Cost: Zero. Value: Substantial.
Thursday, 13 november is World Kindness Day. The good thing is – you don’t need any money to initiate random acts of kindness. You can donate to a charity or give a homeless person a takeaway meal – those are great – but the smallest gesture can mean a lot too.
On the mean streets of New York, that small act can change the tone of your day. On World Kindness Day 2014, let that act be a positive one.
Say ‘good morning’ in the elevator, acknowledge fellow neighbors. ~ A sincere “please” and “thank you” go a long way. ~ Check on elderly neighbors periodically. ~ Hold the door for someone. ~ Whenever you get a new anything, donate something old. ~ Make someone laugh. ~ On a crowded train or bus, offer your seat to an elderly, disabled or pregnant person. ~ Don’t write that angry internet comment. ~ Yield to an aggressive walker or driver in the name of peace. ~ Pack it out: Take your trash with you (from a park, a picnic or a movie) and throw it out. ~ Help a friend or relative pack for a move. ~ Shut off, or look away from your smartphone for a while. ~ Pass along a worthwhile book that you’ve read. ~ Put your shopping cart back in the rack. ~ Forgive-and-forget the debt of a relative or friend. ~ Thank your bus or taxi driver. ~ Give someone the benefit of the doubt. ~ Smile, it’s contagious.
Last thought – go easy.
What random acts of kindness would you add?