Is it such a hard thing to say or do something nice? I really don’t think it is. In fact, last month was Kindness month, and the experts that be suggested that the best ratio of kind acts to let’s say not-so-kind acts should be 20:1. Twenty positive acts or interactions for every single negative one. Thank you can hit that ratio? Be there you can, and without much effort. See the list I found on Girlsontherun.com for some excellent suggestions.
31 Ways to be Kind:
1. Give a compliment to everyone you see today.
2. Complete a thoughtful chore/task to help someone out.
3. Eat lunch with someone new.
4. Bring extra water or refreshments to a Girls on the Run practice or a shareable treat to the office.
5. Pay for a stranger’s coffee.
6. Hold the door for someone.
7. Leave an inspirational note in a public place for someone to find.
8. Leave a generous tip.
9. Donate to a charity on behalf of someone else.
10. Offer to help someone with his/her groceries.
11. Send a handwritten letter in the mail to a loved one or a service member.
12. Take flowers to someone who needs encouragement.
13. Create a “Things I admire about you” jar and fill it with 10 things you admire about someone. Instruct the recipient to pull one out daily as needed.
14. Make and distribute care packages to people in need.
15. Write a “Thank You” note to someone whose efforts or work you appreciate. This could be someone you know personally or someone in the greater community.
16. Call someone instead of sending a text.
17. Donate food to a local food drive/pantry.
18. Ask someone to go for a walk and check in with them regarding life.
19. Say something kind about someone when you overhear others gossiping.
20. Make someone a personal playlist of their favorite songs or a clothesline photo display of their favorite memories.
21. Cook a meal for someone or pay for their lunch.
22. Give someone a hug.
23. Pass along a helpful book or encouraging message.
24. Donate food or supplies to a local animal shelter.
25. Offer to run/walk a final lap with someone during a workout or Girls on the Run practice.
26. Plant a tree/flower or contribute to a community garden.
27. Call someone you love and tell them that you love them.
28. Donate clothing or blankets to a local homeless shelter.
29. Donate to a charity or cause you believe in.
30. Smile at someone today.
31. Let someone do something kind for you or receive a compliment without resisting.
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--------------------------------------------------------- "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Michael Pollan --------------------------------------------------------- Susie Csorsz Brown Kampala, Uganda