of kindness performed for me. There is such surrender in accepting a gift that truly no one’s looking for a ‘thank you’ for or anything in return. And the act itself becomes the reward for the giver.
I’ve become the ‘go-to’ person for friends or friends of friends that I don’t even know to walk beside and encourage them through their journey with cancer. I’ve been an ear on the other end of the phone to people I don’t even know or sent messages through people to their loved ones battling the nasty disease and treatment right up to going to scheduled surgery days, chemo and radiation. I never could have imagined myself in such a role, but God did, so I follow my heart and feel privileged to share such personal journey’s.
You are spreading such positivity it will indeed re-shape the world around you. Way to go!
April 14th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I love this SO much - I am now doing something similar for my own birthday! Thank you for the wonderful inspiration, sweet lady!
April 14th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
You are awesome!
April 14th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Awesome!!!
April 14th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Robyn, I have tears running down my face as I’ve been reading your blog. I am so inspired by you! Imagine what a different world we would be in if each of us took the time on our birthdays to do as you have done! I think we should start a movement! Thanks for the inspiration!
April 14th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Today is my own birthday. While I have been performing RAOK since before there was a name for it…I never thought of celebrating my favourite day by requesting that as my b-day present. Thank you for a brilliant idea. Same time, next year?! Happy Birthday to you ☺
April 14th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Robyn,
Have a blessed tax day tomorrow!!! 
God bless you!
Tomorrow is my Dad’s 76 birthday that almost didn’t happen for him. I will do a raok for him! You have touched me with your blessings for others. Thank you. Your children are blessed to have you as their role model!
April 15th, 2010 at 8:27 am
This is so fantastically awesome!!! I love the idea. I might have to spend some of my vacation time doing some similar stuff. I can’t spend this kind of money as we’re a 1 minimum wage income household, but I can certainly be helpful in non financial ways!
April 15th, 2010 at 11:02 am
WOW!! Reading your post literally made my day, yeah… I had teary eyes while reading. You really warmed my heart in such a way I just have to share this page with others. Thanks for inspiring me. You are truly an amazing person…I have no doubts you will receive so many blessings back in your life. Happy Birthday!!
April 16th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Wow. Your post is amazing. Wow, I’m speechless
April 16th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Thank you…
I had just written and published a post about love and how we are called to love. Then I read your post here. I had to go back to my blog and add a link directing people to read what you’ve written.
God bless you,
Nancy
April 16th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
This is just the coolest idea ever. I love how you took pictures and listed every act you did, to inspire the rest of us. Did you really do all this in just one day?!
April 17th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
[…] this in mind, you have to read this lovely post HERE about simple ways you can show love and random acts of kindness. I wish I could be like this fellow […]
April 17th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I just found you off of Orgjunkie and I am crying here reading this. You are an insperation to others of how things should be. Blessings to you and your family!
April 18th, 2010 at 10:11 am
I can’t stop the tears. Who would have thought a snippet of simple acts that take literally minutes (or somtimes even less) could be so fulfilling! Just reading about it I feel inspired. I can’t wait till the next time I go to the drive-thur for coffee! I’m so treating the next person in line!
I wish I could read stories about this in the local newspaper!
Hats off to you and to every else who now participates in ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ just for the FUN of it!
Cheers… Melissa
April 18th, 2010 at 10:20 am
It’s the best way of celebrating a birthday and spreading goodism..
April 18th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
I found your blog by accident while searching other blogs for party ideas. And now I am sitting here with tears running down my face. What an amazing thing to do for others on your birthday. I wish I lived close enough to you to give you a big hug. You and your family will surely be blessed for the way you touched others.
What a beautiful spirit and big heart you have.
Cricket
April 18th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
From the looks of the pictures you not only had a super busy day but an amazing Birthday! Way to go showing of your RAOK!
April 18th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I wish more people would write blogs like this that are actually fun to read. With all the garbage floating around on the internet, it is refreshing to read a blog like yours instead.
April 21st, 2010 at 7:27 pm
BEautiful idea, I am turning 29 next Tuesday and I will be doing 29 RAOK with my kids. You inspire me!
April 24th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
This is the best blog posting I’ve ever read. I’m bummed that I missed celebrating it with you and everyone, but I think I will do the same for my birthday. Great idea and a wonderful way to bring happiness to people everywhere!
April 26th, 2010 at 2:56 am
Greetings from Norway! What an awesome way to celebrate your birthday. I love doing RAKs, and reading your post has inspired me to plan something similar for my own birthday. Thanks for sharing your day!
April 26th, 2010 at 5:33 am
I just wanted to thank you for your inspiration. I just celebrated my birthday the same way and it ended up being a moving and powerful experience for me (and my entire family).
April 26th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
How utterly amazing you are! And to think that thanx to facebook and Twitter and blogging you are spreading this amazing idea all over
the world. Like so many I read, I can’t wait for my august bday to start this tradition. And one year later I will celebrate my 40th with hi school besties and this is something we can all start together!! Thank u thank u!!
Keep it up! And I am starting now to do one on a daily basis!
Keri
April 28th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
[…] month I read Robyn Bomar’s How I Celebrated My Birthday (aka 38 Random Acts of Robyn) and was inspired. Have you seen this yet? Robyn decided she would spend her 38th birthday doing 38 […]
April 28th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Thank you for having a gracious spirit filled heart…. . I was having a hard night with my special needs sister and need to walk away from her for a bit and God put this sweet story in front of me. I am going to walk back in there and give a big hug. I hope this will catch on and we can all start spreading a little WWJD around… God Bless, Joann
April 29th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
The world needs more people like you! Bravo!
May 3rd, 2010 at 6:43 am
An amazing idea… and I think that is just awesome! I have always wanted to do something similar, so I think I may do the same next year for my birthday! Really warms your heart, and reminds you that all people aren’t so bad. Good people still do exist. Your post was great, and it brought tears to my eyes in a good way. Thanks for sharing! What a great memory that will always be with you!
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:31 am
You are an awesome and amazing woman. I My husband & I are both turning 35 this year. I think this might be for us as well….. THANK YOU.
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:46 pm
WOW! I’m so impressed and inspired!! I can’t believe you did all of that in one day?? I LOVED the smiles on your little helpers. What a wonderful thing to do with your children. I was recently given a free Starbucks coffee by a random act of kindness and it made my day. WAY TO GO! I’ll be 39 soon as well and would love to try this. I think this would be a great tradition to do with my kids on their birthdays. Doing 4 and 7 things I know I can handle! ha.
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:00 pm
That has to be the best blog post I have ever read. Ever. Thank you so much for sharing it.
It could also be PMS, of course, but I am seriously crying.
Both of my tweens said they want to have RAOK birthdays from now on, too. What a wonderful and Christ-like idea.
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Beautiful. Inside and out. May you have as many blessings come back to you as you have given.
This is my kinda Birthday celebration!
This is what makes the world go round.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:35 am
I have been dreading my next birthday - it’s the big 4-0. Now… I’m not dreading it so much. Guess what I’m going to be doing?
Thank you for this wonderful idea. Thank you for blessing so many others on what was your special day. Thank you for sharing you with us.
May God bless you deeply.
Kate
May 4th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Well I don’t know what happened……I thought I left you a comment yesterday!….I spent so much time, tweeting, FB and blogging about your post, I must have missed commenting!
I think this is AMAZING and you have inspired me to do this as well!! Not for my birthday, but I’m planning a day of RAOK!! thanks for the inspiration!♥
May 5th, 2010 at 10:40 am
I came to you by way of Kate’s Life. She warned to get tissues ready, and I didn’t listen. I should have. I know it’s after the fact…but I am very inspired to do this as well. I just had a birthday in April, and we didn’t really celebrate…so I am going to do this. I may take some of your ideas
But I will have 34 to do in all. Thank you so much for such a wonderful idea.
May 6th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Love it, love it, love it! I’m sharing this post with everyone I know. I think many of us will be stealing your great ideas!
May 9th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
What a beautiful amazing way to celebrate! Thank you for sharing. I will be using some of your ideas!
God BLess you and your family and all the people whose lives were touched by your kindess.
May 12th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
I am so excited about this!!! I am proud and amazed at all the things you accomplished. I hope that your inspiriation will help alot of people push forward and be a little kinder from now on. I know I will. I hope to make this my new project, and see just how many days I can keep it going. If I can accomplish one thing a day, I will be so happy. Thank you for your inspiration!
May 14th, 2010 at 10:52 am
I am touched about your random acts. It moved me, what a wonderful way to celebrate. My birthday is next week and I love the idea, so I am going to see if I can follow your lead. Thanks for sharing.
May 27th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Thank you so much for this article. I have no idea how the Lord brought me to your site tonight but I know exactly why!
In just a week it’ll be my brother’s 44th birthday, however he is with the Lord already. Usually it’s a hard day but I want it to be different and now I know how!
I too will ask my friends, facebook crew, and such to celebrate my brother’s birthday with me as we do Random Acts of Kindness. I can’t wait for June 6th now! Thank you!
May 29th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Robyn, I cried the entire way through this. Thank you so much for caring so much about other people. It’s what we need most in this world. I’m doing this every birthday for the rest of my life, and I am totally serious. I turn 21 in January. I’m so excited.
I’ve had a few things in mind that I have been wanting to do and just hadn’t done them yet. I’m going out Tuesday to take people in need in my area to lunch.
I read a book called The Divine Matrix by Gregg Braden. In a section of this book he describes how the square root of one percent of a population changing how they think is all it takes to jump start a shift in the consciousness of an entire population. By making yourself aware of these things and sharing them with others, you’re able to realize them in yourself and in others. You’re helping people realize how they should treat other people always.
Thank you again, this is a true inspiration. I have an unbelievable amount of respect for this.
June 3rd, 2010 at 3:02 am
You are amazing. I struggle with my bday every year. Every year I tell everyone I know to please not stress out about buying me something or making a big deal out of my birthday. I usually have to fight off to my family & friends the idea of a birthday party. I know what I’m doing next year. 32 acts of kindness. Thank you so much for the love blankie you just wrapped around my soul. Peace, love, & God.
June 5th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Ummm…. YOU ROCK!! I feed meters too!!! and I give lots of clothes away to non-profit agency thrift store. I also belong to FreeCycle.com! I love your ideas!! I’m going to try to do alot of these too and include my family too!! I LOVE IT!!
June 5th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Robyn
I found your blog today. Today my son is celebrating his 12th birthday with several of his buddies. For the past 10 years I have always asked that a donation be made to a charity instead of giving him presents. As he has gotten older Ben has chosen the charity himselft. The past two years he asked his firends bring food, toys old blankets etc.. so he could take them to local animalshelter. This year he picked a food pantry and you should see the items that came through our door today!
He looks forward to spending time with his friends … talking, playing, building memories and strengthing the bonds of friendship.
For his birthday next year I am going to suggest he try your ROAK and have every friend bring a note of one ROAK they did in honor of his birthday. We will read them aloud and celebrate the joy they have put into the world.
I know I will be asking for this ROAK for my birthday as well as doing a few myself.
Love & Light
Janet
June 10th, 2010 at 10:06 am
[…] June 10, 2010 Filed under: Healthy Me — trntm @ 2:39 pm Wow. I just read how Robyn of Mix Mingle and Glow not only shares one of my middle names, but had a very unique way of celebrating her […]
July 12th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Wasn’t sure if I left you a note or not but you have INSPIRED me to do this with my church. I am hoping to get our church to do this from now on every year. It will be our Random Acts of Kindness Day. Thank you so much for sharing this and for what you have done!!
July 13th, 2010 at 10:08 am
[…] Uncategorized So this year we have started a new tradition in our family. I saw the idea here and fell in love with it. We have gotten a late start on it so it is my birthday we are starting […]
July 18th, 2010 at 11:14 am
My friend forwarded me your link three months ago and I was so inspired by you and your idea that I did the same thing yesterday on my birthday. What a great day I had! Emotional, Exhilarating and Exhausting! (( I did 45!!! )) Thank you for making this blog so that it could inspire others to do random acts of kindness.
July 27th, 2010 at 7:12 am
Amazing! Touching! Inspirational! I cried happy tears reading it all the way through. Guess what I’ll be doing on my next Birthday - perhaps we’ll do this for ALL of the birthdays in my family!
July 31st, 2010 at 9:07 am
Hey! It’s my 38th birthday today too and I think that Kimberly’s idea was fantastic! I think you should do one raok for yourself though, after your thirty eighth. Very few people are actually kind to themselves. Or perhaps the acts you do for others creates yours.. Anyway, lovely idea, although I don’t consider the ones where people are sharing their religious views with other people acts of kindness.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:14 am
This is the second time I’ve been by to read your post. All three of my kids and I have birthdays in December and it’s hard to come up with birthday ideas that close to Christmas. I think this year we’ll rock the RAOK! That’s 57 acts combined! Thank you so much for the inspiration!
July 31st, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Thanks Robyn for a wonderful idea. My mom will be 76 on August 15th and has spent her whole life serving others. She never wants a fuss on her birthday but I know she will love this. I’ve asked family and friends to help so we can reach 76 RAOK on her birthday. I’ve shared the link to your blog post in my invitation so they could come and get some wonderful ideas! Thanks again! I can’t wait!
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I LOVE this idea! I’m so bummed I missed it for my birthday which was a couple of weeks ago. This sounds like so much fun. Would it be ok with you if I copy this idea on my blog? I would totally give you the credit for the idea.
August 4th, 2010 at 9:51 am
[…] woman’s blog post really made me think about how to bless other people. she spent her 38th birthday […]
August 8th, 2010 at 6:47 am
This idea was truly inspiring! I am turning forty today and have planned an entire day of Random Acts with my family because of you. Thank you for providing me with such a rewarding birthday!!!
August 11th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Damn, girl. *sob* Just found this today and you killed me. It sounds like the coolest. day. ever.
My 39th is coming up soon. I have the sneakiest feeling I’m going to be pulling a Robyn this year.
Thanks for this, I needed it today.
August 12th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
This is an awesome idea, I try to do little things like this fairly often, my most recent was I tied and elderly man on a walkers shoes at the local casino. He was so grateful he hugged me and he looked like he wanted to cry as did I. We all need to learn about these little random acts of kindness and the world would be a better place.
August 13th, 2010 at 8:01 am
I was looking for ideas of what to do for my 25th birthday, and this is it! Thank you so much for the wonderful idea!
August 16th, 2010 at 10:24 am
[…] promised to spend a day using the $50 to perform Random Acts of Kindness. (inspired by this post) if I […]
August 16th, 2010 at 10:25 am
[…] ~ EDITED – VOTING IS OVER AND I WON!!! ~I have been nominated over at i am mommy for “Best Overall Blog”**The winner of each category will receive a $50 cash prize…….If I win I plan to spend a day using the $50 to perform Random Acts of Kindness. (inspired by this post) […]
August 20th, 2010 at 7:15 am
Two words for you: YOU ROCK!!!
I now know what I’d like to do for my upcoming 45 birthday! Thanks for making my day!
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Your post is inspiring. I like your idea.
August 26th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Wow! Happy birthday Robyn! This is a really neat idea. I think that I will tell my pastor about this….and a few others…AKA I am posting a link on facebook. You took the song “Give me your eyes” by Brandon Heath to a whole new level. Love it!
August 31st, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Hi Robyn,
Tomorrow I’m celebrating my friend Lori’s birthday. I was inpired by you and did 40 RAOK in her honor. Check it out http://www.TheBoldlife.com. Thanks so much for the inspiration. If you’re feeling great tomorrow it’s because the boomerang effect is hitting you with love.
August 31st, 2010 at 7:40 pm
[…] sent me this link to a post which features Robyn celebrating her 38th birthday by doing 38 things for others. I LOVE! […]
August 31st, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Dear Robyn.
My friend, Tess Marshall, directed me to this post and we got together and did forty things for my fortieth birthday! Thanks so much for the inspiration. Just think, because of you, two friends laughed a lot, loved a lot, and did EIGHTY things for others. Plus, we asked our readers to join in, too.
Thanks so much for being you. Lots of love to you!
Here are both my and Tess’ post if you want to see what you inspired:
40 Things Love Post
Happy 40th Birthday, JaneBeNimble!
August 31st, 2010 at 8:04 pm
[…] was surfing the net one day and came across Robyn at Mix Mingle and Glow. She celebrated her birthday by doing Random Acts of Kindness, one act for each […]