Intentional acts of kindness

When you do something nice for somebody, even if they do not know it was you, it often leaves us feeling good. Why? Because we are doing things that we can imagine we would appreciate if we were that person. And when a person receives that gesture, it makes them feel warm, appreciative and joyful. This often results in the multiplication of kind gestures from that person to other people and might even circulate back to yourself!

To put it simply, doing kind things for people is like lighting a candle. It is you who lights it, but everybody in the room, including yourself, gets to experience the light, warmth and energy.

If you are feeling a bit low, maybe try to pick a random act of kindness for your day. Or if your feeling like a happy little fairy, sprinkle that kindness dust with as many acts as you can! It will surprise you just how wonderful it makes you feel when you are intentionally brining joy into somebody’s day.

It can be anybody too! Your brother, a perfect stranger, your boss, the girl you pass everyday on your commute, even your pets! Think creatively and put yourself in somebody else’s shoes to really imagine what would make that passing moment in their day that little bit sweeter. A cup of tea, a smile or even just some time spent with a person can alter their day completely.

Here’s a list of kind things you can do:

1. Say hello to somebody, you might be the only person they speak to all day
2. Clean, even when nobody has asked you to
3. Write somebody a letter- it is always nice to get handwritten post that for once isn’t bills or junk mail!
4. Give somebody a hug and tell them that you’re there for support
5. Spend more time with your pets- take them on a longer walk to a place that they love or simply notice when they want your attention and give it to them!
6. Ask a homeless person how they are and if they would like any food or drink from a nearby shop
7. Plant some flowers next to a footpath, so everybody who walks by them gets to enjoy their beauty
8. Ask somebody if they would like to spend more time together to get to know them better
9. Celebrate a friend for a whole day so they feel like they’ve got two birthdays
10. Ask somebody if they fancy a cuppa tea
11. Make a loved one a prepared lunch with a positive note inside
12. Volunteer your time for a cause that you hold close to your heart
13. Bring inspirational messages in for your colleagues to have sat at their desks
14. Leave a positive review somewhere that you really enjoyed, it’s always lovely to hear that your hard work is paying off
15. Put your loose change in charity boxes and tip jars
16. Let somebody go ahead of you in the queue
17. Bake your neighbours something sweet and get to know them better
18. Smile at a stranger, they might be having a tough day
19. Call up somebody you haven’t spoken to in a while for a catch up or to designate a meet one another
20. Make somebody a handmade gift or card
21. Make a group of friends some dinner
22. Ask someone if you can help them with something
23. Tell your family just how much you love them
24. Thank somebody for something they’ve done for you