EILEEN ADLER

Tomorrow is Random Acts of Kindness Day founded in 1995, but any day is a great day to give someone a random act of kindness. Having a special day to celebrate the idea can serve as a great prompt for people to do something completely selfless for someone else, bringing a smile to light up their day.

 

A Few Quotations of Kindness:

• “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
• “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
• “Kind words and actions can seem so small, but their effects are truly endless.” – Author Unknown

Here are some ideas to get you started and remember to throw kindness around like confetti because it will sprinkle on you too!

1. Compliment a stranger.
2. Pay for the coffee for the person behind you in the Starbucks drive-thru line.
3. Donate canned goods to your local food bank.
4. Spare a dollar or two for someone who is in need.
5. Donate to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
6. Write a note telling someone how much you appreciate them.
7. Surprise your coworker with their favorite coffee or treat.
8. Write a letter to a senior citizen through Love for the Elderly.
9. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the grocery store.
10. Pay for a friend or co-worker's lunch.
11. Call your parents and let them know you appreciate them.
12. Cook a meal or do a load of laundry for a friend who just had a baby or is going through a difficult time.
13. Buy flowers for the cashier at the grocery store.
14. Say ‘thank you’ to someone who makes a difference in the community (firefighter, police officer, doctor, philanthropist, etc.).
15. Write a letter to a deployed member of the military through Operation Gratitude.
16. Reconnect with an old friend.
17. Listen intently. Remind yourself that everyone is fighting their own struggles.
18. Leave some extra quarters in the laundry room.
19. Purchase some extra dog or cat food and drop it off at an animal shelter.
20. Give someone a book you think they'd like.
21. Say “hello” to everyone you see, just because. Walking with a friend, and saying “hello” to everyone, she commented, “You know everyone!” Smile!
22. Donate blood at American Red Cross or San Diego Blood Bank.
23. Email or write to an old teacher or mentor who inspired you.
24. Write a kind thank you note on the check for your server after dinner.

Self-care Ritual: When you hear that negative, discouraging voice in your head, remember to leave yourself alone — you deserve kindness too! “No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness may start as a small ripple that over time can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many.” – Kevin Heath