In an era marred with political strife, bullying, and senseless acts of violence, perhaps it is time for us to shift more attention to the soul of humanity: kindness, charity, and goodwill. Can you imagine how much better life would be if all of us practiced a bit more humanity towards each other?
Keeping it simple, what thoughtful acts of kindness can you to do to brighten up someone’s day? For suggestions, use the list below and make it your goal to do one thoughtful gesture each day.
Thoughtful Acts of Kindness
Say "please" and "thank you"—and really mean it. | Send a "care package" to someone in need. | Apologize to someone you wronged. |
Say "Good morning" to a perfect stranger you meet in the street. | Give a "surprise" bouquet of flowers to a friend. | Leave a generous tip for a pleasant waiter. |
Donate food to your favorite charity. | Hold the door open for someone whose hands are full. | Thank your parents for supporting and encouraging you. |
Simply say "I'm sorry" when you're wrong. | Each time you get a new item of clothing, give away something old. | Listen to a friend or coworker who needs to vent. |
Console someone who is obviously upset. | Encourage someone at work or school to NOT give up. | Take a minute to direct someone who is lost. |
Pay a compliment to your teacher or boss. | Send a get well card to a friend who is seriously ill. | Give a smile to a stranger. |
Help your family by doing an unexpected chore. | Provide a meal to a homeless person. | Stand up for someone who is being bullied. |
Make a new person feel welcomed. | Put your shopping cart back in its place. | Send a "thinking about you" card to an elderly relative. |
Put a coin in an expired meter. | Stop and pay a sincere compliment to a stranger. | Visit an elderly neighbor who lives alone. |
Bake and share goodies with your neighbors or coworkers. | Assist a classmate or coworker who is struggling to complete a time sensitive project. | Pass along a great book you've just finished reading. |
When in a crowded bus or subway, offer your seat to someone who is struggling to stand. | Treat a friend to lunch. | Purchase a gift for a toy drive. |
Ask someone "How are you doing?"—and then really listen to the response. | Donate a winter coat to a shelter. | Give someone you care about a big hug. |
Text a flattering comment to a friend. | Let a fellow driver merge into your lane. | Throw away your trash—and someone else's—after a movie, picnic or visit to a park. |
Spend time reading to a child. | Volunteer in an effort to improve your community. | Come up with you own thoughtful acts of kindness and add them to this list. |
Ultimately, kindness is love in action. When you are genuinely kind to people, you will receive your own positive rewards in return. So, let’s work together to sprinkle the world with thoughtful acts of kindness and let them grow.
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Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living
Patricia K. Flanigan has worked in higher education for over 28 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne as well as a M.A. in Latin American Studies and B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before retiring and moving to Idaho in 2015, she served as the dean of online education and learning resources at Saddleback College, a large community college in Southern California. She currently consults in higher education, volunteers for AARP, writes for a local magazine, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at Boise State University and a contributing member to LEARN Idaho. Since February 2017, she has been the founding director for Smart Strategies for Successful Living, a community-based website designed to promote quality aging. As an educator, her focus is to inspire others to live and age well.
Related Resources
Why Should We Be Kind To Others?: CLICK HERE
Source: Thrive Global10 Simple Reasons to Be Kind: CLICK HERE
Source: Mind Fuel DailyA Guide to Accepting Help From Others: CLICK HERE
Source: Nerdy CreatorWays to Volunteer: CLICK HERE
Source: Smart Strategies for Successful Living