Kindness is something intangible, and yet it is very real and very powerful. In the Cambridge dictionary kindness is defined as ‘the quality of being generous, helpful, and caring about other people, or an act showing this quality’. If we think back on our lives I’m sure we can think on many moments where people have shown us kindness. Sometimes a seemingly small or insignificant act of kindness can have the greatest impact – for example someone helping someone else carry a bag on a particularly bad day could remind them that there is good in the world and prevent them from spiralling into a worse place mentally. And sometimes it’s the grand gestures of kindness over a long period of time that make an impact on us – for me the fact that my friends never gave up on me during the dark times is one the greatest acts of kindness that I have ever experienced. The point is, what we qualify as a kind act may be vary for each of us, but the underlying caring and generosity always helps to brighten up the world and our lives.
Back in November I posted on my Instagram about a 30 day random acts of kindness challenge. The idea behind it was to inspire myself and others to think about doing something small but kind once a day in order to be more mindful about how we can make a positive impact on the people and world around us. Why? I believe that when we put good energy out there, it spreads – a bit of a butterfly effect if you will – and it goes beyond the original act of kindness. Also, as someone who struggles with their mental health I know that being kind can have a profound effect on how I feel; it makes me feel better about myself and also helps to get me out of the cycle of my thoughts. But don’t forget you can also show yourself kindness, in many forms, and that is just as important. It helps us to be able to function better and feel better and do even more for others.
So here’s a list of 31 random acts of kindness. I would encourage you to try one out, or make it a challenge to do one a day for the next 31 days! Please comment below with any more ideas or stories of how someone else has helped you out:
- Tell someone you appreciate them
- Sign a petition for a cause you care about
- Say hello to someone and ask how they are
- Donate old clothes to a charity store
- Hold the door for someone
- Bake or cook something and give it to someone – a neighbour, family member, coworker
- Give three honest compliments
- Write a happy note and leave it for someone to find/ post it online (use #ourhappynotes)
- Comment something positive on a post
- Make/ hang some bird feeders
- Leave a thank you note for your mail carrier or another civil worker who does a lot for you
- Buy some food for a food bank
- Smile at someone
- When you’re going on an errand, ask a neighbour/ friend if they need you to do anything for them
- Share a post about an issue you care about
- Write some positive messages on the pavement with chalk
- Leave a bit of change in a vending machine
- Bring some food to a homeless person
- Wear your mask with vigilance if you can – this one should be some every day!
- Support a small local business, either with money or by leaving a positive review/ following them online
- Spend the day trying to be kind to yourself – listening to what you need, letting your emotions be, relaxing etc
- Do a chore that someone else would usually do
- Plant something
- Have a complaint free day
- Send a letter to an elderly person
- Read an article to educate yourself on an issue
- Encourage someone
- Check in on your friends
- Write to your MP/ representative about something you feel needs attention
- Let someone go ahead of you in line
- Brainstorm more ideas for kindness and how you can incorporate it into your everyday life
Let’s spread some sparkly, shiny, generous energy in the world! Sending all my love and support,
Millie xx
Our Happy Notes 