“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.” ~ The 14th Dalai Lama

Kindness doesn’t have to cost anything. In fact, some of the most wonderful things we can do is to offer a smile or a helping hand throughout our day. Kindness is contagious in the best ways possible – when you are kind to someone else, chances are that they will pass it on too!

We have some ideas for random acts of kindness, spread the good!

1. Smile – never underestimate the positive impact of a smile at a stranger or a Good Morning/Good Afternoon!
2. Pay it Forward – standing in line at the coffee shop? Pay for the next person’s coffee
3. Be engaged – hold a door open, let someone go ahead of you in line
4. Unload groceries – when you are at the grocery store, notice if an elderly person could use a hand putting groceries into their car
5. Write a thank you note (or two) by hand
6. Text or email some thank you notes
7. Send a special message to someone telling them why you appreciate them
8. Spend a day handing out sincere compliments – think of the boost to the other person!
9. Give carepacks to the homeless – filled with bottles of water, mouthwash, protein bars
10. Organize a community clean up day
11. Donate blood
12. Spend a day at an animal shelter walking the dogs and playing with the animals
13. Drop off cookies or special treats at your local fire station
14. Volunteer some time at a local soup kitchen or a charity that makes care packages for our troops
15. Contact an old friend or acquaintance to catch up
16. Do you know someone that doesn’t have family? Invite them to dinner, especially at the holidays
17. Leave a big tip at your next restaurant visit
18. Say Thank You as often as possible
19. Share positive and uplifting stories on your social media
20. Go through your closets and pull out items to donate
21. Give HUGS
22. Remember to be kind to yourself too!

Do you have any ideas for random acts of kindness? How have you been acted by a random act of kindness?