Random Acts of Kindness Day

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day! What better way to kick off the week than by sending some good vibes out to others? The ‘Monday Blues’ are seriously real, and who knows, the smallest act of kindness may make someone’s day. As Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

In need of some kindness inspo? Keep reading to learn a few simple ways you can go out of your way for others – today, and every day. After all, no act of kindness is too small or goes unnoticed.

• Call, Email or Text Your Loved Ones

Receiving messages of appreciation always puts a smile on someone’s face. Reach out to your friends, family and/or significant other and let them know how grateful you are for them, what you love about them, your best memory with them and how they’ve positively impacted your life! Even if you think they already know it, it always means a lot to hear it.

• Write Positive Social Media Comments

I’m personally not a huge social media person, in part because of the incessant negative, hateful messages that are spewed across every platform. So today, why not help change that? Leave a few kind and supportive words in the comments to help break the cycle.

• And to that – Don’t Downplay the Power of Positive Post-It’s!

Write encouraging post-it notes! Whether it be for your co-workers or for your roommate, friend, family member or loved one, a simple “you got this!” or “you’re the best!” costs nothing and may be the motivation they need to make it a great day.

• Let People Go Ahead of You in Line.

We all have places to be and no time to waste, and sometimes waiting in line feels agonizing (cue the foot tapping, crossed arms, deep sigh rendition… of which I’m most certainly guilty of). But, today could be the day to prioritize someone else’s time before yours, so why not let someone check-out or order ahead of you?

• Buy Someone Coffee.

Does anything say kindness more than a free cup of coffee? In the spirit of paying it forward, buy the person in front of you their coffee or lunch, trust me – they’ll appreciate the free energy boost!

• Email a Teacher or Mentor that Inspired You.

Is there a professor or a mentor that significantly shaped your experience in school, work or your personal life? Write them an email to tell them how you’ve taken what they taught you and are applying it to the present. Someone sharing guidance and wisdom with you is a gift that should never go underappreciated.

• Donate to Plant a Tree.

Show the planet some kindness while you’re at it. The ecosystem is in desperate need of reforestation to help fight pollution and rebuild natural habitats. A few bucks can go a long way, with some foundations planting one tree per dollar donated. A few great organizations to check out are The Nature Conservancy, One Tree Planted and Eden Reforestation Projects.

• Donate Your Old Books

Books are meant to be shared. Put a box together of your favorite reads from over the years and donate them to a local library, Goodwill or Salvation Army, and let someone else experience the power of their words!

• Answer Unsolicited Emails

We’ve all received, or sent, cold emails – most of which go unanswered and are put straight into the junk or trash folder (no matter how witty or to the point you try to make them!). A response can go a long way – even if it’s a kind “not interested” one, and gives reassurance that someone’s thoughts aren’t simply lost in cyberspace.

• Hold the Door / Elevator Open

This one is easy, and frankly just common courtesy. Even if you’re holding the door at that awkward distance where the other person has to do a walk-run to relieve you of your door holding duties (we’ve all been there) – do it anyway, it can mean a lot!

• Say Thank You!

These two words mean more than just having good manners. Expressing gratitude goes a long way, and it lets someone know that we value and appreciate their time.

So, to that note, thank you for reading! Be Kind 😊