The ripple effect starts with one. One person to hold open a door. One person to leave a note on someone’s car complimenting their awesome parking skills. One person to write a thank you letter to a teacher. One person to be a spark of kindness when another really needs it. Here are a plethora of ways to be that person.
A 30 second video with personal message to someone who can check email but maybe house bound is a forever treasure! Sent a birthday video to a great grandmother of all of the family still gets viewed and talked about♥ a homecoming, special occasion or just a "we miss you" message.
Buy a variety of cake. Then with a group of friends turn up unexpectedly ( like a flashmob) at a public place, eg. shopping mall. Then hand out FREE cake to anyone you see. :)
Knitting or crocheting baby blankets, hats, booties and sweaters can be a wonderful hobby and donating them to hospitals will brighten up families with newborns. Hand knit blankets have an extra warmth because of the love and care that was put into knitting them.
There are many organizations through which you can sponsor a child from another country who is in need of the basic necessities as well as a role model. It is so rewarding to see him or her bloom into a confident young person who has dreams of achieving great deeds.
I am a cancer survivor. I am going in for my annual ultra sound but have crotcheted a small afghan to give to someone when I am there. I don't know who yet but you can tell who needs it by looking in the waiting room. But this is a deliberate act of kindness yet random in who will receive the gift.
I’d like to tell you about Rosie. Rosie works in a garage on an A road in Oxfordshire that I pass by at least once a week (very early in the morning!) on my drive to the office. Every time I pass the garage I stop in and buy a large cup of tea for my journey. It wasn’t long before I started to notice that the delivery of my tea was getting quicker each time I requested it. Until one day I noticed that as I stepped out of my car, Rosie had already seen me and started preparing my tea. Good morning! she would shout as I walked in. Large tea today madam?. This little gesture made such a huge difference to my day. With a small child and a long commute, I was quite often very tired and not bouncing up and down at the idea of going to work. However, being noticed and feeling like a valued customer of that garage made me lift my head and feel ready for the day. Arriving at work in a great mood, ready to be my best. As a strong believer of Random Acts of Kindness, when I went on maternity leave I took Rosie a small gift and wrote her a card to tell her how she had positively impacted my day and how grateful I was for her doing this. I am now back at work and visiting Rosie once more. She continues to spot me when I arrive ensuring I leave every time with a cup of tea and a smile on my face. I’m still just as grateful for her gestures. Rosie mentioned to me this week that she would be working on Christmas Day, sadly for her. This made me think about all of the people who will be working on Christmas Day to keep the world ticking over while we celebrate the holidays: cab drivers, garage assistants, healthcare workers, carers, police men and women, airline staff etc All of these people deserve a massive thank you for keeping things going while we sit at home and stuff our faces with the treats of holiday cooking. So here is my idea, take a minute away from your family and friends and reach out to someone whose working. I’d really like everyone to think of someone working on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Take them a card or a mince pie or a shiny toffee – anything to say thank you, I appreciate who you are and what you do. Go on, commit a CRAKer. Happy holidays.
A local movie theater is sponsoring a free admission day this holiday season. The free admission is granted to anyone who donates two canned goods that day.
Stick sticky notes on every locker in your school with something nice written on it like "you're beautiful" or "smile" or "you make a difference".
When in line at a restaurant/coffee shop, etc., show your kindness by randomly paying for your own order AND the order of the person in line behind you, and expect nothing in return. This will make a person's day, and will hopefully motivate that person to pay this act of kindness forward.
I made a CD of songs I compiled of love, peace, joy and forgiveness. These are songs that everyone would know from famous artists. I make copies and give them to random people or leave them where they can be found. I let the Universe inspire me in this venture.
I have a coworker who has a teenage son with autism. Every evening he bathes his son, who loves how "daddy" massages his back. His vocation as a father is a very thankless one. So I got him the gift of a healing massage to return the physical act of love he gives to his son. He had never had a massage before. I was more excited than he was!
My ideal of kindness . I would like to get my neices and nephews together. Take them for ice-cream or somewhere to eat and then the park. then a few hours later take them back to there parents.That way the parents get a few hours of relaxation and the children get to have fun.
Today I saw a van parked in a handicapped space. I noticed that the license plate had a purple heart on it. While we were in the store, I was thinking how I really wanted to thank that person. Once we were back outside, I wrote him/her a note thanking them for their service, and I put it under their windshield wiper. This random act can be used for the homeless person on the steeet, a veteran you see in passing, or even someone else contributing their time for another person. All that matters is that we pay it forward and use kindness to brighten others' days.
While waiting in line at a card store the first woman in line needed a specific discount and the clerk (who had no help) tried everything she could to find the missing promotion for the customer. This went on for almost 20-25 minutes. The woman in front of me was humming, huffing, and murmuring under her breath and she had mentioned to the clerk that she just wanted 1/4 lb of non parrells. When it was her turn I noticed she pulled out a credit card for the 3 or 4 dollars. I stepped up beside her and told her to put the card away the candy is on me it's a gift for her patience. I told her that I hoped she had a great day and I handed the clerk a twenty for the candy and my wife's birthday card. Surprised she thanked me and kind of smiled and I said I hoped the rest of her day went well.
Babysit for somone who normally can't afford a babysitter. It is nice to get out every once and a while, and for parents who can't afford to pay a sitter they might not ever get out or have time to theirself.
Basically, it is just either planting a tree for someone, or helping out in another persons garden. For example, pulling out weeds, or clipping flowers to give to them. It could be for an elderly person or a best friend.
I was working (Los Angles Police Sergeant) at the scene of a fatal traffic collision near UCLA, when I was approached by a attractive female who ran out of vehicle and handed me Au bear and the kindness card. I was completely taken off guard and appreciative for this act of kindness. This definitely put a smile on my face because as a police officer we very seldom get the appreciation for our daily sacrifice. I read this card and had to respond, thank you for your kind thoughts. sincerely, Steven Smith
My daughter and I wanted to do a Random Act of Kindness. We decided to make our famous Family Banana Chocolate Chip Bread and share it with our neighbors.
Many shelters have an adoption fee for their dogs, cats, ect.. Leave the correct dollar amount for that particular shelter and ask that they use it for a family that is looking to adopt a dog.
Mail someone a letter. Real mail is infinitely more exciting than an e-mail, text or Facebook.
I believe that a kind / compassionate face has a soothing effect on a person. There are some people with kindness written all over on their faces and a good number of us have some measure of kindness beaming out at times. I have been personally inspired by seeing the kind facial expressions of some people and it has made my day positive.
Recycle "thought-for-the-day" calendar pages by adding them to each piece of outgoing mail.
If you are going to no-show for a flight, book the middle seat for yourself. then the people sitting on either side get a free seat between them. Particularly when it is a non-refundable ticket.
College students often eat in dining halls and place their dirty trays on a conveyor belt when they leave. Someone washes the trays behind the scenes, but they never get thanked. So, write thank you on a sticky note and stick it on the tray. It will surely make the worker's day when they see it!
Make a dinner and deliver unexpectantly to someone in an impoverished state. Treats for kids Take them out for a day give the mom a break especially single moms.
When you see parent with special needs child, whether young or older, it will make their day to have encouraging smile, comment or just some appreciation or acknowledgment that their life is often difficult and often stressed.
listen well to everyone around you because if you listen well to somebody alse, that person will be happy that you listen to his or hers story.
Write uplifting notes for strangers and send them to people in the phone book. Things like "sending warm wishes your way stranger!" or "Ive enclosed my hopes for a great day today!" all you need is pen, paper, envelopes and stamps!
I know 5:00 am is early but I kind work and a smile will make someone's day take time to smile and be friendly to those you work with and maybe some cookies to sweeten their day! As co-works we need each other so be kind and smile,smile, smile
When you go to a store or restaurant, typically they have surveys on the receipts. Take the time to fill out the survey and mention the person waiting on you/the person on cash register followed by a genuine kind comment. They'll be glad to hear from their boss that they were mentioned positively in a survey and you'll help the store improve with the survey as well!
Making aromatherapy is pretty easy. You can make your own massage oils in travel-size bottles that you can give to your friends and simply people you meet. You can create aromatherapy combinations to calm down or to uplift someone. If someone you know has a lot of anxiety stress at their job, you can give them that calming essential oils mix. If someone needs more energy and motivation, give them an uplifting mix.
Being selfless in gift giving means to give up or something you love. No pain no gain. If it dosen.t cause a little pain to depart from something you love, is it not a sacrafice is it really a true gift of love?
I have always believed that action speaks louder than words. What if the next time you're standing in line for that coffee drink that you surprise a stranger.
Start with a bartering idea of helping out a poor person or family in order to get them a better place to live, or a newer, more reliable car, etc. There needs to be a specific goal in mind. Describe the idea and goal, and reason for trading up each time. For instance, I could start out by bartering a bottle of wine for something of more value. Put it out there for someone to trade for. The ideas are endless. I have heard of people doing this for themselves, but I am suggesting we do this to help someone else.
Pay the parking fee for the car behind you at an amusement park. No one likes to hand over such a large chuck of money for parking. Paying for someone else's will truly make their day. Who knows, maybe they'll pay for the person behind them and the chain continues?
People around the world could do a random act of kindness instead of buying gifts for the new Prince William. Then send or post what, where, and how they did their kindness in honor of Prince William. I have made this same request for my birthday from friends & family. It is amazing the stories I get back of things that were done and how the recipients reacted. Once collected, these stories of kindness would be a wonderful memoir for Prince William and a tribute to Princess Diana for all the kindness she extended to people throughout the world. USA
A few years back our local bus company had a "poetry on the bus" competition open to the general public. They displayed selected poems on the inside of the bus. I think maybe this idea qualifies as kindness - providing everyone a chance to see, feel, and read poetry, a chance to be visible, and to express. Maybe other poetry sites in public areas could be created?
Someone gave me a $10 tip the other day so I took a friend for a coffee. The guy behind the counter was a trainee and having a hard time so it was really slowing things down. The girl behind me was getting a little agitated. When it was my turn I asked her what she was going to order and I paid for it. It turned her around and pointed her day in a more positive direction. She left with a smile on her face.
Get your family memebers involved and make up about 50 to 100 lunch bags. Then pass them out to the homeless people that you see in your community.
When at the store or restaurant and a child is screaming/crying, instead of thinking or saying "can't she/he shut that kid up" or "what is wrong with the child/ mother" why not ask the parent if there is anything you can do to help, or try talking to the child or making silly faces at him or her! It will take the child's mind off of whatever was upsetting them! Then you have helped yourself, the child, the child's parent, and everyone else in the establishment!!
Throughout the day, students are "Caught Being Kind" by teachers and adults in the building. When a student is randomly caught being kind, an award with their name, date and what they did is given to the student. The student colors it in with their own unique design and their deed as well as their name is read over the follow day's morning announcements. The award is then posted in the main hallway for everyone to see as they pass by the main bulletin board. Students who are also "Caught Being Kind" are entered in the a drawing at the monthly school wide Character Value Assemblies. Students are entered to win such items as extra recess or gift certificates donated by business in the surrounding community. As the bulletin board is filled, students help take them down and awards are passed back to students to bring home.
I will run a Half marathon on June 8th for my high school special education department because they are not funded that well. I want to raise money from individual donors and then give all of the money to the department for next years budget.
A book you have read and enjoyed - leave on a train/bus for someone else to enjoy on a long journey, perhaps even write in it that you have left it for them and they should leave it when they have finished :)
Everyone loves having friends. When you introduce yourself to somebody new they'll feel warm inside too. Share the love, the fun and the laughs!
If you have long hair, you can cut your hair short and donate your hair to a foundation that uses it to make wigs for people with cancer.
Find a public wish list on Amazon.com and send a gift to a stranger.
You hear all the time on Tumblr of people getting anon hate. Why not send anon love instead?
I think no one should be cold so I knit hats for the local food bank and they hand them out with their Christmas basket.
I am a photographer located near Boston who instead of profiting from my sessions, I have the client write their check to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Since I launched Photos for Cures on 5/24/10, I have raised over $12,000 for the hospital.
The next time you pass a homeless person asking for spare change, be a bit more helpful and ask if you can buy him or her lunch.
If you notice a car's parking meter is about to expire, put some change in.
Whenever I receive excellent service I ask the server for their manager. This really makes the manager 's and server's day. They love the positive feedback.
If you have coupons that you are not going to use take them with you to the store anyways. Leave the coupon next to the product that it is for and the next person who goes to buy it will have a nice surprise.
Every Thursday we bake in our classroom. My students decide who to surprise. We take our baked goods to another classroom - making sure there is enough for everyone. We knock on the door and announce "Random Act of Kindness"! The whole school looks forward to Tasty Thursdays, because it just might be their lucky day!
Raffle\lucky draw -- winner takes the money and does a Random Act of Kindness.
My 7 year old twin girls and 3 year old daughter have created a facebook page to share our own kind deeds as well as inspire others to follow our lead! It's such a simple task, to be kind, but often forgotten! Hoping we can make a difference by spreading our compassion.
Many people were affected by natual disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. Many people went homeless. Other natural dissasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, asteroid stikes and global warming destroy peoples lives. You can donate canned food and water to people who need help.
Leave sticky notes with inspirational messages on them in random places, such as a grocery store shelf, the mirror in a public bathroom, or on a car's windshield.
We all get busy during the day and many of us wait in line for coffee, lunch, post office, etc. Today, when you find yourself waiting in a line, let someone go in front of you. They will really appreciate the gesture and you'll feel great having done your random act of kindness.
This idea is a fun one—take time to plan out and cook a healthy meal. Visit your local grocery store or market for fresh ingredients, take time to prepare the meal and enjoy cooking. When you're done, eat slowly and savor every bite. You'll feel great eating a nutritious meal and have fun preparing it as well.
We all get busy with our own lives. Sometimes we get so busy that we let friendships fade. Today, take a few minutes to reconnect to someone you haven't talked to in a while. Write them a quick postcard or letter to let them know you were thinking about them. They will appreciate the gesture and it will make their day.
Our community suffered a horrible flood a few years ago. Our family was spared while blocks and blocks of homes and businesses were destroyed. A few weeks after the flood when families were starting to work on saving their homes, we drove up and down the streets of some of the hardest hit areas and handed out free ice cream to the homeowners.
'One simple Act of Kindness can prevent several acts of violence!' Mr. I (Music Educator)
Today, pick out a local charity and make a donation to them. Even a small amount will make a difference. If you can, volunteer your time to help them with whatever they need. Better still, sign up as a steady volunteer where you help them each month. You'll feel great knowing you've helped them with their work and they will really appreciate your time and money.
Any check out line, any person at a cash register, or person behind a customer service desk. Make their day! They are people too, and all to often they are barraged with, irritated, hurried, harried shoppers, with them good things and smile!
We have almost all been in line waiting to pay and get our food so we can eat and get on with our busy lives. Next time you are at the window or in line do the person behind you a favor, or the next three people for that matter. Buy their lunch so when they get to the front their food is free.
This is a way to share their abundance of kind energy with those in need of a kind voice. We live in a very busy and unpredictable world, and many people have no one to talk to about things they deem important. Our goal is to connect isolated people in communities across the country with kind voices and open ears.
My good friend died not long ago. He taught me to perform one act of kindness or charity everyday, but with one stipulation. Nobody can know you did it. You may not tell anyone and if someone finds out you did it, it doesn't count and you have to do something else. He said we must learn not only charity and kindness but humility as well.
When you can't donate your blood like I can't, there is another way of donating a part of you. Donate your hair!
Assist elders with caring for their gardens. A lot of the elders on our reservation and in our community still have gardens, often they've had these gardens all their lives. As they get older, they are less able to do what it takes to keep growing their own food. The young people in my group have made it one of their missions to assist the elders in weeding, planting, harvesting, and preparing the ground for winter. Oh, and taste tasting :-)
A gentleman buying his coffee at Starbucks told the cashier he was buying coffee for him and for the rest of the line coffee this morning. We were all so greatly surprised! Actually I was having a bad morning, but this act made my day. I thought that I will do the same tomorrow, maybe not for the whole lane, but for the person waiting in line. It would be great if this keeps passing on. Is not the value of the coffee, is just the kindness that make you feel special and brings a big smile to your face
Wendy's by my house offers 99cents small frostys. If i go through the drive through, i will order a chocolate or vanilla one for the person behind me. They usually accept with a smile.
when taking flowers for a loved one to a cemetary take one from that bouquet to another plot or two that you don't ordinary leave to.
This small gesture could make someone's day. A hand full of of candy could make anyone happy and they will be surprised at their luck.
Keep an extra dog leash in you car and when you see (and you will) see someone looking for their dog or trying to get their dog home without a leash, stop an give them your spare. They will truly feel like a miracle has just happen.
When you see the bathrooms at the local park with out toilet paper, take 5 minutes and $2 and hit the local gas station and pick up some and deliver to each stall to bless the next "stranger in need"_
Beautify your surroundings! Be kind to the environment and those around you by picking up trash when you see it lying around. It doesn't matter who left it there, just pick it up!
Leave dollars on vending machines and encourage the next people to do the same
Drunk driving is a tough subject that many of us don't like to discuss. But it's an important topic, because one drunk driver could change the lives of many people. Maybe you know someone or know of someone who has been injured or killed by a drunk driver. Keep your friends safe by offering them a sober ride home when they need it. Before you go out with your friends make it a habit to always discuss who will be driving home. Volunteer to be the designated driver to ensure that you and your friends will make it home safely !
When you take a trip, bring a souvenir home for someone who doesn't expect it. Even the smallest trinket will remind them that you care about them.
"Knowing what paint a painter uses or having an understanding of where he was in the history of where he came from doesn't hurt your appreciation of the painting." -Jodie Foster
Make an effort to be polite to someone you don't get along with. Go out of your way to say hello or have a conversation with them. Getting to know and understand him or her better might help you appreciate your differences. Before you know it you might actually have a new friend!
Being sick is no fun. It can be frusterating because you are not able to do the things you normally do. Not being able to socialize with people you normally see can also make being sick very lonely. Call someone who you know is sick and ask them how they are. Or, surprise them with a visit and bring flowers or a card. Knowing that someone cares about you is often the best medicine!
Show someone--your mom, your wife, a friend--you love them by surprising them with flowers when they least expect it. So often flowers are sent on birthdays or anniversaries. Send flowers to your loved ones on any day!
Do you love sports? Volunteer to coach a youth baseball, soccer, or football team. What a rewarding way to practice your patience and help kids have a good time!
Whether you are at work, school, or home, cleaning up after yourself is a kind way to show your consideration of others.
Next time you make dinner for your family, make it extra special by keeping it healthy. We tend to get so busy in life that we think we don't have time to make a healthy meal; instead we think that it is easier to stop on the way home and grab something, or to throw some snacks together at home. However this is just not true!
Cook and deliver a meal to a friend who needs it. Perhaps you have a friend who is busy with a new baby or sick child. Or maybe you have neighbors across the street who just moved in--they might not have had time to go to the grocery store! Bring someone a meal and save them the time; it will be a huge stress reliever!
At your school, you may have a specific group of friends who you enjoy hanging out with on a daily basis. The group you eat lunch with, hang out with between classes or even spend time with after school or on the weekends. Do you have a classmate who doesn’t seem to have many friends or often eats lunch alone?
Buy a prepaid phone card and give it to someone who needs it. Perhaps you know a poor student who is struggling to pay their bills. Help them out! Give them a phone card so they can keep in touch with their loved ones.
"Would you like to donate $1 to"
It seems like we get asked this in check out lines everywhere: grocery stores; department stores; fast food restaurants. Modern technology is such that we can add one dollar on to our purchase, and that one dollar will go to the cause that store is promoting. Next time you are put in that situation, donate the dollar. You won't regret it later, and every bit counts.
The next time you hear about a blood drive in your area, make the decision to go and give blood. Or be proactive and find the local blood bank in your area set up an appointment to donate. Nearly 4.5 million Americans are saved each year by blood transfusions. You can become a part of this powerful way to help others! Donate today.
Did you know 23.8 billion pounds of used clothing is put into U.S. landfills each year?
Practice speaking in a kind way. For one day, keep every negative thought, frustration or complaint to yourself and only share your positive comments with others. And every time you do have a negative thought, counter it out loud with a positive one. See the silver lining in the cloud in every situation.
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." ~John Powell
Does it frustrate you when you do something wrong? Next time you make a mistake, instead of being hard on yourself, ask yourself what you can learn from it. It won't help anyone to dwell on your mistake and feel guilty about it. Acknowledge that it happened, make amends if necessary, and move forward!
Be generous to both friends and strangers. Give someone a pair of tickets to a baseball game or concert. It will make their day a memorable one! Or invite someone to go with you for free. If you have two event tickets and someone else backed out at the last minute, call up a friend or co-worker and see if they can go with you. Sometimes spontaneity leads to the best times with friends and family.
Sometimes the simplest gift will also be the most treasured one.
"Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity" -John Ruskin
Are you part of a garden or craft club? Make floral arrangements for a senior center, nursing home or hospital. You don't have to know someone to bring them flowers, beautiful flowers will brighten anyone's day!
When someone does something nice for you, return their generosity with a pleasant thank you note to let them know you appreciated their kindness. In this day of technology many people will send emails or text messages. Be different! Think about sending an old fashioned snail-mail type of thank you note. Dig out your stamps and address book and send a note in the mail! It will be an added delight for your friend or family member to get physical mail.
Hand out free popsicles to kids in your neighborhood or on your college campus on a hot day. This is a great way to to spread kindness and to meet new people! You will be amazed at how grateful the recipients will be.
Practice kindness on the road by being polite to other drivers. When a driver tries to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile. Or, if another driver makes you angry, try to let it go, instead of retaliating.
Organize a charity day at your office. Ask your coworkers to bring food and clothing items to donate to the needy. Or organize a Saturday service project in your community: rake leaves for your office's neighbors, host a bake sale, or pick up litter in a nearby park. Your coworkers will enjoy the chance to help others too.
Have you hugged someone recently? Hugs can communicate a number of things: A hug is a great way to let someone you care about them; It can be a way to comfort someone who has experienced loss; or it can be a way to say "hello" to a friend.
As people grow older, their body begins to slow down and they become less mobile and lose their muscle strength. Simple tasks like carrying groceries or walking up and down the stairs often become a struggle for them.
Be a good role model for your friends, classmates and siblings. Being aware of your actions will help you set a good example to those who look up to you.
When you are purchasing your items in the check out line, take a moment to speak with the employee or clerk helping you.
Have you ever been new at a school? Then maybe you know what it's like to be in a new environment, around new people. Being the new kid can often be stressful or even scary. Some kids have a hard time adjusting to new schools because they are shy or aren't very good at making new friends.
In most of our lives, there are at least a couple people who we see on a daily basis, but don’t necessarily acknowledge because they have become so much a part of our everyday routines.
Have you ever said "thank you" to your parents or another person who raised you for everything they have done? If not, it’s time to do so. Maybe there is a particular situation one of your parents helped you get through, or a financial struggle they helped you overcome. Or maybe you feel the need to tell them how they have inspired you or made a significant difference in your life. Surprise them with a card or letter, to let them know you appreciate them.
If you’ve ever ridden on a bus or in a taxi cab, you may have noticed some of the things that make being a professional driver be a stressful job. Drivers are often faced with problems on the road, such as traffic jams or poor weather conditions that are hard to drive in. But one of the hardest parts of being a driver is dealing with rude passengers who don’t appreciate the work they do.
Do you have a friend neighbor or classmate who is from another country and doesn’t speak very much English? Or perhaps you are from another place and speak a language other than English. Offer to help someone else learn to speak or read in your language. Meanwhile, you'll be able to learn a little of their language or more about the culture they come from.
Anyone who's every kept a garden has probably experienced having an abundance of a certain fruit or vegetable, like zuchinni. Oftentimes, we let this extra produce go to waste, when we could be sharing it with family, friends and neighbors.
Just as despair can come to one another only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings. –Elie Wiesel
After a long day at work or tiresome load of homework or housework, being able to relax with another person is often the best thing that can relieve you. Just making contact with someone else can be relaxing, whether that is simply having a conversation with someone, giving them a hug, or even taking the time to rub their back.
There are few compliments more gratifying than when someone praises your child. Having someone tell you that your child has done something above and beyond is one of the best things a parent can hear. When the opportunity arises, compliment someone on the abilities or behavior of their child. It could be a friend or a stranger.
The next time you borrow a friend or relative's car, fill it up with gas for them before you give it back. Or if you are on a road trip with your friends and you're taking their car, when you stop to fill it up, offer to pay for the gas. This is a thoughtful and generous thing to do.
Employees often get recognized for putting effort into their job. It is common for companies to offer employee of the month awards to improve employee morale and keep them happy, but how many companies do you know that recognize the hard work bosses put into their job? Why not try to boost your boss’s spirits by honoring him or her with a boss of the month award?
Playing sports or simply just getting exercise outdoors can be an important part of many kids' lives. But for many children, there isn't an adult figure to initiate this in their lives or someone who will teach them the skills necessary to play sports or other outdoor activities.
Want a fun and simple way to give back to the community you live in and the earth that surrounds you? Are you interested in an activity that could bring your family closer together? Are you looking for a new way to relax? Then why not consider taking advantage of the nature in your own backyard by planting a garden?
Trees are important to the world we live in because they help control the climate, filter the air we breathe, protect us from weather and create a natural, beautiful environment. So planting a tree is a way you can give back to the environment –and your community! It’s a wonderful way to beautify the world around you!
You never know when someone else needs to be uplifted. Most of us have been in a situation where we felt unappreciated, or maybe felt like no one cared about us.
A pat on the back can express a lot to a person. It can be a way to say hello to a friend, or a way to comfort someone who's had a bad day. But most often, it’s a way to congratulate someone for an achievement. Give someone recognition for something they have done with a pat on the back. A teammate who scored a goal, a friend who studied hard for a test. Let him or her know you’re proud of them!
Pick up your bedroom without being asked by a parent. Your parents will be proud of your responsibility! And chances are, you'll enjoy having a clean room!
If you ask most people what makes a good boss, you’d probably get a variety of answers – a good boss is someone with great communication skills, strong ethics and good leadership skills.
"Sharing is caring." This phrase may sound a little silly, but there's a lot of truth to it! Sharing can be a very simple act of kindness, but it will really make the person you share with feel valued.
Nearly everyday we encounter a situation where we are required to wait in line. Whether it is at home, school, work or in town, go ahead and let someone in front of you.Waiting in line can often be a frustrating and tedious situation that causes people to become irritable and impatient. Most people experience this while driving. Letting another driver go in front of you when they need to change lanes or make a turn can really make a big difference. Being patient and letting someone in, puts ease to the irksome situation, makes that person’s day a little better, and is simply a considerate gesture.
Do you have a classmate who struggles in class? Or a younger friend or sibling who might not know how to read or do arithmetic very well? Or a grandparent who doesn't like to use the Internet? Use your skills to help others! Offer to help someone learn something you do well. Maybe there is something they can teach you in return!
Sometimes we all need a little encouragement! Especially athletes during a difficult practice or challenging game. Whether you are on the field with them or sitting the bench make an effort to cheer your teammates on. Tell them they are doing a great job! Encourage them and motivate them to try their best and applaud them when they do.
Many people have the mindset that sharing is something you only do in kindergarten and grade school. Once you’ve reached a certain age, you no longer need to be generous with your belongings, your food, or your money. The truth is that being able to share with others is a habit you should put into practice for the rest of your life. To remind yourself of the importance of sharing, start with something small, like sharing your snacks with your classmates or coworkers, or even with a homeless person on the street.
Here's a cool fact: Your body is nearly 70% water. The water in your body helps carry nutrients and oxygen into cells, it helps moisturize the air in your lungs, it helps protect your vital organs and helps regulate our body temperature. It is often an easy and quick fix to a headache, too! Headaches often occur due to dehydration. Drink more water and have less headaches! The bottom line is: Drink more water! It is essential to your health. And when you are healthy and energetic it is easy to be kind!
Our grandparents are an important part of our culture and our history. Spending time with a grandparent is a great way to learn about your heritage, your family history and even about yourself.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, seat belts save over 11,000 lives each year.
In addition to being able to save your life, safety belts can also keep you from getting serious injuries in a car accident. The facts related to wearing seat belts are hard to ignore. Wearing your seat belt when you are riding in a car is essential to your safety. It takes you less than 10 seconds to fasten your seat belt, make sure you do it!
Have a lemonade stand in your neighborhood or at a nearby grocery store and donate the money to children who might need it. Ask someone to help you find an organization that supports homeless or hungry children. Or you can donate the money raised to help fund pediatric cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. You can help make the world a better place, regardless of your age!
Obeying your parents isn’t always easy. It can be hard to stop and do something they have asked you to when you are in the middle of playing a video game or watching your favorite T.V. show.
The average American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than a typical person in a developing country slum uses in a whole day, according to the 2006 United Nations Human Development Report. For those of us who live in the United States, it’s easy to forget how precious certain resources are. Water is an example of one of the many resources we often take for granted. Preserve the world around you by using less water in your daily life. One way you can do this is by taking shorter showers.
Did you know that your brain needs exercise just as much as the rest of your body? Although physical exercise like running or biking can be good for your brain, it’s just as important to give your brain mental exercise, like reading a book or doing a puzzle.
Share the beauty of nature with a loved one by picking a special bouquet of flowers for them. The fact that you picked out the flowers yourself with them in mind will add a lot of meaning to this gift, rather than just sending store-bought flowers. This is a great activity whether you are an adult or child, and what better way to show someone how much you love them!
I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say 'he feels deeply, he feels tenderly.'- Vincent van Gogh
A sincere smile is a very kind and meaningful way to make a positive difference in someone's day. Without using words, a smile says to a person Hi, I hope you have a nice day. People appreciate being noticed and acknowledged, especially with a friendly smile. Smiling at a stranger is a positive human interaction that seems to be infrequent as people get caught up in their daily tasks. So next time you are at the store, walking down the street, or going to work or school, acknowledge someone with a smile.
Driving can be a stressful activity, especially when you live in a high-traffic area or do a lot of driving during rush hour.
Do you know how your personal choices can influence how the environment behaves? Do you have habits you can change in order to help the environment?
At some point or another, we've all heard our parents remind us of starving children in the world, to remind us of the importance of finishing the food that’s on our plates.
Since most energy is dependent on fossil fuels, such as gas or oil, using energy adds to environmental pollution. There are many things you can do at home to help conserve energy and thus lessen pollution. Every little bit helps!
As part of the busy American lifestyle, people tend to rely on processed and fast food, often forgetting about or not making enough time for nutritious eating. It’s no wonder obesity levels continue to rise throughout the country.
Keep your spare change in a piggy bank and when it is full, donate it to a cause or charity of your choice.
Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.- Jim Rohn
Make your own coupons that can be redeemed for free help and then hand them out to your family and friends! Make a coupon for free dish-washing, vacuuming the house, a homemade dinner, free pet-sitting, or babysitting, etc. Tailor them to fit your friends' needs! If your best friend hates to do laundry, give him or her a coupon for one free load of laundry. Pick it up, take it to the laundromat, fold it and bring it back!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away -Unknown
It’s easy to just let time to fly by, without stopping to realize that your life is happening right before your very eyes. If you have the tendency to work extremely hard or commit yourself to many activities outside your family and friends, you may not even realize you’re not spending as much time as you’d like with the people you love. Take some time every week to spend with your loved ones, no matter how busy your life is.
How often do you find yourself in a situation where people are saying mean things about someone else, behind his or her back? It might happen at school, during your soccer or baseball practice, or when you’re playing at a friend’s house.
Remember to be respectful of others when you are on the internet. Whether you are writing an email or chatting online or writing on someone's Facebook or My Space page, remember to be kind, as you would if you were speaking to them in person.
It’s safe to say that all teachers want their students to be successful and to do well in school.
Did you know that how clean your school is can affect how well you learn? Keeping your school clean can actually help you perform better academically, because there will be fewer distractions and fewer germs.
School can be a fun place for you to interact and play with your friends, but the main reason your parents send you to school is so you can learn.
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming."- Goethe
What if you could help make the world a friendlier, safer place to live? Well you can, just by sharing kindness with your friends!
Good manners can sometimes take time to learn and take a lot of practice to accomplish, but making an effort to use good manners is a kind thing to do.
Whether you're at school, at home or at play, using good manners will make people enjoy being around you! And what better way to display good manners than arriving on time wherever you are meant to be?
Have you ever thought of owning a pet? Before visiting a breeder, why not check out your local animal shelters? Cats and dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities are available, ready and waiting for their forever homes!
Is your schedule jam-packed with school, work, family, friends, chores, homework, sports, piano practice...you name it? Well, why not make a little time for just being silly? Let loose a little and enjoy life again!
There are numerous National Parks and Forests, Wildlife Preserves, State and Regional Parks all over the world. People will often travel from foreign countries to visit some of the more famous parks: Banff National Park in Canada; Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain National Parks in the US; Lake Victoria in Africa. Occasionally the trails in these parks need some repairs and maintenance: picking up loose trash, moving trees off the trail, restoring rock retaining walls, etc.
It is often said that you can't know where you are going unless you know where you are from. Creating a family tree helps you know where you come from. And a framed family tree makes a wonderful gift and life-long possession for loved ones.
Turn off the lights when you leave the room, and you will be joining millions of other environmentally conscious individuals around the world. While turning off the lights is something you should practice every day, you could also do it simultaneously with the rest of the world when you celebrate Earth Hour. To read more about this global movement, visit their website!
What cause speaks to your heart? Are you passionate about education? Finding a cure for cancer? Saving animals? Raising awareness for a specific disease or situation? Helping natural disaster victims? It seems these days everyone has a cause they care deeply about. Find yours and do a fundraiser for it!
Knit something for a friend, family member, or cause! Scarves, mittens, hats, socks, and sweaters all make great gifts, and even more so when they are knit with love by a good friend. Knitting can be easy or challenging, which makes it a great activity for people of all ages, from kids to grandparents.
Wash a car for a friend or family member for free! Has a friend of yours recently returned from a long trip with a filthy car? Offer to wash it for them! Or surprise your parents by washing their car for them while they are out of the house. Do you know someone who is trying to sell their vehicle? Offer to wash it for them to help them sell it.
Next time you eat at a restaurant, leave a generous tip as a surprise for your waiter or waitress. Or next time you get coffee or ice cream somewhere, look for a tip jar and leave more than just the change from your transaction. Why not throw in an extra dollar or two? You are bound to make someone's day when you tip more than expected.
New cities and towns can be confusing. We've all been lost before! Whether you've just moved into a new neighborhood or you are visiting a city for the first time, it is easy to get overwhelmed and confused. So when someone stops you to ask you for directions, take a minute to help them out. Even if you are busy or running late, at the end of the day you won't regret taking an extra minute to help someone in need.
The next time you pass someone on the street asking you for spare change, take a moment to talk with them. You can give them change or share any snacks you may have, but also be sure to just say hello and speak with them for a while.
Saying hello to someone, even if you don't know them, is a common courtesy. It means you are acknowledging their presence; you are saying that they are a person, too, and that they are important enough for you to say hello to.
...A community needs a soul if it is to become a true home for human beings. You, the people must git it this soul. - Pope John Paul II
Most people don’t eat enough fruit, which is a great natural energy source full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. But who can pass up such a delicious and healthy food treat? It’s good for your body and your soul!
Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers 'grow, grow. - Talmud
Maintaining your yard can be a hard task. For people who work long hours or those who have a physical disability, keeping their grass trimmed is often hard to do. Offer to mow a neighbor’s lawn for free. You'll be helping keep your neighborhood beautiful and making a neighbor happy.
Those of us who have cars often take for granted that we can drive anywhere we want, whenever we want.
Many parents of young children can’t afford to go out as much as they like because they don't have time, or can't afford the added expense of a babysitter.
Not only is technology a great information resource, it can be a wonderful communication tool. Computers and the Internet have made it easy for you to remind someone you are thinking of them with a click of a button!
Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life." - Dior Yamasaki
Balancing life is never easy. Family, work, friends, exercise, school, chores, and errands all demand our attention. Everyone has days where we wish we had an extra couple of hours to get everything done. Next time a friend or co-worker is looking pretty frazzled, offer to help.
Often times an empty garbage container is light enough to be tossed around by the wind. Sometimes they end up in frustrating locations; they roll across the street, or down a driveway blocking the path of the cars trying to drive past or park. On "trash day" in your neighborhood, why not save your neighbor the trouble of jogging down the street to retrieve their empty garbage cans and simply pick it up and bring it in for them?
Most people treasure photos of their families and friends. Many people send out holiday greetings with pictures of their loved ones each year. Some even create personalized calendars for their relatives with each month featuring different pictures of their family.
There are numerous international study programs at both high schools and colleges around the world. Some programs last two weeks, others are for a whole school year. While some are summer programs, others are semester-long. If there is an option at your school to host a foreign student, why not volunteer?
Next time you finish a workout at the gym, take an extra minute or two to wipe down the equipment you were using so it will be clean for the next person to use.
One of the most expensive parts of going to college can be purchasing the required textbooks needed for classes. Often one class will require multiple reading materials, and that adds up quickly when you are taking four or five classes.
If you and your company, sports team, or church are passionate about keeping your community clean, you should think about participating in one of the "Adopt a Highway" programs. You can adopt a section of the highway, interstate or even local back roads in your area. Make your passion for keeping your community clean visible on a large scale.
If you are a whiz with a needle and thread, offer to mend, hem or sew someone's clothes for free. Perhaps a friend of yours is getting married and needs her wedding dress or bridesmaids dresses hemmed. Or maybe your neighbor is constantly looking for a good place to hem his pants. Offer to do these services for free!
Offer to help clean your friend's home. Perhaps they are busy with two jobs and three kids and just haven't had time to clean. Make the decision to go over to their home one day and vacuum, do the dishes and laundry, or clean the bathrooms.
Help build a house for someone in need with Habitat for Humanity. Donate as little as one Saturday of your time and you can say you helped build a home for someone. Or you can help with home repairs or re-modeling. There are numerous ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity.
Attend an event important to your loved one. Even if it is something you are not remotely interested in, go out of support for your friend, spouse, child, brother, sister, or parent.
Do you have a vehicle you don't need or want? Maybe your car just died and it is so old it isn't worth it to pay to fix it. Or perhaps you inherited a vehicle from a relative who can no longer drive. Before you immediately decide to sell it, consider donating it to a local charity.
Did you know that some parents won't sign their kids up for youth sport leagues because they know they cannot cover the cost of the equipment their kids will need to have in order to join the team? Think about it for a minute: if your son plays football you have to buy helmet, pads, cleats, jerseys, pants and a football. Or if you daughter plays soccer it's shin-guards, cleats, soccer ball, and uniform. For baseball or softball it is the same thing--cleats, uniform, bat, ball, glove, etc.
Next time you pass a vending machine or gumball dispenser, check your change purse. If you have enough change to buy a soda or snack, tape the change to the side of the vending machine with a note saying "Snack's on me!"
This is a great way to let a loved one know they are special to you: adopt a start in their name! There are numerous organizations that provide this service, but a couple of them are non-profits and the fee you pay to adopt the star will actually go to supporting scientific research on the stars you adopt.
Graffiti can be a constant eye-sore in a lot of communities. Whether you live in the city or suburbs, you've probably encountered your fair share of graffiti, and the majority of the time graffiti is not uplifting or encouraging. Rather than wait for someone else to clean it or paint over it, volunteer to do it yourself.
The next time you are stuck in a rain shower take a peak out from under your umbrella and see if there is anyone walking in the same direction as you without an umbrella. Lift up your umbrella a little higher and offer to hold it over them as well. Invite in as many people as will fit under your umbrella.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead
It is amazing what a group of people working towards a common goal can accomplish. Harness this power and make someone's wish or dream come true. Find someone, or a family, in need. Get to know them, listen to their hopes and dreams. Find something you can help them accomplish.
There is a point in every conversation we have where we make a choice to either engage in gossip and speak badly about someone or something, or to steer the conversation away from gossip and onto more positive things. It doesn't take much to stop negativity, and the first step is always being aware of the sometimes subtle shift in the tone of the conversation. If you sense someone is trying to get you to say something negative, change the subject! Or surprise them and make a positive comment about the situation. Help others see the positive qualities in everything through your conversations.
Sometimes all it takes is a hug, a touch on the arm, a kiss on the cheek, or a squeeze of the shoulders to make someone's day. So when you are with your loved ones, don't hold back on affection.
Host your own art show and offer to feature artists who would never otherwise have the opportunity to share their work: disabled children, elderly people, those suffering with terminal illnesses. Or offer to host an art gallery for a friend who is an aspiring artist, simply to help them get their name out there and to sell some work.
Make a list for your spouse or significant other highlighting all of the different reasons you appreciate them. Spend a couple of days thinking about it and every time a new character trait you particularly love about your spouse pops in your mind, write it down.
Firefighters risk their own health and lives every time they respond to a fire. Those who regularly risk their own lives for others' safety deserve our thanks. Thanking firefighters can be as simple as taking a dinner to your local fire station. Because fires can happen at any time, day or night, there are firefighters on duty 24 hours a day. Let them know you appreciate how they keep your community safe and bring them a homemade dinner.
Merchants have a wonderful opportunity to invite their customers to help them raise money for a charity or cause. If you own a restaurant, cafe, clothing boutique, pet store, convenience store, etc., you have the unique ability to raise far more money than just one person could ever donate.
Surprise your school's janitor or custodian and clean your classroom before they arrive.
Next time you are in a crowded parking lot and you spot a great parking space close to the entrance of the building, let it go. Let someone else have that parking spot.
We all get frustrated in traffic at one time or another. However, simply because traffic is moving slowly doesn't mean that we can't let another driver into our lane. One additional car in front of you isn't going to make you arrive any earlier or later than you already would have. So the next time someone is waiting and waiting and waiting to merge, but the kind person who let's them in.
Air travel can be quite frustrating these days with long lines at security and over-booked flights. You can help make someone's experience better. If your flight is over-booked, volunteer to take the next one.
Next time you receive a coupon in your email, forward it on to a friend in need. If you don't need it, don't just delete it! Think of some friends or family members who might appreciate this coupon and forward it on to them.
Did you know that even if you do not personally have any money to donate, you can still contribute financially to a cause you are passionate about? For some causes, all you have to do is click on their website and they will receive funds.
The next time you do your laundry at the Laundromat, leave a couple of quarters behind for the next person. You could even leave them on top of the machine with a note saying "Have a great day!"
Though it is a common courtesy to say "Bless you!" when someone sneezes, people rarely do unless it is someone they know. The next time you hear or see someone sneeze, offer those kind words regardless of whether or not you know them. And if you have a tissue on hand, offer that, too!
Recently people all over the world have regained an interest in where their food comes from. Not only the processes used to create the food, but also literally how far the food has to travel to get to their dinner plates.
Looking for a job can be overwhelming and frustrating, which is why when someone offers to help you it means so much! If a friend or colleague recently lost their job or is looking to re-enter the job market after a number of years away, offer to help!
Make it a practice to always give someone the benefit of the doubt. In the world of law, people remain innocent until proven guilty. Shouldn't that also be the case with our loved ones?
Create a peaceful and approachable space in your office. Be that person that others can come to to talk about a problem, or share ideas and receive inspiration.
The next time you need to make a decision make a conscious effort to include all those who will be affected by the outcome in the decision-making process. Whether your decision is something small, like what to have for dinner, or something big, like which neighborhood to move to, be sure to ask everyone involved if they have an opinion and would like to help you make the decision.
People come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes we are too short to reach the item on the top shelf, and sometimes we are too tall or inflexible to reach the items on the bottom shelf. The next time you are shopping take notice of the other shoppers around you. Is someone having difficultly reaching an item? Help them.
Speak with your coach and team captains about enforcing a team pledge of kindness where everyone commits to doing one act of kindness a day for the length of the season.
Being a coach is often a thankless job. Coaches put in numerous hours behind the scenes that many athletes don't know about watching film, researching techniques, planning out practices, and creating plays. If you are an athlete, be sure to thank your coach for their commitment to you and your team every once and while.
A great and easy way to respect the environment while hiking is to remain on the trail at all times. If you stay on the trail you don't disturb the beautiful nature that surrounds you.
The next time you are driving and see someone stopped on the side of the road with a flat tire, pull over and offer to help change it. If nothing else you can lend your cell phone or perhaps an extra towel or two to kneel on. Wait with the person until help comes, or help them change it yourself.
Make an effort to be a genuine person. When you say you will do something, do it. When you ask someone how they are doing, wait for them to answer and really listen to them.
Do your friends, co-workers, and family a favor and be sure to use all of your vacation days from work this year. Too often we think work is too important and we shorten a vacation or meet our family halfway through the week so we don't have to take a full week off.
When you go grocery shopping bring your own reusable shopping bags with you. These can even be plastic or paper bags that you got from a previous shopping trip; when you empty the bags at home save them and bring them with you the next time you go to the store. Or you can buy the canvas or clothe reusable shopping bags. Look for them at the entrance or check out lines at your local grocery store; most are selling them now at quite affordable prices, even as low as a dollar a bag.
The invention of the airplane was one of the most amazing innovations in the history of the United States. Not only have airplanes enabled people to see and understand the world, but they have also been a tool to help unify many different cultures.
Returning emails promptly is a great way to show someone respect. When you return an email right away, that person knows that they matter to you. This is a great thing to do with both work and home/personal emails.
Invite someone to celebrate the holidays with you! Make them feel welcome in your home. For a lot of people, this is a difficult time of year. Perhaps it brings back painful memories or perhaps they simply don't have a lot of family or friends to enjoy the holidays with. If you know of someone who fits that description, call them today and invite them to celebrate with you. Have them over for dinner, invite them to your New Year's Eve party, or bring them some goodies and stay and chat with them for a while.
Using a reusable water bottle is an easy way to reduce waste in a landfill and help protect the environment.
Take time this holiday season to ask someone about their holiday traditions. What do they do on Christmas Eve? How does their family celebrate Hanukkah? Do they travel during the holidays or do they host their family and friends at their home? Is there a particular game they play or food they eat only during the holiday season? Take the time to get to know your friends, classmates and coworkers and ask them about their holiday traditions!
In many areas of the world, the holiday season is a cold one! Collect coats this winter to donate to a local homeless shelter. If you live in a warm place, you could collect lighter clothing to donate: t-shirts, shorts, sandals, etc. No matter where you live, you can donate something to help make someone's holiday season a little more "merry."
It's never too late to send holiday cards! If you weren't able to get them out before Hanukkah or Christmas, don't despair! You can send some out in January with a "Happy New Year" flair. Don't feel like buying or ordering cards? Try downloading some of our kindness themed holiday cards! You can print them yourself on special paper, put them in an envelope and send them on their way! And don't stop with just your family and friends; leave some on your neighbor's doorstep or send some to your local fire station or post office. Let all those around you know that you appreciate all they do!
Don't know the significance behind a certain holiday celebration? Ask someone! Google it! Take the time to learn about a holiday celebration different from your own this year. Ask you classmates, coworkers, family members, neighbors and friends why the celebrate the holidays they do, and what those holidays mean to them.
Trying to find a job can be extremely challenging, especially for someone who has been out of the job market for a while. If you recently found a job yourself, you might have some great insight for a friend who is out of work.
Bigger is better, right? Well, at least in the world of thank you notes, that phrase rings true! This week is Teacher Appreciation Week--why not let your teacher know how much you appreciate him or her with a giant thank you card? You could buy one at the store, or make one out of poster board. Pass it around to your classmates at lunch or during a free period along with some markers and present it to your teacher at the end of the day!
Help us celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week! Today’s idea will require a bit of investigationtry to secretly find out what your teacher's favorite book is, and then buy a copy to donate to your school library. Surprise your teacher afterward with a card explaining what you’ve done!
Take a few minutes out of your day today to write a note of appreciation to someone you haven't thanked in a while. You can send it to your spouse, significant other, sibling, parent, child, best friend, coach, teacher—anyone who you feel needs a bit of a pick me up. You can even make a list for your loved one highlighting all of the different reasons you appreciate him or her. Once you’ve brainstormed your thoughts, write them neatly in card you’ve chosen, or just send an email. No matter how you decide to share a note of appreciation, be sure to do it today!
Let your teacher know how much you appreciate him or her by helping to keep your classroom extra clean this week. Make it a habit to always leave a room looking nicer than you found it! Your teacher will appreciate your willingness to help, as will the cleaning staff.
Organize an appreciation lunch for your child's teacher. Have all of the parents chip in for a gift card to a local favorite lunch spot and present it to your children's teacher as a way of saying thank you for all they do for your children each day.
If you’ve ever been out of work and had a hard time finding a job, you can probably sympathize with those who are unemployed. Struggling to find a job can often make other things in your life fall apart. For many people, being unemployed means not being able to afford health insurance, child care, or even have the means to provide their family with regular meals.
It’s always kind to thank your coworkers when they do something nice for you or offer you their support, but you can really go the extra mile by acknowledging when they do something well that doesn’t necessarily impact you. Be the person who recognizes others for their achievements.
As seasons change and styles change many of us have items in our closet that no longer fit our body or our wardrobe! Make an effort to find unused items in your closets and drawers and donate them to a local shelter or charity organization.
Take a few minutes out of your day today to write a note of appreciation to someone you haven't thanked in a while.В·You can send it to your spouse, significant other, sibling, parent, child, best friend, coach, teacher—anyone who you feel needs a bit of a pick me up.В· You can even make a list for your loved one highlighting all of the different reasons you appreciate him or her. Once you’ve brainstormed your thoughts, write them neatly in card you’ve chosen, or just send an email.В· No matter how you decide to share a note of appreciation, be sure to do it today!
Smile at 5 strangers today! A sincere smile can really make a positive difference in someone’s day.В· Without saying a word you are letting that person know that you see them and that they matter. People appreciate being noticed and acknowledged! В·As Plato once said, Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. Encourage five strangers today by giving them each a smile!
Do some early spring cleaning today and fill some boxes with gently used toys, clothes, and books to bring to a local donation center. If you've already cleaned house recently, think about donating your time or money to a cause that is dear to your heart this week. Make it a priority to do it today!
Bring a treat to work, to school, or to your neighbor today! Surprise your coworkers with a homemade treat, coffee, donuts, fresh fruit, or cookies.·Bringing a small treat like homemade bread or cookies for your coworkers, classmates, and neighbors will really make them feel valued and appreciated. ·If you’ve got the time to bake, great! If not, make a quick stop on your way to work or school and pick up some goodies, or invite your neighbor over for coffee!
Be kind to your neighbor today! Stop by your neighbor's house or apartment and bring them a treat or some flowers. This is a great way to meet a neighbor you might not know yet, or to chick in with one you haven't seen in a while! You could even invite them to celebrate random acts of kindness by bring two of whatever you give them and tell them to pass the extra on to someone else.
Everyone loves to receive mail, and especially a care package. Maybe you have kids in college. Maybe you have a friend studying abroad, or maybe your brother or sister moved away to start a new job. These days families are more spread out than ever and people are making friends all over the world. It doesn't take much to stay in touch, especially with email, cell phones, and social media sites. But if you really want to make someone's day, and let them know just how special they are to you, then send them a care package! Don't have time to compile the package today? Spend a few minutes making a list of all the items you'd like to send them, and over the next couple of days put them in a box for your lucky recipient!
Teachers appreciate being appreciated, for teacher appreciation is their highest award. - William Prince
The next time you are hungry for a snack skip the soda, chips, or candy bar and eat a healthy snack like a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or some vegetables. Eating healthy is a simple way to be kind to your body; it's a great way to get the energy you need to pay attention at school and work or enjoy to yourself doing something you love outside. Be kind to your body and eat healthy snacks!
You’ve probably heard the saying laughter is the best medicine. Well, there's a lot of evidence that this saying is actually true!
Give someone the gift of rest and relaxation. Do you have a co-worker who needs a break? Arrange for them to use one of your personal vacation days. Has it been years since your sister had a quiet weekend away with her spouse? Offer to watch their kids and buy them a gift card to their favorite hotel. Help someone you care about relax and get away.
Picking up groceries can be an especially kind act for an elderly neighbor who isn't able to get out much. Simply knock on their door and see if you can pick something up for them while you are at the store. This is most helpful to do when you know bad weather is approaching. Pick them up a couple of things that will help tide them over until a storm has passed so they don't have to venture out in the middle of terrible weather to get some dinner.
The surrounding atmosphere can be a very important factor in building a strong and successful community.
Take some time out to appreciate all that you have, and also to recognize that others aren't always as fortunate. There are so many people for whom putting dinner on the table is a daunting task. Many people are struggling to find a job and provide for their family. You can help!
Take out the trash without being asked. Sometimes the smallest and easiest tasks are the most meaningful.
At some point or another, most of us have felt the pressure of arriving to a class or a test and realizing that we don’t have a pencil handy!
If you’ve ever moved, you probably know how tiring it can be. Do you know someone who is moving? Perhaps you have some good friends are moving to another city, or a close neighbor who is moving to a different community.
If you know that one of your coworkers has a huge work load or big project to finish, offer to help. Be a team player! You could review and edit the work they've already completed or offer to take some work off their shoulders and help run reports or finish a presentation. You will be amazed how quickly the work will get done with both of you working on it!
"How strange that Nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude!" - Emily Dickinson
For pet-owners, one of the most stressful things about planning a vacation is the ever-present question "What are we going to do with the pets while we are gone?" There are many boarding facilities that offer wonderful accommodations for pets but they can be expensive, especially if you are planning to be gone for a week or more.
Do you know someone who is from a different culture than you? Perhaps they were born in a different country, speak a different language, or celebrate different holidays than you. Ask them to tell you about their cultural values and traditions.
It’s easy to get into the habit of not paying attention to those around you, especially if they are strangers. Starting with your neighbors, make an effort to pay more attention to others and try to anticipate their needs. Start with something simple, like shoveling show for your next-door-neighbor while you’re out shoveling your own walk.
There are many ways to help your local food bank. Obviously, providing canned goods is a great way. But you can also be a little more hands-on and volunteer to stock shelves, clean the store, or work at the counter.
Encourage someone who needs it. Whether it’s a friend, sibling, parent, child or coworker, a little recognition could make a world of difference in their lives. Let them know that you are thankful for them and that you appreciate having them in your life. You can encourage someone with words, a hug, a gift or even an email or phone call. It is so simple to do; act now and go encourage someone!
Small surprises and tokens of your appreciation spread throughout the year help the people in your workplace feel valued all year long. Surprise your coworkers with donuts, cookies or a homemade treat.
The next time you are eating out at a restaurant with friends or family take a look around you. Find another table that is almost done with their meal. When your waiter next visits your table, tell him or her you would like to buy dessert for the other table. Choose a tasty dessert on the menu, add it to your bill, then tell your waiter to keep it a secret and deliver it to the other table once you are gone. You will make their day and provide a memorable story for both you and them.
We've all been there: waiting in a long line of cars at a toll booth, sometimes for up to an hour or more, simply waiting to pay our toll so we can get on to our destination. Traffic on a summer weekend or during the holidays can be awful. Why not make someone's experience a little more pleasant and pay their toll for them?
There are many families out there that are in need, living week to week and hoping for enough food and money to get by. For these families, every week is a struggle, but the holidays are even more of a struggle. Every parent wants to be able to buy presents for their children, to surprise them with a gift.
The next time an employee goes out of their way to help you solve a problem or locate an item in a store, make a mental note to send a letter of praise and recommendation to their boss.
Whether you have a tiny studio apartment, a cabin in the woods, a dorm room, a house in the suburbs or a large home with plenty of rooms to get lost in, work hard to make your home a peaceful and tranquil place. Everyone needs somewhere to go where they can be themselves and relax after a long day of work or school.
"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." -Aesop
Procrastination is killer. Literally. Putting off an upcoming task only makes the task itself grow and grow in your mind until it gets beyond bearable, beyond tackling. Sometimes it is even something we are looking forward to, or excited about: pursuing a new career or visiting a long lost friend.
Sometimes it’s hard to put into words how much we care about someone. A poem can be a great way to express just how you feel.
A healthy social life is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living - Rudolf Steiner
Have you ever been in a situation where you were unhappy or discouraged? Sometimes all it takes to be revived is a little encouragement from someone who recognizes that you need it, someone that can help you get away from whatever is bringing you down.
This year for Teacher Appreciation Week, plant some flowers or a tree in honor of a teacher who really influenced your life in a positive way. If you have permission from your school, you could do this on school grounds. Or you could even bring in a potted plant for your classroom, for all of your classmates to enjoy. If you finished school long ago, think about sending flowers to your local elementary or high school--even if you don't personally know all of the teachers who work there, you can let them know you appreciate the good work they are doing in your community.
It's that time of year again! This year, host a cookie exchange with a purpose. Get your friends together to bake a whole bunch of different kinds of holiday cookies, but instead of just bringing your portion home share with your family, donate them! Bring some holiday cheer to your local hospital. Or you could charge a "fee" at the door and donate the money your guests bring to your favorite charity. If you love to bake, this is your chance to use that skill to help others!
Riding your bike every day may sound like a lot of work, or even exhausting. But in reality, it's good for the body and soul, as well as the environment, so what are you waiting for?
You’ve probably experienced what it feels like when someone else says something nice to you or compliments you. Even a very simple compliment can brighten your day, and make you feel better about yourself.
At some point in time, we've all had to call the handyman to help us out. The kitchen sink backs up, or a leaky faucet gets worse; a window needs to be reinforced or the furnace needs replacing. The next time someone is at your house fixing something, offer them a drink or a snack. Let them know you appreciate the work they are doing for you.
Words can heal, they can bless, they can bring comfort and they can transform lives. So choose to be an affirming person. Offer encouragement freely to your friends, co-workers, and family, and without any expectation of anything in return. You can always find something positive to say in any situation, it just depends on your perspective. Be generous with your words of affirmation to all those around you, and most importantly, to yourself.
Sometimes it might seem like there are too many rules everywhere - at home, at school, in the games we play.
Did you know there are many children in your community without homes, whose families can't afford to buy them toys?
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chaplin
Laughter makes everything better. Having a sense of humor lightens your burdens, connects you to others, inspires hopefulness and offers a new perspective.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~Winston Churchill
This holiday season collect toys and donate them to children in need. You can help a local charity, youth program, a family in need, or an orphanage tremendously by bringing them gifts to give to children. Simply choose an organization that resonates with you and host a toy drive for them!
Cleaning up graffiti in your neighborhood or a poorer neighborhood near you is a simple way to give back to your community.
No matter how old you are, where you live, or what you do, we all have the opportunity to make kindness a priority: to see the positive in a difficult situation, to encourage others, to listen to our friends and family, to treat others with respect and to volunteer our time, energy, and resources to help make this world a better place.
Do you have a passion for sports? Sign up to volunteer with your local Special Olympics chapter. Special Olympics is a wonderful international organization devoted to empowering individuals with disabilities in more than 180 countries. They offer year-round sports training and competition, and are always looking for volunteers to help.
Many children in your community don't have access to books because of financial reasons, or because their families don't value education. That's why libraries are a great resource. Anyone can sign up for a library card and enjoy thousands of books for free.
Sometimes all we need in life is a little spontaneity. Make a conscious effort to act on every single thought of generosity that arises in your heart. Being kind is being happy!
There are so many everyday accessories and toiletries we take for granted - toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant.
The next time you are traveling by bus or in a public place, offer your seat to an elderly person. This is a great way to show your respect for the elderly, and because you are in a public place your actions will highly visible to many bystanders. This is a great opportunity to set a kind example for all those around you.
Be kind to yourself today and do something to treat yourself. Go visit your favorite park with your favorite book. Take a long walk to relax your mind and refresh your body. Or grab a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop, maybe pick up your favorite dessert on the way home from work. Take that class at the gym you've been trying to make time for. Take your loved one on a date tonight...whatever being kind to yourself looks like to you, do it today!!!
In the United States alone there are over 100,000 people waiting for an organ donation. By becoming an organ donor, you can literally help save lives. When you are old enough to get your license, you should think about signing up as an organ donor, and offering multiple people a second chance at life.
If you enjoy the company of someone who’s positive, versus spending time with someone who complains, you’re not alone. You have probably experienced how being around someone who complains all the time can be draining and sometimes downright frustrating. But how often do you, yourself complain? If you find yourself complaining constantly, it can be an extremely hard habit to break. But when you do overcome it, you’ll be surprised at how much happier you and those around you will be.
"A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." - Saint Basil
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. ~Lewis B. Smedes
We all make mistakes. The next time someone wrongs you, forgive them without hesitation. Carrying anger and resentment with you is bad for your health and your relationships. Learn to let it go and forgive others. Both you and the one you forgave will benefit from this act of kindness. You will be amazed at how much lighter you feel when you forgive someone!
"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
~Voltaire
Be a grateful person. Make it a habit to thank the people who touch your life, even for the little things.
Schools and churches commonly visit nursing homes during the holiday season to sing carols, but during the rest of the year, nursing homes often don’t have a lot of visitors.
Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day. And sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that have the greatest impact on someone. Whenever you help yourself to some gum, offer a piece to whoever is nearby you. Whether it be to a classmate you’re friends with, the stranger sitting next to you on the bus or the homeless man standing next to you as you’re waiting to cross the street, give him or her a smile as you hold out a piece of gum.
As important as it is to take care of others, we must also take care of ourselves. A great way to be kind to yourself is to go on a run and give your body some exercise. Running is also a great way to clear your mind.
It’s not always easy to express how you feel with words. Sometimes music can say so much more than you can.
When you look back at your own childhood, you can probably name several key people who taught you some of the most important things you know today. You too, can be an influential force in a child’s life by spending time helping him or her to learn. You can help a child master a subject he or she is struggling with in school, teach him or her to play a sport or learn another skill.
Many people find it quite difficult to ask someone for help. They feel that they are inconveniencing the other person or "unloading" on them. The next time you see someone who looks down or frustrated, offer to help them. Simply ask how you could help make a situation better.
It’s easy to put time and effort into tasks if we’re doing them for ourselves or getting paid to do them. But what about doing work for others when you aren’t getting paid? Why not do a job like mowing the lawn, cleaning the house or babysitting for someone, and surprise him or her by not charging.
How you treat others says a lot about you as a person. One way you can show respect to your friends, family, classmates and teachers is by respecting their personal belongings.
When you turn on a television, open a newspaper, or check your e-mail, chances are you'll hear negative news of some sort. It's easy to let all the negative news in the world bring us down. So strive to be a source of positive information for others by going out of your way to share fun or inspirational blog posts or online articles with your friends and family.
No one enjoys having car trouble, especially if they are on their way to work or late for an appointment. The feeling of being stranded somewhere can be extremely stressful, but it can also very lonely. All it might take for you to boost the spirits of someone whose car is broken down is just to stop and see if there is anything you can help with. Even if help is already on the way, he or she will be grateful for your gesture.
People can become lonely for any number of reasons, regardless of their age. Some people are alone because they don’t feel like they fit in, while others may become lonely after the death of a close friend or relative. Other people might just suffer from an illness that doesn't allow them to see many people. Children with family troubles will often become lonely as a result of the tough issues they face at home. Offer your companionship to someone who is lonely in exchange for their wisdom or a lifetime of stories.
Many households develop routines and responsibilities over time. Often those responsibilities are not volunteered for as much as they just "fall" on someone to do. Offer to do a chore or just do it anonymously.
Doing yard work can be a very tiring task, especially for someone who is elderly or has a physical disability. It can also be time-consuming, which might make it hard for someone who works several jobs or who has small children to maintain their yard. Why not help a family member, friend or neighbor with a chore like raking leaves, mowing the lawn, cleaning the deck or doing another task?
Holding the door open for someone is something they just do in old movies, right? Guess again. Holding the door open is a polite and thoughtful act you can easily do for your family, friends and even strangers, every day. Whether you’re at school, the grocery story, at work, or at home, those around you will certainly appreciate your good manners.
With technology becoming more and more advanced, as a society we get used to doing everything as quick as possible and getting everything we want instantaneously. When we’re caught up in the face-paced world of today, we often forget to stop to notice those around us. So next time you’re in a hurry in public, slow down and go out of your way to be courteous to everyone around you. When you’re standing in the checkout line, waiting to pay for your food at the grocery store or waiting to order your drink at a coffee shop, offer to let the person behind you go in front of you.
Introduce yourself to a stranger and strike up a conversation. Or, perhaps there is someone you've seen occasionally on the bus or in the neighborhood. Ask them how they're doing.
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." -William James
"Encouraged people achieve the best; dominated people achieve second best; neglected people achieve the least." - Anonymous
Have you ever experienced kindness from someone you don’t know? Knowing that someone else noticed you can make your day a thousand times better, especially if you’re feeling down. Celebrate those around you by doing random acts of kindness for strangers, just for the sake of making someone else happy. Pay the tab for someone behind you in line at the grocery store, gas station or the drive-through. It doesn't have to be costly, just friendly.
Giving your full attention to children is a simple way to show them they are loved. Reading together can also be a very relaxing way to bond with a child you care about.
Let someone know how they helped or inspired you with their website or blog. Praise them for their work by leaving a kind comment. So often we are willing to leave a comment if something upsets us; start thinking positively! The next time you read something that really encourages or motivates you, let them know!
Living a long life is a great gift to those who receive it. There are many gratifying things that come along with old age.
Offer to rake your neighbor's leaves, or to mow their lawn. While you are raking your own lawn, don't be afraid to just keep going and rake your neighbor's yard, too! This can be a particularly helpful kind act if your neighbors are elderly, or if they are just really busy and often away from the house. Do it while they are out and think how surprised they will be when the get home to a beautifully raked yard!
There are many small things we can do in our daily lives that make other people’s lives easier. An example of this is to serve those who serve us.
Stop and take a minute to think about all the work our police and fire departments do in your community. Every day, hundreds of men and women risk their lives to make sure that we are safe. How impressive is that? Why not tell these people how thankful you are for their services?
For many people going to the movies is luxury that rarely occurs. For some it is the cost that hinders their ability to go. For others it is the lack of time, energy, or transportation. Make sure all of your friend's needs are met, then plan a time to treat your friend, neighbor, or lonely relative to the movies.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer.
Education is a great privilege that many people across the world don't have access to. But those who do have means to go to school often find it to be very stressful.
Beautify your surroundings! Be kind to the environment and those around you by picking up trash when you see it lying around. It doesn't matter who left it there, just pick it up!
There are many benefits to being around pets. In fact, researchers have found that people who have pets are likely to live longer than those who don’t. One reason for this might be because being around a pet can reduce stress in your life, and even help people combat depression.
If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO that was left on the floor, or tripped over a Barbie doll, you know how something as simple as putting away a toy can make a big difference.
Plastic is so commonly used in packaging food and beverages, it seems nearly impossible to avoid it. But consider the effects it has on the environment, and even our communities around the world.
If you have a friend who's going through a rough time, offer to talk about it with them over a coffee. Think of all the times you've wished you had a friend to talk to--be proactive and be that friend for someone else.
Raise a soldier's spirits and make a friend by adopting a soldier as a pen pal. Showing your encouragement and gratitude for the hard work they do will be appreciated.
On a hot afternoon, bring a nutritious summer-time snack like watermelon or fruit juice to your local park or to a less fortunate neighborhood's park near you!
Distribute hand warmers, wool socks, or Evac Kits to the homeless, especially in February when the holiday season is over but the need is the greatest.
No part of a store is more hectic than a toy department. While you or your child browses, take a few moments to put things back where they belong.
Give a bottle with cold water to a bus driver. Buses without air conditioning get really hot on summers. When you drive an overheated bus for 8 hours a day, cold water (that can temper your thirst) is all you crave for. Make your station the oasis of the desert. Bring joy!
Whenever you see someone wearing a nice outfit or jewelry, give her/him a compliment. This always brings a smile to their face and gives you a nice feeling. It's a little thing but can really light up someone's day when they are feeling down.
During the evening or night, tape coins to various places on a playground, and let the kids discover the hidden fortunes the next day.
