One of the best ways to feel good is to try and make someone else feel good! You see, you get what you give. Whether you believe in karmic laws or not, there’s a satisfaction you’ll feel by displaying random acts of kindness and cheering up those around you. In saying this, you shouldn’t expect rewards for your kindness. Be kind because you have a good heart and want to make the world a better place to live in. You’ll get rewards regardless.
Now I know that not everyone will appreciate your acts of kindness. Some may even throw them back in your face… But the only way to create change is to start being the change – start living it! Make it a habit! Nothing in the world changes unless we start with ourselves and become an example of the change we wish to see.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
I believe that kindness is contagious; simple acts of kindness can promote more of the same. Funnily enough, I’ve heard people struggle in the past when it comes to spreading kindness. They’re not always sure where to begin, and sometimes feel that they need to spend money to be kind. For the most part, kindness doesn’t cost a thing! Here’s 15 simple acts of kindness that you can do today:
1. Say “please” and “thank you”
Although these manners are usually instilled in us as children, many of us tend to forget how important they are as we grow into adults. These two simple words take less than a second to say, but can go a very long way. (I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it!) They make you appear grateful and this is very important if you are requesting something from someone, or they have willingly done something for you. It’s a very simple way to acknowledge someone’s effort.
2. Hold doors open for people
This is such a simple yet kind gesture. If you’ve ever had someone hold the door open for you, you will know how positive this experience is. Your immediate perception of that person is usually that they are kind hearted and they went out of their way to hold the door open. This not only creates a positive perception of them, but also makes you feel positive inside – especially knowing that good people still exist in our world.
3. Tell the important people in your life that you love them
When is the last time you told the people you care for the most that you love them? You may think that it’s not very important to say these words because the people that you love, know you love them. However, how great is it being told that you’re loved? Hearing those words can put anyone in a good mood, and as a result this may encourage them to spread that kindness by being more loving towards others too!
4. Motivate or inspire someone
Motivation and inspiration is something we need daily. It’s all too common to have bad days, or periods in our life where we feel lost or a little low. Motivating or inspiring someone to head in the right direction could mean a great deal to them, so always try your best to help others in this way.
“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar
Also just think… You could be the reason why someone succeeds in life. Of course, it wouldn’t be solely because of you. However, it could be thanks to some encouraging words or a perspective that you gave someone, to fuel their ambition to succeed in an area of their life.
5. Smile at others
You never know how much your smile could change someone’s day, or even life. There have been many stories where people who were about to commit suicide have been saved by a smile from a stranger. You just never know how powerful your smile might be. It can make someone feel loved, and in return, it will nourish your soul and make you feel happier too.
6. Ask people how their day went
Going about our day-to-day life can be exhausting. It’s always nice to know that someone cares about what we went through. Sometimes we go through so much in a day and what we really need to do is let it all out to someone. Sometimes just talking about things can make you feel better, even if it doesn’t directly solve any problems. So encourage someone to open up about their day.
7. Ask people if they need help with anything
Are you the type of person that watches someone struggle, or asks them for help? I’ve witnessed it myself many times, where an old lady will be walking along with lots of bags and people just seem to watch her struggle. Also when someone is doing a task, and others just sit there and observe. Asking if someone needs a hand will not do you any harm, but may do someone else a great deal of good!
The help doesn’t always have to be something physical – someone may turn around and simply ask you for your time. Everyone around us seems to be fighting some sort of battle; a lot of the time they don’t announce these battles or ask for help. Due to this, most of the time they don’t get the help they need. You could be the only one that’s willing to help someone and that’s priceless. Therefore it’s always valuable to offer your help so you can make a positive difference in someone’s life.
8. Write a friend a kind message
Let’s say that one of your close friends randomly sent you a message like this:
“Hey I know this is out of the blue but I just want to say that I really appreciate having you in my life. You’ve always been there for me, through the bad times and also here to celebrate the good. When everyone else has walked out, you’ve stayed put so I didn’t have to face my troubles alone. For this, I can’t thank you enough. You are very special to me and I mean this with all my heart. Thank you for being a great friend.”
How would that make you feel? Some might think it’s cheesy, but nevertheless, it would make you feel pretty special right? So go ahead and write a nice little message like this to one of your friends. I’m sure they will appreciate it!
9. Give out compliments like they’re running out
Compliment everyone and anyone you can. Start focusing on the good side of people and say something positive about them, to them. It will make a world of difference to them. If someone holds the door open for you, reply with, “Thank you, you’re so kind!” If someone writes a positive status on Facebook, comment and say something like, “I love how positive you are and how you encourage others to be positive too.” Start dishing them out today!
10. Give up your seat for someone standing up
If you’re using public transport and you’ve been lucky enough to get a seat, give it up to someone that will benefit from sitting down. This could be an elderly person, or someone that you may think is struggling to stand. Too many times I’ve witnessed young teenagers stay seated, whilst those who are quite a lot older than them are forced to stand. It’s always a nice gesture to give up your seat for someone else.
11. Make a positive post on social media
Social media is great for sharing content, ideas and thoughts with the rest of the world. It also allows us to voice our feelings. Sometimes this is great – even when the things we say aren’t the most positive; it allows us to get things off our chest and even invite help. There have many people who have actually received a helping hand from someone else, just by posting how they feel about certain things; like an experience. It’s almost like a cry for help, hoping that someone will read your note that you’ve put out to the world. However, you should also acknowledge that reading negative posts all day is far from healthy. If you follow accounts on a network that just constantly post negative things, it’s actually very likely that these posts will not only subconsciously imprint erroneous thinking patterns into your head, but will also lower your vibration. This will basically affect your mood in a negative way and drain your energy. It’s very hard to manifest good things in this state as we know from the Law of Attraction.
Make others feel good by positing positive content. Lift their spirits and improve their day. Use social media to impact people in a positive way.
12. Ring someone you haven’t spoken to for ages
Sometimes we are so busy living our lives that we forget about some important people that are a part of it. People we created and share memories with, that we possibly haven’t spoken to in a while. It’s always nice to remind them that you still have them in your thoughts by simply picking up the phone and having a conversation with them. This will make both of you feel better – just try it!
13. Say something nice to a helpful worker
I was at a bar once and the guy serving me was very friendly and well-mannered. He was cheerful and even went out of his way to make a special non-alcoholic cocktail for my friend, which they didn’t have on the menu. Later that evening I saw his manager getting angry with him, I still have no idea why. I could see that the barman was hurt by this – he didn’t seem as cheery as he was before. Moments later I approached him and told him how fantastic his service was and that I was going to recommend the bar to my friends, thanks to him. I instantly saw how much this meant to him, and he seemed to go back to his quirky ways. I also actually said the same thing to his manager too. However I’m not sure if he ended up getting any credit for it!
Sadly, there are many people who don’t enjoy their job, or are going through a hard time whilst trying to deliver a service to customers. Acknowledging their efforts can make all the difference to their day. So if someone is being helpful, take a moment out to show them some gratitude. I’m sure they’ll be grateful.
14. Talk to people around you in any queues you’re in
Queues can be long and frustrating. Although some people may not want to be bothered by a complete stranger, others may find joy in conversing with someone while they wait. It not only makes time go a little quicker, it creates a chance to form a friendship. Also, you never know how lonely someone might be feeling. A conversation you spark with that person may be the only conversation they participate in all day. The simple act of talking to random people is much more powerful than we realise.
15. Be kinder towards yourself
It’s important that you are kind to yourself! Self-love is the key here. How can you be kind to others, if you don’t know how to be kind to yourself? If we can love ourselves in the right way, we’ll ultimately be able to love others too. Think about it, when you feel good, you’re nicer to other people. However, when your day isn’t going as good, you can become a bit snappy. Especially when you start being hard on yourself. So remember, kindness starts with you… Literally by being kinder towards yourself.
“Be nice to yourself. It’s hard to be happy when someone is mean to you all the time.” – Christine Arylo
There you have it, 15 simple acts of kindness that will help spread positivity and make the world a better place! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring!
Author: Vex King
I am the founder and owner of the Bon Vita lifestyle brand. I could give myself a title and call myself a lifestyle entrepreneur, personal mentor, writer, designer, innovator, CEO, or anything else I see as fitting. However no title can define me as an individual. I’m just an optimist, a visionary, a philanthropist and jack of many trades. I’m using my positive influence to redefine the creative industries using Good Vibes Only #GVO so that people can fulfil their dreams, purposefully, and enjoy The Good Life #TGL. My daily words of intent are to make people… Think, look & feel GOOD!
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