Ragpicker Ideas

Below is a growing list of ways you can be a Ragpicker and give service to others. Registered Ragpickers who have tried them out in "the field" submitted all ideas submitted to this site. I must warn you that once you read the list below, opportunities will come across your path to fulfill them. In fact, my promise to you is that within the next 48 hours from the time you read them you will have an unexpected opportunity to fulfill one or more of them. The day after I read them for the first time, I was on a bike ride and was flagged down by a young man who had just lost his sisters dog when he opened the front door. I got his cell number and started combing the streets on my bike to help him find his dog. I found the dog about ten minutes later and called him with my location. The look of relief on his face when he picked up the dog and his grateful "thank you" gave me a bigger endorphin rush than the ride I was on.

Here is the growing list. Thank you to all who help it grow and make it real.

1. Write and deliver a letter or email of appreciation for someone in your life who was a Ragpicker when you needed one.
2. Volunteer somewhere! A senior care center, Best Buddies, United Way, Veterans Hospital, Soup Kitchen, anything that lights you up.
3. Give something, even a meal, to a panhandler.
4. Learn the names of the people who work at the places you frequent (gas, shopping etc,). Call them by name when you enter AND exit.
5. Help someone find anything they’ve lost. PS - I’m still looking for my hair!
6. Make and deliver cookies or other goodies for someone who is struggling.
7. Call someone you miss, and tell them you miss them.
8. Call someone who missed a meeting or school because they are sick and check on them and let them know you missed them.
9. Go on a walk with someone who is sad or lonely. Listen at least twice as much as you speak. That’s why you have two ears and one mouth.
10. Send flowers to someone when they don’t expect it. In other words, when it is not their birthday, or Valentines Day or an anniversary.
11. Thank a previous coach or teach and be specific, if you can, about something they taught you.
12. Hug someone new everyday for a week.
13. Smile at everyone you make eye contact with.
14. Hold a door open for someone else.
15. Give a larger than expected tip along with a note of appreciation.
16. If you come across debris on the road, pull over and move it to the side rather than expecting someone else to do it.
17. Stop if someone has a flat or other trouble and offer roadside assistance.
18. Invite a new neighbor over for dinner (dessert if you’re on a budget).
19. Pick up loose garbage.
20. Give a genuine compliment to someone.
21. Be a good sport or spectator in a competitive game.
22. Tell someone you love them (mean it).
23. Buy and give away a book that is meaningful to you.
24. Sit with someone who is alone or out of place.
25. Tell a mentor in your life how important they are to you.
26. Help a neighbor when you see them outside working.
27. Make a real effort to have more consistent communication with a family member.
28. Offer you seat to someone else.
29. Be present. Turn your phone off when you are with someone.
30. Share a favorite thought or quote with at least five people today.
31. Catch someone doing something good and praise him or her in front of others.
32. Clap or cheer loudly - start the applause if you can.
33. Say, "Thank You, I needed that" when someone gives you a compliment rather than trying to deflect it by telling them they are wrong.
34. If you hear someone gossiping or tearing someone else down, point out at least one positive thing about the target of the gossip.
35. Take the blame.
36. Express sincere excitement for another’s success.
37. Tell someone a funny or uplifting story from your own life or from something you’ve read.
38. Say "Thank You" at least twenty times today.
39. Go the entire day without complaining about anything.
40. Donate blood.
41. Take someone out for ice cream.
42. Give something anonymously.
43. Say "Hello" and smile to a stranger.
44. Raise your hand first is someone asks for a volunteer.
45. Show up early for an event and help greet and talk to everyone as they enter.
46. Introduce yourself first to people you don’t know who are in the same meeting or sitting next to you on the bus etc.
47. Dress up for someone's birthday or other special event to show your respect for them.
48. Call someone you haven't talked to in years.
49. Become a "Best Buddy."
50. Help someone else promote his or her idea.
51. Give the credit to someone else.
52. Talk to a stranger, ask them their story.
53. Tell someone several times how glad you are to see them and be with them.
54. Give a cold drink to a service worker (plumber, yard care, electrician etc.) or roadside worker.
55. Leave a note or treat under someone’s pillow.
56. Write something nice on a mirror or car window of someone you know well.
57. Mow a neighbor’s lawn.
58. Help a widow or a single parent with anything!
59. Visit someone in prison.
60. Attend a recital, game or performance of someone who doesn’t expect your support.
61. Buy lemonade a side-road stands and pay double.
62. Read your favorite book to a child.
63. Play "catch."
64. Donate clothes to your favorite charity, salvation army etc.
65. Write a meaningful note when you give gift, it will last longer than the gift itself.
66. Play checkers with someone at a senior care center.
67. Take fruit or doughnuts to work.
68. Wash someone’s car.
69. Write someone who is away from home, (military, college, camp, mission etc).