101 Ways to Be Kind And Promote Kindness

Lately, I’ve been thinking about kindness. In a world that seems increasingly angry, cruel, and unforgiving, kindness is needed more than ever.  So I started making a list of easy ways to be kind. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. And the returns you get for being kind are always bigger than the effort you spend. 

Did you know that in September the world celebrates several special days that focus on kindness, charity,  and serving others? It starts on September 5 with the International Day of Charity. This day focuses on alleviating poverty in the world. What could be kinder? Then, in the U.S.,  we celebrate a Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. I love the idea of commemorating tragedy by doing things that make the world better for everyone. Instead of dwelling on the horror and pain of that day, we have an opportunity to do something good for someone else. September 21 is the International Day of Peace. What better way to bring peace to our world that by practicing kindness? And, finally, September 28 is National Good Neighbor Day. Having a good neighbor is such a blessing! Being a good neighbor is too.

 

 

 

Why Make a Kindness List?

I like the idea of doing something simple every day to make the world a little better. Making a list of easy ways to be kind seemed liked a good start. I recently wrote about ten of my favorite Ted Talks on happiness. One of them was by a woman named Jacqueline Way. She started a project with her young son. They made a list of things they could do to give back to the world.  You can learn more about her project at 365give. As a result of her initial project, she created the 365 challenge which encourages people to find a small way to give back every day for one year.  If you’re interested in something like the 365 challenge, my list of 101 ways to be kind could be a great start.

 

 

 

101 Easy Ways to Be Kind Today

 

1. Smile 

2. Write a thank you note

3. Don’t start the argument

4. Don’t respond to a sharp word in kind

5. Hold the door for someone

6. Let someone have the right of way

7. Share a kind word on social media

8. Donate something to someone in need

9. Give someone a hug

10. Send a kind email

11. Mail a kind note

12. Promote peace

13. Be a good listener

14. Encourage someone who is feeling down

15. Be forgiving

16. Think before you speak. See my post about the power of words

17. Pick up litter, even if it isn’t yours

18. Give a meaningful gift

19. Give up your seat to someone who needs it more than you

20. Go on a complaint fast (no complaining for a day or a week)

21. Realize that kindness is a choice we make

22. Pay for the person behind you in line

23. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen

24. Volunteer at an animal shelter

25. Help an elderly neighbor or family member

26. Volunteer at a local school

27. Volunteer at your local library

28. Catch up with an old friend

29. Plant a tree

30. Be a good neighbor

31. Share something with someone

32. Take a meal to someone who needs it

33. Donate used clothing

34. Donate used books to the library

35. Wish someone a good morning

36. Be a mentor

37. Donate blood through the Red Cross

38. Apologize

39. Read to a child

40. Keep your promises

41. Save energy

42. Recycle

43. Adopt a pet

44. Share something fun with someone

45. Give a shoulder massage to a loved one

46. Be someone’s exercise buddy

47. Share an inspiring quote on your social media. Check out here and here for ideas.

48. Make amends

49. Go out to lunch with a friend and make it your treat

50. Create a fundraiser on Facebook. Here’s how.

51. Ask how you can help someone

52. Pay a genuine compliment

53. Help with household chores

54. Bake cookies or bread and share some with a neighbor

55. Send flowers

56. Share vegetables from your garden

57. Pay the bridge toll for the car behind you

58. Pay for a stranger’s coffee

59. Let someone else go first

60. Drive kindly

61. Visit an elderly relative or friend

62. Donate books to the library

63. Donate blankets or towels to the animal shelter

64. Talk to a homeless person. Treat them like any other human.

65. Give food and water to someone in need

66. Hang a bird feeder

67. Plant a bee-friendly garden

68. Let someone cut in line

69. Treat everyone you meet with respect

70. Show appreciation

71. Keep trying, even when it’s hard

72. Put more paper and/or toner in the copy machine

73. Don’t take the last of something or tell someone so they can replace it

74. Include someone who is lonely in your plans

75. Donate your hair. My hair stylist likes Wigs For Kids

76. Invite someone to dinner

77. Help a co-worker

78. Send a funny video to someone who is sad or depressed

79. Shovel snow for your elderly or disabled neighbor

80. Teach your children to be kind

81. Buy goods from ethical companies

82. Ask a family member or friend how their day went

83. Stop and count to ten before you say something you’ll regret

84. Leave your mail carrier a thank you note

85. Join Postcrossing and send friendly postcards to strangers

86. Donate unused toys and movies to a children’s hospital

87. Start a little free library outside your house or business

88. Contact your local town hall or chamber of commerce to ask about volunteer opportunities in your community

89. Take care of your health so you can take care of those around you

90. Stop judging everyone, including yourself

91. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

92. Shift the conversation when it goes in a negative direction

93. Leave a positive comment online

94. Leave a generous tip

95. Make a new friend

96. Tell someone you believe in them

97. Don’t forget to pass kindness on when you receive it

98. Share a skill or talent for free

99. Take the high road. You don’t need to participate in every argument

100. Practice kindness every day

101. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself too

 

 

What Will You Do?

With all the big problems facing our world today, it might seem like doing a small act of kindness is just a drop n a huge, leaky bucket. But what if everyone passed that kindness along to someone else? The simple truth is, improving our world starts with each one of us. We can’t expect someone else to do what we are not willing to do ourselves. I love the quote from Dr. Seuss “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” We can choose to make changes for good or we can choose to let things go on as they are.

This list of 101 ways to be kind is just a start, but it’s a good one. Have you ever tried a kindness challenge like 365give? Have you set a goal regarding kindness? I’d love to hear about what has worked (or not worked) for you.

As always, thanks for reading and please share!