40 Ways To Be Kind

1. Smile and make someone's day a bit better.

2. Look for ways you can promote peace.

3. Be compassionate. The next time someone is rude or inconsiderate, consider what they may be going through and be kind in return.

4. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Help serve a meal or volunteer with any organization you feel passionate about.

5. Acknowledge and respect their feelings even if you feel they are not accurate/appropriate.

6. Offer a hug.

7. Surprise a loved one with an unexpected visit or phone call.

8. Donate your used books and/or magazines to a local library.

9. Hide notes of encouragement in a loved ones lunch box, coat pocket, shoes, or somewhere else they would receive a nice little surprise.

10. Share herbs from your garden.

11. Say, “I’m sorry.”

12. Praise someone at work for a job well done.

13. Put chocolate chips in their pancakes, or whatever their favorite add-in is.

14. Send out a kind email or handwritten card.

15. Give someone a genuine compliment.

16. Help clean up, without being asked.

17. Organize a clothing or food drive. Taking initiative to collect and distribute items for a shelter not only makes it easy for the shelter to help others, but it also inspires others.

18. Ask, “How can I help you?”

19. Hold the door open for the person behind you.

20. Encourage a friend or family member when they are uncertain or unmotivated.

21. Strike up a conversation with a stranger.

22. Let someone into your lane while driving.

23. Pay for the person behind you in line. Whether it be a small coffee or a whole meal, make sure to stay anonymous and relay a friendly message such as “spread kindness and pay it forward.”

24. Wear or use a gift they gave you in their presence.

25. Use a kind voice even if you have to fake it.

26. Give your time to a friend or someone who needs it.

27. Share a good recipe.

28. Tutor a younger person in reading. You can find a local literacy volunteer organization through a Google search on “literacy volunteers (your state)”.

29. Help someone with a household chore.

30. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Spending time with animals while they’re looking for their forever homes cheer them up and can potentially get them adopted quicker. Take them for a walk if possible or even just sit in a quiet room while petting them.

31. Plant a tree or flowers in a neglected area of your neighborhood.

32. Say “I love you” a little more often to family and friends.

33. Leave a gift for someone in a random public place such as a park bench or bus stop. You can even stick around and catch them finding your gift to see their reaction!

34. Pause before you speak and choose words with positive intention.

35. Pick up litter you see thrown around, even if it’s not yours.

36. Remove complaints and curses for one week.

37. Gift something meaningful to someone. Share a thoughtful token of love by loaning a book, bringing flowers, baking cookies, or another way to let them know you care.

38. Make a donation to charity.

39. Give up your seat on the train or bus to an elderly, pregnant person, or someone who looks tired.

40. Use less plastic or none at all, because it’s kind to the environment.

Kindness is always a choice, and it does help make the world a better place. It takes a conscious decision by us to be kind. So, be kind to all ❤️