10 Ways To Be Kind Today

Kindness makes the world and hearts richer.

Always fashionable, it is the gift that impacts both involved – the giver and the receiver.

Yet in the midst of our doings, it can be one of the most overlooked aspects of our day. Which is why you need to intentionally look for opportunities.

Here are 10 simple ways you can be kind today:

1 |Catching up with someone over coffee or brunch?

Buy it for them.

Chances are they’ve paid for your coffee at some point in time too. It doesn’t cost much, but can mean a lot.

A little extra: When paying for your coffee or meal, anonymously pay for the couple’s meal at another table or the person’s coffee behind you. Random acts of generosity are something special.

2 | Be a friend and learn to listen

The world can be a lonely place. Everyone needs a friend. And everyone needs someone who will stop talking and listen to them.

You gain a greater understanding and grace for a person when you can hear their heart and story. Being present and valuing someone forges a strong friendship.

3 | Be kind to yourself

It’s often said that if we spoke to others the way we speak to ourselves, we’d literally astound ourselves (and probably wouldn’t be that person’s friend). This is very true.

Being kind to yourself is one of the most overlooked yet valuable things we can do. This can be through time, a treat or gift, speaking well about yourself, doing things you love, and the list goes on.

4 | Tell the truth and be honest

Being truthful and honest can be a rare trait in this world. I’ve come to learn that kindness is extending truth in love, even if it’s uncomfortable. When you do it from a heart that genuinely cares and is true, it creates an opportunity for greater trust and relationship between you both. More than that, it also allows them to freely flourish.

5 | Buy flowers and/or write a thank you note

Buying flowers and writing a thank you note is a simple way to show your appreciation. It honours and adds value to the person. Because it’s in physical form, it also serves as a reminder whenever they see it throughout their day.

6 | Share something you have with others

If you know someone is looking for a job and you happen to have a contact in their field, let them know. Don’t withhold what you know or have, extend it; that could be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.

7 | Be nice

“A person who’s nice to you but not nice to the waiter is not a nice person.”

This saying is golden, because it’s true.

Being nice is not a weakness, but a virtue. Everyone deserves to be treated nice. And just because someone is not nice to you, it doesn’t mean you should or have a right to treat them the same way back. Take the higher road. It will speak louder and leave a better impact. Integrity is at the heart of kindness.

8 | Donate Blood

You may not ever know who’s benefiting from or receiving it, but it’s integral and incredibly valuable to life. If you want to know more about donating, read about it here.

9 | Encourage

Our words are powerful. When you take the time to encourage someone it shows that you’ve noticed and appreciate them. People deserve to be valued and championed.

10 | Do it, don’t tell it

Kindness is humble. True kindness is extended and never shouted out by telling people how lovely you are because you were generous. It doesn’t expect anything in return either because it’s an expression of what’s in the heart.

There are always opportunities to be kind; you just have to look for it.

“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.” – Ellen DeGeneres

– image credit: Austin Neill