Whether you are celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 13 to 17 in 2024), Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17) or looking for an alternative to giving up something for Lent, you may find my Random Acts of Kindness Challenge helpful. I have included forty different random acts of kindness for you to be inspired by. I would love for you to share any other ideas you have in the comments so we can inspire each other.
There is no doubt that life is even more beautiful when we are kind. In many cases, we attract what we give out, so not only does sharing random acts of kindness make life sweeter for others, it can make life sweeter for us as well.
“Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of other people”
Karen Salmansohn
Personally, I like to mark the season of Lent (February 14 to March 28 in 2024) with some sort of challenge. This year I am challenging myself to carry out random acts of kindness every day, a minimum of one each day. You can start at any point during Lent – it is never too late!
Of course, there is no reason to restrict carrying out random acts of kindness to a particular time of year. Ideally, this challenge will inspire us to continue to look for ways to incorporate random acts of kindness in our everyday lives on a regular basis.
The suggestions do not have to be done in order; choose one to do each day or simply watch for opportunities to carry them out. Feel free to mix and match – and if you have any more suggestions please leave them in the comments. I think finding different ways to be kind to one another is an incredibly valuable pursuit.
So, without further ado, here are my suggestions for random acts of kindness.
40 Random Acts of Kindness
- Smile at a stranger.
- Say hello to the people you see when you are out on a walk or run.
- Bake someone happy with a gift of cookies or a small cake. Better still bake a recipe that makes 2 of something, one for you and one for a friend!
- Bring in a neighbour’s rubbish/garbage bin after the weekly collection and make sure there’s no garbage scattered in front of their house.
- If you are outside when your garbage/rubbish is picked up, say thank you to the people who are collecting it. Smile and look them in the eye. Sometimes the people who do incredibly valuable jobs feel completely unnoticed and under valued.
- Buy flowers for a friend or neighbour.
- Leave some money with the barista to pay for the order of the person behind you.
- Offer to babysit a friend’s baby/child for a an hour or so while they take a little time for themselves.
- Make a point of speaking to the person who delivers your mail. Thank them for delivering in all weathers.
- Invite friends round to dinner.
- Call a friend and spend a few minutes chatting with them. Really listen to what is going on in their lives.
- Reach out to someone you have not seen in a while and arrange to go to lunch or on an outing together.
- Check with an elderly neighbour or one with young children before you go shopping to see if you can bring anything back for them so they do not have to go to the store.
- Write a letter to someone important to you sharing all the things you love about them. Thank them for how they make your life better.
- Make an extra casserole and share it with a neighbour or friend.
- Make a meal basket or a fruit and vegetable basket up for someone you know who may be struggling in some way and take it round to them.
- Be patient and friendly in the check out queue at the grocery store. The person in front of you may need a little extra time for whatever reason – even if only because the cashier is the only person they will speak to all day.
- Use affiliate links to make purchases. If you see something recommended on a website and decide to purchase it, please click through on the link in the recommendation. Your purchase price is unaffected but the person who recommended the product receives a small commission. If you need something from, say, Amazon, click through on any link from one of your favourite bloggers. Even if you do not buy that exact thing, your visit is tracked and may provide them with a small commission on your final purchase. Your purchase price is unaffected.
- Give a copy of a book you enjoyed or found valuable to a friend who you think might enjoy it too. This is one of my favourite random acts of kindness!
- Write a long newsy letter, and send it with a packaged tea bag tucked inside. Explain at the beginning of the letter that you hope the recipient will make a cup of tea and relax while they read your letter.
- On your next walk, take a plastic bag and some gloves with you. Collect any litter you see and take it home to dispose of it.
- Take the time to ask “How are you, really?” (affiliate link). Look the person you are asking in the eye and really listen to their answer.
- Give someone a compliment. Looking for opportunities to compliment people encourages you to look for the good in everything.
- The next time you read something or listen to a podcast that really resonates with you, reach out to the creator and tell them how their work affected you.
- Borrow your partner’s car and take it to be washed – or if it is a nice day you can wash it yourself.
- Carry out a task that someone else in your household normally does.
- Run an errand for a friend or family member.
- Offer to carry out a task (for example a cleaning or gardening task) for a friend or neighbour who is elderly, infirm or just needs a little extra help.
- Volunteer with a local charity, either for a special event or long term.
- Donate money to a charity.
- Declutter and donate anything you no longer want or need to your favourite charity shop.
- Edit your wardrobe, donating anything in good condition to charity. For example, Smart Works is a UK charity that helps women get back into the workforce with a free dressing and coaching service. They are always looking for good quality clothes to style their clients.
- Let the person approaching the same parking space as you are at the same time have the space.
- Invite someone who has their hands full, looks like standing may be uncomfortable for them, has a crying baby or a child who is acting up to sit down if you are on public transport or to go ahead of you in line at the grocery store or coffee shop.
- Speak to the person on the checkout at the grocery store. Ask how they are and really listen to the response. If you go to the same places regularly, endeavour to remember the answers to your questions. Next time you see the person, enquire as to how things are going with something they mentioned. For example, one day I asked a lady on the checkout how she was and she said her back was really bothering her. The next time I was in her line at the checkout, I asked how her back was feeling. She felt seen and heard and her pleased reaction to the fact I had remembered our conversation gave me a huge lift.
- Give up complaining for a day – or longer. (One year I gave up complaining for Lent – it was really hard!) It is amazing how complaining about things can bring people down emotionally – and how being positive can lift them up.
- If you see a small item or treat you know a friend or relative will love and it is within budget, buy it and give it to them “just because”.
- Give a positive feedback to a service provider or business who have helped you. Either send it to them by email or post it to their Google Business Profile or other review site. If a restaurant or hotel have given you particularly good service, submit a Trip Advisor review. Positive reviews and testimonials really not only give people a boost, they can actually increase business.
- Offer to take a friend or neighbour’s dog for a walk.
- If your grocery store has a receptacle for food bank donations, buy a couple of extra items to donate. Many will also accept donations of personal care items. Some also accept donations of pet food. It would be heartbreaking for someone to have to give up a pet because they cannot afford to feed them.
What Will You Do?
Whether you decide to adopt this challenge, or just carry out random acts of kindness on an ad hoc basis, I hope that making life a little easier or more fun for someone else will make life even more beautiful for you.
Comments & Reviews
April, this is a lovely idea for lent! I love it and that will be my mission this season. Have a lovely weekend.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I am really glad you like it, and that you are going to join me in the challenge!
I’m going to try to do this too this year. I will have to adjust alot of them due to lack of transportation. However, can you suggest a few extra ideas for people that might not have transportation or able to drive.
Hi Lindsey,
I’m so glad you are going to join me in the challenge. Please only look at these ideas as suggestions. Anything that you do that shares kindness with someone else is just fine and it doesn’t have to be something different every day. You can do the same thing as many times as you like.
I would focus on things that you can do in your neighbourhood or for people who come to your house. Perhaps sending letters or post cards might work if you have a postbox within walking distance – or emails if you do not? If you have a garden and there are flowers blooming (although it is a bit early for flowers in Lent) you could perhaps pick a posy for a neighbour… Another suggestions is to share photos with friends or family members. You could maybe make an album (either virtual or an actual book) with family photographs, old and/or new, for extended family members. My cousin emailed me an old photograph of my grandma (who died before I was born) the other day and it gave me such a lift. If you have some knowledge of family history, maybe you could work on your family tree. You could also write a bit of a memoir. Preserving our memories for future generations – either of our own family or just for society – is really important.
Also, it doesn’t matter if you miss a day – this challenge is supposed to uplift us as well as others, and not be a source of stress. However, I also think that it is important we be kind to ourselves, so if you have a day when you cannot share a random act of kindness with someone else, I think you should share a random act of kindness with yourself. You could treat yourself to some time for self care, or read a favourite book, or do anything that makes you feel taken care of.
I hope that this challenge brings you a lot of joy. Please let me know how it goes.
With very best wishes,
April
Thank you April!! That really helps out a lot. I’m excited to start.
I’m so glad it helped Lindsey! Please let me know if you think of any other ideas as well – I would love for you to add them in the comments 🙂
I’m going to try to talk more to my family members that live outside my state. I find alot of stuff around my condo that I’m going to randomly give to people. Like I find a word search book that Im going to give to my elderly neighbor for tomorrow. I find the food basket and making things food related can be tight on a budget. But I’m open to any other suggestions. What did you do today?
Hi Lindsey, Keeping in touch with out of state family members is such a good idea! It can really lift people’s spirits when you reach out to them. I love your ideas, they all sound lovely. Today I complimented 3 people. Yesterday, I donated some things in good condition that I no longer needed to a local charity shop.
Thank you so much April! I been giving out compliments out more and more too. I’m going to write a story after the 40 day challenge and see if the newspaper post my story. It brings some hope to me even though I’m going thru things. If I can put a smile on someone face. It makes my day. It’s starting to get harder to find different things each day but I’m coming up with some different ideas every day. How’s it going for you so far?
Hi Lindsey,
That is such a good idea to write a story after the challenge and see if the newspaper publishes it! I would love to read it too. Feel free to do the same thing more than once, it doesn’t always have to be something different. I have sent a lot of cards, and given a lot of compliments, as well as giving things I no longer need to charity, so I definitely have some overlap and duplication too!
I’m so excited by how the challenge has inspired you. Well done!!
April-
Just wanna give you a heads up. My friend finally got her letter with the tea bags. It was one of your suggestions in the challenge. This is how crazy US mail is. I literally think I mailed the letter like over a week ago and she just got it yesterday. She said the tea came in handy after her stressful day yesterday. It made me feel so good inside. Kudos for the suggestion. This challenge has been so fun and rewarding. I can’t thank you enough for putting this challenge out to the universe. Hope you have a good weekend.
Our mail takes a lot longer these days as well, Lindsey, but it sounds like the timing of the arrival of your letter was perfect. I’m so glad it blessed both you and your friend.
It makes me so happy to hear that you are finding the challenge fun and rewarding. I think it is amazing all the kindness you have shared, and I am feeling very inspired by all you have done, as well as how creatively you have approached the challenge. Thank you for your generous support of it!
I hope you have a good weekend too. x
Awesome April. So far so good. I’m using some of your ideas as a guide so far. My goal is to do something different everyday if I can. I probably going to need that extra push halfway point. Also, I think it would be a good idea if anyone else doing this challenge wants to do this check in at the halfway mark. Yea I had to improvise on the fly today. Was going to buy the extra food to donate to a local food bank but my grocery store didn’t have any pre package bags so I actually did your Day 35 today. After I’m personally done with the 40 day I wanna write a reflection piece and see if a local Christian paper would be interested in publishing my story. Side note I have a public relations degree and actually wrote a story the start of the pandemic that I try to get publish with my paper. No such luck. I think it be fun if you want to do a check in throughout the 40 days. Just a suggestion. Hope you have a good weekend.
I’m so glad it is going well, Lindsey. Please don’t feel you need to do things in any particular order, or that you have to do them all. I would definitely persevere with the reflection piece. That could help a lot of people, and definitely counts as an act of kindness, published or not! You never know when an opportunity might arise to share it. I hope you had a good weekend too. Please do pop back and share what you are doing. Today I reached out to a friend I have not heard from in a while. It brightened the day for both of us 🙂
I’m excited to share with everyone the piece I wrote about volunteerism is being feature in my local newspaper next week. I want to thank April for creating this challenge/blog. I honestly randomly find you on a whim when looking for 40 day random acts of kindness. I’m doing good so far. How are you doing so far April? P.s. It’s been an absolute joy to do this challenge so far. Even the smallest compliment or action can make someone day.
Congratulations, Lindsey! That is fantastic news about being published. Well done! I am so pleased for you.
I’m really grateful you found my 40 random acts of kindness inspiring. I’m doing really well too, thank you for asking. Alongside the other things, I’m finding that I’m complimenting people more without thinking about it too. It’s like a lovely new habit.
It is so true that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference. Thank you so much for sharing your journey – and congratulations again!!
Do you recommend any other blogs that are similar to yours so I can give them positive feedback?
Hi Lindsey, I haven’t got any blogs like mine to recommend, however I think you would love Gretchen Rubin’s blog. Here is a link https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/ You can’t leave comments, but you can email Gretchen directly or contact her via social media. I hope this helps!
Thank you so much April for recommending me Gretchen Rubin blog. It was awesome. I literally listened to her on my walk this morning when she interview people for the four tendencies. I highly recommend to listen to those interviews. She had on Carla Hall which I’m a huge fan of hers as the rebel tendency. I’m pretty sure I read her book The Happiness Project. I also took her quiz about the four tendencies. I’m interested in seeing what you are. I’m a obliger. Starting to run of ideas for the challenge. So far I been doing a different act of kindness each day. I think next week I’m going to write a lot of letters and make some phone calls. We are at the halfway point. How’s the challenge going for you?
https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/
I am an obliger too, Lindsey! 🙂 I really enjoyed the quiz, and often recommend it to everyone, so thank you for linking to it here. I would definitely encourage people to take the quiz 🙂
I’m so glad you are enjoying Gretchen’s podcast and blog, and her work in general. I think you would enjoy her book The Happiness Project too.
The challenge is going pretty well for me too, thank you. I am really enjoying reaching out to people by messages, cards, letters or phone calls. I want to be sure to keep this up after the challenge. Have a lovely Sunday!
Happy Sunday to you too!! That’s so cool that you’re a obliger too. She said most of the population is obligers. I recommend listening to her interview with all 4 tendencies especially the obliger one. I don’t do podcasts but I read a lot yesterday morning on her blog. I’m like 95% sure I read her Happiness Project book. I think tomorrow marks the halfway point. It’s been so much fun doing this. I’m starting to get stuck on ideas to do during the week even though I work in the office. I’m going to do your write a letter with the tea bag. Can you regular mail a tea bag with a letter? I don’t usually mail a lot of things. Sorry, for the silly question.
Hi Lindsey,
Thank you! If you started the 40 day challenge when Lent started (Ash Wednesday 22nd February), the half way point will be Thursday 16th. However you may have started the day I posted which was earlier 🙂
Not a silly question at all. Your mailing restrictions will likely vary depending on where you are. I’m not sure I could send a teabag from the UK to North America, but I could send one within the UK. I would check with your local post office 🙂
Have a wonderful week!
Sorry for the misspellings.
Please don’t apologise, Lindsey 🙂 It’s no problem at all. 🙂
I think I started on Ash Wednesday. Lol. Okay yup that makes sense. I’m already ready for the weekend lol. I already mailed the letter with the tea bags today actually for a friend helping me with the taxes this past weekend. I’m trying to figure out what to do tomorrow. I’m going to look at your list for ideas Happy Monday!
Bless you! I am sure you will think of something. Remember, it’s okay to repeat things 🙂 Have a lovely rest of the week!
Hey April! Halfway thru the challenge. How’s it going so far? Can you add anymore ideas on the top of your head? I work in the office now so maybe any office ideas you can give me. Trying to think of some this week.
Hey Lindsey! I’m doing really well so far, although I confess I am repeating some of my ideas more than once. I am making a point of saying hello to more people in shops and when I am walking. I think a lot of people may not speak to many folks on a day to day basis and just that little hello can really perk them up. I gave a book I had enjoyed to a friend and I also sent some postcards. They are quick and easy, and just let people know you are thinking of them. I’m also updating my birthdays list and being more proactive about sending actual cards. I hope this helps! I really admire how well you are doing!
Aww thank you April. I am probably going to use some self care days here this weekend since I will be inside alot of the weekend. I am going to try to do that tomorrow. I looked up office random act of kindness and it said to do something like that like compliment people. Let’s do a check in again at the next week? I’m going to look at some of your ideas again. I am not a big card person. I have already sent a card to a friend in this challenge and a letter to another person with the teabags. Love that idea. I’m determined to do something different everyday. Just me lol. But I’m going to maybe try to make some phone calls to family soon too.
Definitely take some time out for self-care, Lindsey. You can do that more than one for sure, it is so important! Maybe go somewhere you have always wanted to go locally, or treat yourself to something you would enjoy (food or non-food!). Absolutely, please do check in next week and let me know how you are doing. I really admire that you are trying to do something different every day!
Thank you so much! I have got creative and looked up work place acts of kindness on Google and it gave me some ideas. Like today I wrote a thank you note to our work custodian. Yeah, I want to try something new but it’s hard with no transportation and relying on people. So, I just rely on people that are able to help me on weekends like my mom or church members. I don’t have a lot of friends that can help me so I usually do a lot of zoom meetings to get support. Yeah, so far every day has been different act of kindness. I will definitely going to need a push next week.
I think everything you are doing sounds brilliant, Lindsey. Please don’t feel pressured with the challenge, I wouldn’t want you to be stressed out by it! I’m so inspired by how you have embraced it and how much kindness you are spreading. Well done!
Are you on Facebook? If so, I think you might enjoy the Hearth and Soul Community. It’s a place to share things that feed the soul. While it comes from a blog link up party, The Hearth and Soul Link Up, you definitely don’t have to be a blogger to join. You are most welcome if you would like to be a part of it, but no pressure!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hearthandsoulcommunity
Aww thank you April for the link! I’m usually never on Facebook honestly. I only do the messenger. But I am doing my first self care day tomorrow since I been doing the challenge. Getting myself a massage. The challenge has been so fast that I really haven’t done a self care day. I know I’m going to probably need a extra push next Friday. My good friend has given me a lot of good ideas the last week. But so far every day the act of kindness has been different. How’s the challenge going for you? Any surprises from people about the challenge? Any difficulties? Any funny stories from the challenge? I think it be cool if everyone will share their favorite experience or act of kindness so far. I have so many but I would have to say my co worker genuinely surprised by all the sticky notes of positive statements about her. I literally put a bunch of sticky notes over her monitors with just positive affirmations towards her. She was so surprised. Another friend was so happy to get the teabags with a letter from me. She thought it was the sweetest thing. That’s just a few things that genuinely brought me joy so far and there’s so many more stories. It’s truly been a blessing in my life. It made me realize to slow down and actually take the time to get to know another human being. Even people that have completely political differences than me or different nationality. We are all made in the image of God. Just want to let everyone know that is doing the challenge that you are truly a blessing to others. Don’t forget that.
Thank you so much, Lindsey! That is very kind of you. I am so glad the challenge has been a blessing to you and brought you joy. That makes me so happy, thank you.
How did the self care day go?
I’m not sure I have a particular favourite act of kindness as I have enjoyed them all. I think doing the challenge has made a me a little more patient, and although I have always made gratitude a priority, I think it has made me even more grateful too. I have also stopped complaining as much. I didn’t realise that on stressful days I sometimes went into a cycle of little gripes about nothing very important. The challenge made me realise that I do that from time to time and has helped me to stop, which has been a blessing to me and others!
One thing I have found interesting is how hard it is for some people to accept kindness, or to feel they deserve it. Some are even embarrassed by it. I think we all need to be kinder to ourselves as well as to other people, and realise that it’s okay to let people do nice things for us.
Thank you again for your encouragement and support.
Yes, I did. This past Saturday I treated myself to a massage. I am honestly not more kind to myself. I’m always putting others before me that I forget that I need to be kind to myself. Honestly, that was my first self care day out of the challenge so far. It’s starting to get more challenging now towards the end of the challenge. However, I think I see more self care days soon . Maybe this weekend actually lol. I still been putting off some things like calling my family members from out of state. I might do that the remainder of the challenge that is left. I do notice alot of people not being kinder to themselves. I think that can be your upbringing honestly. Yeah, I might have to do the stop complaining for a day. That will truly be a challenge lol for me. I’m ready for a extra push April. Lol.
I think you are doing brilliantly, Lindsey! It’s wonderful how you have embraced the challenge. I’m so glad you took time out for a massage. I definitely think you should include at least one more self care day in the challenge! So many of us do struggle to be kind to ourselves – I even wrote a blog post about it! If you are interested you can find it here https://apriljharris.com/be-kind-to-yourself/ Calling family members is a great idea. I am sure you will be surprised by how much they enjoy it, and I hope you enjoy it too.
I just read your article about being kind to yourself. It was a great reminder for me to start doing that but I don’t know how to do that. What are some self care ideas you recommend? Also, what is some workplace ideas you recommend since I’m back in the office. Thanks for your kindness to me and everyone! I really appreciate it.
I’m glad the article resonated with you, Lindsey. 🙂
Aside from the things I recommend in the article, you can spend time doing things you used to enjoy when you were a kid. Is there a creative pursuit – say drawing, colouring or collaging – that you used to enjoy when you were younger? One thing that feels like a big treat to me is colouring. I also love to do puzzles. Even taking the time to take a walk and just enjoy it, without rushing or feeling like you have to ‘exercise’ can be great self care. Or treat yourself to a sheet mask and do an at home facial. Would a trip to the library or a bookstore be a treat for you? That’s a big self care thing for me.
Workplace ideas could include making yourself a nice lunch to take to the office, something you will look forward to, or stopping for a breakfast treat on the way in. There was a little bakery I used to stop at for a croissant every couple of weeks when I was working up in London years ago. If you are allowed to, make your desk area a nice space with maybe a plant, or a small bunch of flowers from the market. I hope this helps!
I love coloring. I have a adult coloring book but need stencils or crayons. I love the library. My library card expired so gives me a excuse to go. I probably won’t do much this weekend because my eczema flared up. It’s been bad the last few weeks. Trying to get more stuff to help the itching like aloe vera. I do love crossword puzzles. I might do that tomorrow. It be my self care day. I can’t believe it’s like almost a week left. Hopefully something will pop up in my mind for more. Hopefully you’re doing well with your challenge. Here’s the final push.
Hey April! Happy April lol. Just wanted to let you know today I did a self care day. I watched a funny Netflix show with my mom. I think I probably will do another self care day tomorrow too. Tomorrow we have one more week of the challenge. Ready for the last push? What all you did to gift people with your kindness this week? Hope you are having a good weekend. So excited for spring to be here.
Thank you, Lindsey! Happy April to you too! This week I have been giving lots of compliments and taking time to really talk to people in shops etc (especially check out staff and servers). I’m saying thank you to everyone who helps me, even in the smallest way. I am so glad you had a self care day and spent some time with your mom (which was probably an act of kindness to her actually!) Hope you are having a good weekend as well!
Happy Easter April!! Im actually extended the challenge to 50 days. I actually think I started way before Ash Wednesday. So, my 50th day is Wednesday April 12th 2023. Do you have anymore workplace ideas? Trying to figure a kindness for the last 3 days. I am proud that I didn’t repeat any of my random acts of kindness but it did get hard this last week trying to keep a different kindness everyday. Any suggestions will help? Thank you! Hope you have a great Easter!
I’m sorry I’m late wishing you a Happy Easter, Lindsey, but I hope it was lovely. I’m full of admiration for your determination to extend the challenge to 50 days! I will have a think to see if I can think of workplace ideas for random acts of kindness. I hope you are having a lovely Monday.
You too. I didn’t want to land on a weird number. Tomorrow will be my last day of the challenge. Tomorrow will be 50. I tried to do the no complaining but it went out the window when I got to work so I did a amends with a co worker. I probably wing tomorrow last day. And tomorrow is my 1 year back to work anniversary.
Well done on completing such an ambitious challenge, Lindsey! The no complaining thing is very forgiving; you can always start over. Congratulations on your one year back to work anniversary. Please do keep in touch. Are you a newsletter subscriber? It’s a great way to keep up with the latest, and you can always reply directly to my emails as well 🙂 https://apriljharris.com/newsletter/ Happy Spring!!
Clicking on affiliate links is an act of kindness? Doesn’t this put cookies on one’s computer? In that respect I suppose it’s the gift that keeps on giving for the blogger (salesperson).
Perhaps a more charitable suggestion would be to use smile.amazon.com in order to donate to a charity.
I absolutely think that charitable donations are key, Laurie, and you will see I suggest them many times in this list (number 29, 30,31 and 32).
As for my suggestion for using affiliate links, most bloggers do not charge readers to access their sites, and yet we pay a lot of money to keep them up and running. My site costs over $3000 a year to run and that is without taking any consideration for the time I put into it. However, access to my site is free. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest it would be kind to use an affiliate link so that the blogger who writes and runs a blog a reader enjoys receives a small commission on a sale of something the reader was going to buy anyway, or that they found on the writer’s recommendation. Cookies do not harm your site, and can be easily deleted in most browsers.
I like your idea of doing a positive act of kindness during each day in Lent, April. The world definitely needs more kindness and understanding I think I will try to do the same–thank you for all the ideas and encouragement.
Thank you so much, Pat! I am so glad you are joining in too 🙂
Something I try to do all the time. I would rather be kind than nice.
That is such a great philosophy, Patrick. It’s definitely more important to be kind than nice.
Hello April,
I really loved your random acts of kindness idea. Our World need more kindness and love. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
I am so glad you like them. 🙂 Thank you so much, Judy. What a lovely compliment!
These are some wonderful ideas! Thank you for sharing them. I will be trying to incorporate many of them in my day to day life.
Thank you so much, Helen!
I Plan On Suiting Up In A Great Costume! Deliver Some April Harris Chocolate Cake And Pies. And Just In Case Some Scones And Alex Harris Breakfast Treats.
I Play Music And Sing To The Crowd To Get Their Smiles And I Give Everything I Can To All Of My Guest And CoWorkers Just to Get Them To Smile!
Smiling Is Also Showing that There Is Love And Caring To Spair!
What wonderful ways to spread kindness and joy, David. I’m so glad you are joining in my Random Acts of Kindness Challenge, but I know you try to spread joy all the time too! Hope you and Steve have a lovely weekend.
I applaud the sentiment behind ROK’s, whatever they may be, but the “Leave some money with the barista to pay for the order of the person behind you” one drives me nuts. First, it makes the barista’s job more difficult because they have to keep track of that money in order to apply it to another purchase. Second, if someone’s ordering a coffee the liklihood is they can afford to pay for it. Instead, keep that money for your next trip to the grocery store and use it to buy an item to put in the foodbank donation box.
While I’m thinking about grocery stores, the stores here sometimes offer “buy one, get one free” items. As a single person, I usually have no need of the second item but I take it and put it in the foodbank donation box. It costs me nothing extra and gives someone in need a little hand up.
Carry protein bars and coffee gift certificates in your bag or pockets. They can make a huge difference to a person living rough.
Carry change, especially higher value coins (loonies and twoonies here in Canada), to give to panhandlers. Make eye contact while giving your coins and greet them. It’s a sacrifice of dignity to ask for help and that acknowledgement you see them as a person can mean a great deal.
If you can afford to, buy a pair of warm socks and a pair of underwear for donation to a homeless shelter. There is always a need for them. Menstrual supplies are also always needed.
Ask a person’s pronouns when you meet them. This can take some adjustment of habit but it can go like this: Pleased to meet you. My name is _____ and my pronouns are _____.” This leaves them free to respond with pronouns or not. To someone who doesn’t fit into the heteronormative spectrum, this small gesture can mean the difference between feeling safe or in danger.
Donate greeting cards and/or note cards and the stamps needed to mail them to seniors’ drop in centers.
Inquire about upcoming social events at seniors’ drop in centers or day programs for people with disabilities and offer to donate a gift of food to the celebration.
Learn one, make one, teach one. This applies to pretty nearly any skill. Sharing knowledge is a gift.
If you’re a sewist, knitter, crocheter, or crafter, cull your stash for donation. Boys’ and Girls’ club, seniors drop ins, community centers and the like are often looking for these things.
Smile. It may seem like nothing but people usually brighten when you smile at them and yours may be the only smile they see all day.
Be an encourager. Try to tell at least one person each day that you admire their work, their talent, their good heart, or their persistence.
These are all excellent ideas, Beth. Thank you for sharing! I particularly like the idea of sharing a skill – Learn one, make one, teach one. That is wonderful!
Thanks April. I enjoyed your post. I don’t observe Lent but I think any reason to be kind is a good one. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.