Have you ever been an activist, a person who takes action to challenge those in power with the goal of making a positive change? In your younger years were you a hippie, going to peaceful demonstrations, wearing long dresses, love beads and no bra? Did you follow in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King to campaign for an end to literacy tests and other methods used to disenfranchise Black voters? Have you ever been a member of a union that called for higher wages and better working conditions for all? As a woman have you fought the fight for equal pay for equal work?

Over the course of my life, I’ve attended a few peaceful demonstrations and written many letters to elected officials advocating for changes that I believed would improve the lives of those living in my community, state and country. I can’t say that everything I wanted to happen, happened but I can tell you it felt empowering to try. But at this point in my life, I want to be a RAKtivist! “What’s that?” you ask. A RAKtivist is an activist who practices Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) with the goal of bringing about positive changes in her/his family, neighborhood and community at large. I’m sure like me, your mother, teachers, preachers and others told you, “Be kind. It is better to give than to receive.” It turns out they were right! Life Vest Inside, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring, empowering and educating people of all backgrounds to lead a life of kindness, promotes the many health benefits to practicing kindness.

According to Life Vest Inside, kindness increases FIVE hormones that help us emotionally, socially, and physically.
1. Serotonin helps us to feel happy, calms us down, and heals our wounds. The bonus here is that, when we share a kindness, it not only increases serotonin in the giver but also in the receiver and everyone who witnesses the act.

2. Endorphins are the brains’ natural pain killer, three times more effective than morphine!

3. Oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, increases our ability to bond socially, helps us clam down quickly, promotes trust and generosity, strengthens our immune system, and promotes love. Whew that is a lot of duties for one hormone!

4. Compassionate people have two times the DHEA, which is responsible for slowing down the aging process.

5. Kind people also show 23% less cortisol in their system. Since this is the “stress” hormone, we can effectively say that MORE KINDNESS = LESS STRESS!

Wouldn’t it be amazing if every member of Prime Time for Women became a RAKtivist? Starting on October 1, I’d like to invite all of those who follow Prime Time for Women on Facebook or are members of our private Facebook group to comment daily on acts of kindness you bestowed on another or one that was bestowed on you. Together we will celebrate the power of kindness to change the world. Remember RAK don’t have to be a big deal…they can be something small, like giving an unexpected complement, changing the cat litter when it’s not your turn or calling a friend you have spoken to for a while. For more ideas check out 100 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas. I am a woman in my PRIME and I now have more TIME to think about others and the legacy I want to leave behind. Can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!