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KIND CONTAGIOUSLY Try these ten ideas and see how simple it is — and how good it feels — to do change the world.
GIVE A GIFT You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a worthy gift. Sometimes the best gifts are those that cost little but have significant meaning, like a thoughtful card or a small token of love. A donation to an important cause is another meaningful way to show kindness. DO A FAVOR “Do me a favor” may sound commonplace, but it’s a simple act of kindness that never loses value. Help a neighbor fix his car, babysit a friend’s child for a few hours, or run an errand for someone in need. The best part? Doing favors gets others inspired to do them too, and the kindness spreads. MAKE AN INTRODUCTION Introducing people who don’t know each other but could profit from a new friendship or business partnership is an easy thing to do that pays off for everyone. They’ll benefit from their relationship, and you’ll gain pleasure from helping bring them together. SHOW EMPATHY The ability to feel what another person is feeling is a gift. If you’ve got it, use it. Showing empathy to someone who has experienced a loss, gone through a difficult change, or endured physical pain can be highly comforting to the sufferer — and rewarding for you. LOAN A POSSESSION Know someone who could use something of yours? Don’t be afraid to part with it temporarily. Loaning a possession — from something as small as a tool or book to a weekend at your vacation home — can be easier than you think, especially when you see the impact you’ve made. GIVE UP THE SPOTLIGHT While the spotlight may be gratifying, sometimes it’s more important to let another person take center stage. During your everyday routine, let someone else talk, be first in line, or get the credit for a job well done. You’ve got nothing to lose, except your chance to do something nice.
Does it feel like world is slowly (or sometimes quickly) getting more and more divided? I swear, so often lately it’s as if someone has put anger on autopilot with the gas pedal down. Standing up for your beliefs is an important thing; it drives change for the better. But maybe we’ve lost a bit of balance. A lot of people seem to be embracing righteous indignation, but maybe we need at least as many people willing to balance that force with gentle kindness. Maybe we can change the world without destroying ourselves in the process. Why not make a point to do something unexpected and kind every day? It’s sometimes shocking how big of an impact such a small act can have on someone. And you may be surprised at how good it makes you feel too. It doesn’t have to be some grand gesture. The simple acts are often make the biggest difference. PAY A COMPLIMENT One of the nicest things you can do for people is offer accolades. Whether you applaud how well they handled a difficult situation or admire their new hairstyle, paying a compliment can make someone’s day. And nothing could be easier than giving a short expression of praise. OFFER ASSISTANCE Just look around and you’re sure to see someone who could use some help. There are many ways to assist others, from holding open a door to carrying heavy packages or groceries. Find an opportunity to extend a helping hand and make life a little easier for someone. SHARE A MEAL Good food can make anyone happy, especially when it comes from the heart. Invite someone over who doesn’t get home-cooked meals or make a meal for someone in need. It’s a simple effort that won’t go unnoticed, and you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of preparing and sharing the food. MAKE CONTACT Reaching out to someone you know may sound unnecessary, especially if you don’t have a reason, but this simple gesture can be a blessing. Personal contact, whether in the flesh or by phone, boosts mood, instills confidence in others, and contributes to overall well-being.
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