Want to do something kind, but just can't think of what to do? You're in luck! Below are lots ideas taken from our weekly newsletter and links to even more ideas.
Public Transportation: Before you get off the bus or train, leave an inspiring book on a seat with a Smile Card. Give a flower to the bus driver or anyone else that looks like they can use it. Leave a nice CD with a smile card. Offer gum or candy to the person sitting next to you. Give your seat to the elderly or mothers with children if it's crowded. Help people find their way if they look lost. Write a card with a beautiful quote or a blessing and leave it on your seat for someone to find.
Kindness Idea: Globs of Gratitude
Appreciate someone who has done something kind for you. Send a 'Thank You' card to someone who's helped you when you really needed it. Write a letter to an old teacher who influenced your life. Call your grandparents or parents and let them know how they've impacted your life. Email a friend to thank them for being there for you through hardships. Send an e-card to your husband or wife to tell them how much you appreciate having them in your life.
Healing Kindness: Express kindness to those who are healing. Leave a stuffed animal for a child in a hospital. Plant a tree to commemorate someone coming out of a long illness. Run a race to help fund research for a fatal disease. Tag a cancer patient with a book about a heroic recovery. Volunteer at a hospice for the terminally ill. Listen to a friend who is going through a tough time.
Gift of Generosity
Next time you give a gift, deliver it in a context of generosity. On your friend's birthday, sponsor an eye surgery for a blind person in a developing country; sponsor a well where clean water is scarce; donate to local charity. Frame an inspirational quote as a gift; buy two identical gifts and pay-forward one of them with a letter explaining the kind act; tag someone with a smile card act and share the story as a gift to your best friend. For a baby-shower, get audio excerpts of motherhood advice from moms you admire; for a bridal shower, survey old couples in your neighborhood for marriage advice. Give someone a nice journal of kindness, where they can write their reflections of generosity.
Gift of Books
Never underestimate the power of books to expand minds. Give an inspiring book to a friend in need. Encourage children to do a reading drive for a charity of their choice -- people donate money for every book they read this summer. Subscribe an officemate to your favorite magazine. Leave a good book in a public place with a smile card. Forward an inspiring article to your email addressbook. Instead of going out to a movie, go to a coffee shop with your favorite book. Donate your unused books to your local library.
Surprise your family with an act of kindness. Send flowers (or a plant) to your mom or dad. Have each member of your family choose someone outside the family who has made a positive difference in their lives. Write short thank-you notes, and mail the letters together. If you have children, take them to volunteer at a soup-kitchen in your neighborhood. Anonymously tag your brother or sister with a gift that you know they've wanted for a while.
Gift of service: donate to a cause, as a holiday gift for your best friend. Gift of affection: be generous with hugs, kisses and pats on the back. Gift of laughter: clip cartoons, share funny stories. Gift of a written note: send a 'thank you' note, write a letter to an old friend. Gift of a compliment: a simple 'you look great today', a sincere 'thank you for a wonderful meal'. Gift of listening: no interrupting, no daydreaming, no responding, just listening. Gift of solitude: spend some time in silence, help others spend some time in silence.
The Small Things
Share your umbrella with someone who doesn't have one. Write a thank-you note to a mentor or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way. Always say please, thank you, and you're welcome with a smile; you'll get it back! Leave an extra big tip for a friendly waiter or waitress. Defend others. Speak up when you hear someone use a racist remark, whether it's a family member, neighbor, co-worker, friend or stranger. Pick up trash at playgrounds, schoolyards, or other community areas.
For ideas for kindness please visit http://www.helpothers.org/index.php
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