Do you want to be more kind? Kindness is such a simple act. It doesn’t take a lot of time, money or resources unless you want it to. The smallest acts of kindness often go the longest way to changing lives. You can cultivate more kindness in your life in many ways.
How To Be More Kind
- When you believe in someone, tell them and show them your support. This support may be just what they need to drive them to achieve things greater things.
- Think about your words before you speak. If what you’re thinking isn’t kind, stop what you’re doing. Think about how to better phrase what you’re thinking or perhaps don’t say it at all. Remember to be kind in how you deal with the person.
- When you receive kindness spread it around. Continue to spread the kindness by paying it forward.
- Everyone faces challenges even if they don’t outwardly show it. Don’t discriminate on who you are kind to.
- Be an example. Be a role model to others by always being kind.
- It doesn’t matter if it’s a close relationship or a stranger, it’s important to be mindful of how you treat others. Be considerate of everyone.
- Practice having good intentions. Try to have good intentions when you say something nice. Don’t expect something in return.
- Reach out when others don’t.
- If showing kindness is hard for you, try to remember how you felt when someone was kind to you.
- Be kind every day. Holding the door for someone while giving them a genuine smile is an easy way to brighten someone’s day.
- Create a kindness calendar. Add some type of kindness you can do to each day. For example, take a cup of coffee to your coworker, help your elderly neighbour with their groceries, thank the mail carrier with a card, give your umbrella to a Mother and her kids waiting for the bus in the rain, share your lunch with a homeless person or any other act of kindness.
Practical Ways To Be More Kind
There are many ways you can be more kind. If you are stumped for ideas, here are a few to get you started.
- Spend a day being nice to others on Social Media and then another day and another!
- Smile at someone who really needs it. Maybe you see a struggling Mother trying to shop with her three kids. Give her an encouraging smile.
- Talk with a friend who is having problems. Lending a ear may be all they need.
- Donate some food to a Foodbank.
- Compliment a stranger.
- Let someone in your lane in a traffic jam.
- Call your grandparents or parents instead of waiting for them to call.
- Say please, thank you and your welcome more often.
- Compliment someone on their hair, outfit or something else.
- Offer your seat on the bus or train.
- Bake something for a neighbour, older relative or nursing home and visit with them.
- Text someone good morning or good night.
- Plan to meet with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while.
- Plan a surprise party for a friend’s birthday.
- Wish someone a good day.
- Tell someone how much you appreciate them.
- Smile at everyone.
- Help a stranger in some way.
- Actively listen when someone is talking to you.
- Give an unexpected gift to someone.
- Thank someone for something specific they’ve done for you
- Make a donation to charity.
- Volunteer your time.
- Share a memory with a child or friend.
When carrying out your act of kindness, be sure to not intrude or embarrass the receiver. Discretion is key. Give your smile or gift then move on, unless the receiver wants to talk. Some acts of kindness can be carried out anonymously as well.
Above all else, carry out your acts of kindness because you genuinely want to make yourself and others feel good. Not because you expect something in return.