Positive Vibes: Show Random Acts of Kindness
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”
I was recently told by a colleague that I am “so kind” and was also reminded of a poem a friend wrote me that said “she’s friendly and kind, not much more I can say. You don’t come by a girl like that every day.” These comments made me smile, but I remember a time when I used to think my being kind it was a sign of weakness.
For years, personally and professionally, I felt that my being kind came with a perception of being too soft or emotionally frail, when I wanted to be seen as tough or assertive. Over the years (and with a little wisdom driven by age) I’ve learned that kindness is strength and can drive positive influence. Let’s be honest, being kind is the easiest thing we can do in life. And yes, we need more of it.
Being kind can be passed along to your loved ones, friends, colleagues, pets, and even better, strangers.
Have you ever been pleasantly surprised by someone who bought your coffee, or contributed to a go-fund-me donation? Or dropped of some baked goods or sent a card in the mail just because. I swear these little things make my heart melt and doing them for other people is just as amazing! Doing random acts of kindness does great things for your soul and helps other souls in that process as well. So I challenge you this holiday season to do a few random acts of kindness. Need some ideas?
Try these:
Give someone (even a stranger) a compliment.
Let someone cut in front of you in line.
Let someone else take that prime parking spot. The extra walk is good for you.
Put a quarter in an expired parking meter.
Call a family member to say, ‘I love you!’
Send a print of a photo you took of a friend with a letter to say, ‘I hope you are well.’
Write a sweet (or funny) note and put it in your spouse or child’s lunch or work bag.
Smile at someone who looks sad and even more, ask if they are ok.
Offer to return a grocery cart to the front of the store. I love this one as I really hate when people leave their carts at the parking spot.
Buy a simple meal or hot drink for someone on the side of the street.
Send some flowers to a random location, like a nursing home or hospital.
Keep an extra umbrella with you to give to someone else who might need it one day.
Donate canned goods to a food bank or give your old blankets or clothes you don’t wear to the good will.
Make a dinner for someone you know (or a neighbor) who had a baby or is having a hard time. I’ve made dinners for friends who have lost their pets before. Those are hard times that always need a little extra love.
And please don’t forget yourself. Take time for yourself to meditate, go for a walk, go get a mani/pedi or even a massage. Being kind to yourself will give you the energy and strength to be kind to others too!
Whether you can give a cup of coffee or buy a meal, these tiny random acts of kindness are enough to make other people happy and provide a tiny mood boost. Maybe they’ll pass it on, and on, and on. Baby steps to make our world and your soul a little brighter! Think about what you can do to spread kindness throughout your day. One gesture at a time.
Peace, Love, and Kind Vibes.
Nikki
Have you given (or received) a random act of kindness?
Please leave me a comment below or share a photo on Instagram and tag @TheSunshineHustle. Your inspiration inspires me.