40 Simple Ways to Practice Kindness
by Mike O’Connor
- Smiles are irresistible. Don’t hesitate to smile warmly at friends, family, colleagues and even…strangers.
- Write hand-written thank-you notes. The notes don’t need to be an essay and people love to receive them. It’s the personal touch.
- If you use public transport, it’s busy and there are no free seats, be the first to stand-up and let a weary traveller, pregnant woman or elderly person take rest.
- Pay it forward – When you are in a coffee shop or café , maybe you could buy a coffee or cake in advance for the next customer that comes in. How tasty! Imagine what a sweet surprise that person will get when they discover that a kind stranger has paid it forward for them.
- When you see a homeless person, think about how you might be able to help them in some way. Buy a nutritious lunch. Ask them if there is anything that they need. Give them a warm coat. Share a conversation. Spend some time. Listen. Engage.
- That thing you’re going to sell. Why not give it away for free?
- Send flowers unexpectedly. No reason needed. Just because.
- Hold doors open. Even for people who are a little further away from the door than usual.
- Make your colleagues/classmates a hot-drink. Expect nothing in return. Well…maybe some doughnuts.
- Speaking of doughnuts…why not buy a bag full and share them out in all directions.
- Pay compliments.
- Does someone owe you money? Forgive the debt.
- When a person is talking to you _really_ listen to them.
- Pass books on, especially the good ones or leave them in public places for others to find.
- Ask elderly neighbours if they need anything doing.
- Tell your loved ones that you love them. Regularly.
- When you are served in a shop, bar, restaurant etc, make eye contact and sincerely thank the employee for their help.
- Put coins in a meter, any meter, that’s about to expire.
- If you know that someone is particularly busy, offer to take their dog for a walk.
- When a thought of generosity arises within you, act on it. Don’t hold back. This is important.
- If someone is struggling with money problems, find a way to secretly help them if you can. If not secretly, out in front.
- Take a friend to dinner.
- Stand up for others.
- Stop complaining.
- Standing in a queue? Let someone go before you.
- Tell someone that they look nice.
- Volunteer some time to help a charity or perhaps a homeless shelter.
- Stop speaking ill of others. Let your words be kind.
- Forgive a driver for their error on the road or their road rage directed at you.
- Recycle.
- Think of the people in your life…what help do they need with chores or tasks? Don’t wait to be asked.
- Be the calm voice in a stressful situation.
- Donate to your favourite charity.
- Spend some time with a senior citizen living on their own.
- Teach a child something you wish you knew at that age.
- If a friend or family member is having a hard time, make sure they know that you are there for them and are available to talk and help.
- Give Blood.
- Donate to or volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- Encourage someone to pursue their dream.
- “Please” and “Thank You”.
In a future post we will be sharing “40 Ways to Practice Self-Kindness
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Great ideas. Thank you.
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thank you 🙂
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I like this a lot….nice post. It never hurts to think about ways to be kind.
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Reblogged this on Africa's Orphans.
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Wonderful post! Thank you x
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AWESOME blog!!! I would like to ask you for permission to use this article on my school blog page. If you would be so kind to allow me to do so, I would REALLY appreciate it!! Thanks for your time. Looking forward to hearing from you 🙂
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Please do, Sir! It’s all yours 🙂
Do you have a link for the school blog?
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Here’s the link for my school blog…unfortunately, I haven’t updated it all year so far 😦 Thanks for your permission my friend!!
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Hey 🙂
I can’t see the link?
Best, Mike.
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Sometimes we are just so ~busy~ we forget that ‘simple acts of kindness’ can go a great distance in uplifting the spirits of another human being. Thanks for these great suggestions.
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Reblogged this on TheYogiRealtor™ and commented:
With all the intense emotions, busyness and disruptions to our normal schedules, the holidays are a time when we are both more aware of the love and gratitude we have for our lives AND a time when all the demands on our time and energy can leave us crankier and more self-involved than usual. Which is why I find this post so timely. I find practicing simple acts of kindness like the ones of this list inevitably bring me more joy and immediately brings me back to the present moment. No matter what is going on in my day, taking a moment to smile genuinely at a stranger or to really listen to a friend reminds me of our connection to each other as human beings and puts the material demands of life into perspective.
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I like this. There are so many ways to be kind that doesn’t cost us money or much time. Thanks for the reminders.
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You’re very welcome and thank *you* for the comments and support! 🙂
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Reblogging on @RandomActsofWarmth! Love this!
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Hey Katherine! Awesome 🙂
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Reblogged this on brainsections and commented:
I think #24 and 28 will minimise my effectiveness as a homeless activist, but I can apply them to other areas of my life. — T.J.
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Hey 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
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Reblogged this on My daily fuzzy and commented:
In case you need some ideas 🙂
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Reblogged this on makedovintage and commented:
Hello, I’ve just stumbled across this blog on Facebook. It makes an awesome and challenging read. Have a great day. X
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Who is the artist for this drawing? Love it!
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This is a great list, if most people only practiced 10% the world would be a better place.
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Mike–Thank you for this! What a great “menu” to keep in mind. I reblogged this on my blog, luluopolis.wordpress.com.
Love it!
Jane
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These tips are wonderful, can’t wait to share them with my class. We are always looking for more ways to be kind. 🙂
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Aww, that’s lovely to hear 🙂
Best, Mike.
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so very inspiring! already put paying forward, talking and checking with a homeless what s/he needs and actually acting on generosity impulses on my to-do-list!
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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