20 Ways To Show Kindness

World Kindness Day is on November 16th and we have some simple ways to show more kindness to others. The world can definitely needs more kindness and it all starts with you! If every person committed to doing one or two random acts of kindness a day, the world would be a better place. There is a quote that I saw recently that said  “The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one.” – Unknown. This quote resonated with me because so many people complain about how bad the world is and how mean people can be, instead of being that kind person that can be an example to others. Here are some simple tips to had more kindness into the world. 

Show Gratitude 

Take a moment and show your gratitude whenever possible this can be as easy as saying thank you to the grocery store clerk, expressing your appreciation for the little things that your spouse does that make a difference, writing a thank you note to a coworker, or make a special visit to spend time with a loved one. The most important thing is that you communicate how you feel in some form to another person.

Smile And Say Hello To A Stranger

Okay, I have to admit that this is not my favorite way to show kindness to others, and it’s something that I had to learn how to do for my current job. If you’re out and about making eye contact with a person that is walking near you and say good morning or hello. This is so easy especially if you’re out for a walk in your neighborhood or hiking trail. It’s the perfect place to do a fly-by greeting. 

Donate To A Local Charity

Support a local charity with a charitable donation! There are thousands of non-profit organizations throughout the world and in your town that rely on the generosity of donors like you to support a variety of programs and services like art and music programs, special needs, homeless, education, health care, and the environment. Find an organization that has special meaning for you and you can volunteer, donate money, or be a community ambassador. 

Write A Positive Note To A Co-Worker

If you see a co-worker at work, why not give show them some love with a special note? If you want to leave a small treat is even better. 

Buy A Coffee Or Dinner For A Stranger

One of the easiest ways to show kindness is to buy a stranger a cup of coffee. If you’re in the drive-thru at Starbucks tell the barista that you would like to pay for the order for the car behind you. They will happily ring up the order for you and you can drive off knowing that you might have lifted up someone’s day. I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me.

I’ve got plenty of drinks, meals at In and Out, and an authentic Italian dinner paid for by a generous stranger. It always amazes me and I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but I’m always grateful. You can do this too!

Check On An Elderly Neighbor

Reach out to a neighbor or elderly church member and spending some time with this can be the greatest gift to a senior. Call them, check on them, and ask them if they need help with lawn work or picking up groceries.

Learn Something New About A Co-Worker

Spend time outside of work getting to know your co-workers. This might not sound like a valuable thing to do, especially if you don’t like your co-workers but you never know until you try. Go out for drinks for happy hour and ask them questions. When I went out with my co-workers I learned that one of them was on the Newlywed game back in the late 70s! 

Thank A First Responder

Say thank you to a first responder by writing notes or hanging banners. You can also arrange to have a meal delivered to their station. 

Leave A Generous Tip For Your Server

Tip generously for servers that provide exceptional service.

Volunteer At A Homeless Shelter

Homeless shelters are wonderful places to help people in need and always need volunteers to help serve meals, make hygiene bags,  and help them find service in the community. To find a local homeless shelter you can Google and find the nearest homeless shelter near you.

Create Blessing Bags For The Homeless

Looking for a way to give back to homeless men and women on the streets?  You can put together blessing bags filled with toiletries, snacks, and water and give them to a homeless person anywhere that you go. 

Do A Good Deed For Someone

Offer your help to someone and do a good deed for a stranger or someone you know. Help an old lady cross the street, tie a child’s shoe, or offer to babysit your sister’s kids so she can have a night out with her husband. 

Dedicate 24 Hours To Spread Kindness On Social Media – Share positive quotes

Share kind words, positive quotes, and pictures of things that bring you joy. There is a lot of junk on social media. Spread kindness in the world by sharing tips on ways to bring more joy and light into the world.

Send Positive Quotes Or Messages To Friends And Family

Inspire your friends and family with positive quotes, phrases, or bible verses.

Have A Conversation With Someone

Be fully present, make eye contact and listen to the person you speak to.

Give Someone A Hug

If you see someone in distress ask if they need a hug. 

Leave A Kind Note For Your Significant Other

Show appreciation for your spouse or significant other by leaving a kind note in their lunch box or in the bathroom mirror. 

Hold The Door Open For Someone

Take a few moments and hold the door open for someone else. This simple act will bring a smile to their face. 

Forgive Someone

If there is a person that you need to forgive or apologize to then do it now. This will not only be a gift for the other person but a gift to yourself.

Offer to clean a friend’s house 

If a friend seems overwhelmed offer to clean their house for free. This will take a huge load off of her mind. 

Now that you have 20 ways to show kindness, how do you plan to celebrate World Kindness Day? Share your top three random acts of kindness in the comments below. If you enjoyed this article check out 12 Tips For Emotional Wellness Month.