Last Updated on: 12th January 2024, 08:58 pm
One way of loving ourselves is by being kind to others. This may seem counter-intuitive, but people actually feel good after performing an act of kindness. It gives them a sense of purpose and makes them feel significant. It’s no wonder then that many wealthy people get involved in charitable work. There comes a point when material wealth is no longer enough to make them happy.
Well, my nephew was rifling through my stuff a few days ago and he came upon this box with small flash cards on ideas for performing random acts of kindness. It was given to me as a gift by a friend, and reading them again made me feel wonderful that I thought I’d share them with you. Perhaps you would like to try some of them, and have a more meaningful day!
1. Make some sandwiches, and drive around the city, giving them away to the poor.
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
I know that we sometimes get cynical that the beggars on the street may be part of gangs or are just pretending to be poor. However, giving away food can never do anybody wrong, as anyone would certainly appreciate the gesture.
2. Give away something you find hard to part with to someone who needs it more.
In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy. – Karl Reiland
One thing my friends and I do at Christmas is that when we exchange gifts, we give away something we already have, which we think our friend can find more use in. We then share why we thought of giving that gift to that person.
Not only do we get to spend less on gifts, but it also makes the gift more meaningful.
3. Babysit for a tired couple.
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the Philippines, it is customary for relatives to take care of each other’s children. Although this may not be so in other cultures, it would surely be appreciated whenever relatives could offer to help.
4. Donate books to a library.
They are always generous and lend freely, their children will be blessed – Psalm 37:26
Other places where you can donate books are the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and the local thrift stores. You can also use them to hold a fundraiser event where you donate the proceeds to charity.
5. Donate blood and save someone’s life.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. – Psalm 37:3.
By donating blood, you not only help save another life, but you also make yourself healthier. According to an article by the Rasmussen College, donating blood can help you identify possible health problems, as you undergo a mini-physical prior to the bloodletting. It can also help reduce the excess iron stores in your body, which are harmful for you.
In addition, it reduces your risk of a heart attack, as well as your risk of developing cancer. Most of all, it gives you a sense of purpose.
6. Have a Random Act of Kindness Day with your friends. Get together to vote on who did the best that day.
What this world needs is a new kind of army – the army of the kind. – Cleveland Amory
By sharing your good deeds with your friends, you are able to encourage and inspire each other to keep performing acts of kindness. It will also allow you to get confirmation that you’re doing the right thing.
7. Give someone else that better parking space.
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. – Proverbs 11:17
There are many benefits to being nice. One is that you’ll gain lots of friends. That guy you gave the parking space to may be your next business contact or may help you in some other way in the future.
Another benefit of being nice is that you’ll always get help. Because you’ve been nice to others, they will likely want to repay you for making them feel good. They will also appreciate you, making you feel good about yourself and increasing your self-confidence and self-respect.
As well, being nice can be a way to test your limits, such as your ability to be patient or how far you can be selfless.
Being nice can also improve your mental health, as you will become more detached and more relaxed. You won’t feel the need to pay attention to the annoying little things.
8. Wash the dishes even though you don’t have to.
Deliberately seek opportunities for kindness, sympathy, and patience. – Evelyn Underhill
I think that the type of kindness shown without a sense of obligation is the genuine form.
9. Engage in volunteer work.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. – Mark Twain.
According to Stephanie Watson, Editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch, volunteerism can lower your blood pressure through increased physical activity. Likewise, a study published in the Health Psychology journal showed that people who volunteer live longer if they do so out of altruism and not just to feel better.
10. Bring flowers to an elderly person.
A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses. – Chinese Proverb
11. Send a letter to someone in prison or a soldier far away
I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. – Ecclesiastes 3:12
When I was young, I was fond of writing to pen pals (this was before the birth of the Internet), and a guy who was in prison wrote to me. At first, I got scared about corresponding with a convict. He never told me why he was in prison, but the friendship I had with him helped me develop more compassion for others and to not be prejudiced.
12. Learn a magic trick and entertain children.
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. – James M. Barrie
13. Pay for the toll of the car behind you.
Always be a little kinder than necessary. – James M. Barrie
This is actually a common occurrence in drive-thrus where customers pay for the order placed by the customers behind them. One such incident is described in this New York Times article.
14. Volunteer to drive someone around.
Research findings tell us that being kind leads to happiness. – Journal of Social Psychology
Studies show that people feel good when they perform good deeds even if they are performed in as short as ten days.
Another research by the University of British Columbia and Harvard Business School showed that people generally felt happy when they tried to remember buying something for someone else—even happier than remembering a time they bought something for themselves. Their findings also showed that the happier people feel about their past generosity, the more likely they are in the present to spend on others than on themselves. This results in what psychologists term as the “positive feedback loop” between happiness and kindness. This means that one encourages the other.
15. Take in a stray animal (bring to the vet, give shots)
Don’t be yourself – be someone a little nicer. – Mignon McLaughlin
A mall called Greenbelt allows stray cats to roam around such that they’ve become part of its attractions. I love cats, so I am always on the lookout for them whenever I’m there.
The last time I was there last week, I was amazed to see a woman feeding all of the stray cats. There must have been around 20–30 cats, and the woman was feeding them not with scraps but with expensive cat food. It was a wonderful sight to see and very inspiring indeed!
I own a cat, and I’ve realized that caring for animals helps make you more compassionate and selfless.
16. Rake the leaves off your neighbor’s lawn without them seeing you.
Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. – Heb. 13:16
Not only do you get some exercise, but you even help make your neighborhood cleaner, which benefits you and your family as well.
17. Plant a native fruit tree.
A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. – Saint Basil
This allows you to contribute to the decrease in global warming, which will also benefit you, your family, and even your future grandchildren.
18. Visit an orphanage. Hug the children.
Love is patient, love is kind. – 7 Cor. 13:6
Hugging brings many health benefits, so both you and the child you hug come off better because of it. In particular, hugging forms a bond. It relaxes the body and can relieve pain. It increases understanding, improves your mood, and relieves depression. It can also alleviate stress, reduce worry, improve the immune system, and improve the heart’s health.
19. Give someone who is hard at work a pat on the back and say, “Good work!”
Be kind and compassionate to one another. – Ephesians 6:32
According to Jack Kauflin of Forbes, studies show that majority of Americans would like to be complimented by their coworkers. As such, doing so will make the workplace a happier environment, which in turn will make you happier with your job.
20. Eat and chat with a street child.
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Chatting with someone from a different background than you can help widen your perspectives and give you a more holistic view of life and the world.
21. Pick up someone else’s trash.
Kindness is ever the begetter of kindness. – Sophocles
According to the Law of Karma, every action creates a force of energy that comes back to us in like kind. It says that what we sow is what we reap; thus, if we choose actions that bring success and happiness to others, then the fruit of our karma is success and happiness.
22. Hold the door open for a stranger.
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. – 1 Cor. 9:11
23. Cook or bake some goodies to surprise your friends and family.
Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on;
‘Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on;
Let it travel down the years;
Let it wipe another’s tears,
‘Till in heaven the deed appears, Pass it on.
– Henry Burton
24. Treat a helper or waiter’s or driver’s children to a movie.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. – 1 Tim 6: 18
According to an article by the Berkeley University, the act of giving can be good for you. It makes you feel happy; improves your health; promotes social connection and cooperation; evokes gratitude; and is contagious. As such, being kind to those who work for you will help you have a better relationship with them.
25. Give a balloon to a child.
We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love. – Mother Teresa
Care more than others think is wise,
Risk more than others think is safe,
Dream more than others think is practical
Expect more than others think is possible!
26. Spend some time with a sad or lonely person.
There is no greater loan than a sympathetic ear. – Frank Tyger
Rather than give advice, it will be better for you to be a compassionate listener. You can also try to provide whatever assistance they need and are willing to accept. In addition, you can try to do some things together, such as engage in physical activities, take walks, and eat.
27. Leave an affirming comment on someone’s blog.
Kindness is the greatest wisdom.
28. Encourage a policeman, security guard, or fireman by saying “Thank you.”
For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness. – Audrey Hepburn.
With all of the negative press that the police force is getting, recognizing the help they provide not only serves as an affirmation for them; it also serves to remind you that there are still some good people out there.
29. Leave a snack for a homeless person without his knowing it.
May the Lord always show you kindness.
According to Judith Orloff, generosity accelerates the free flow of everything positive in your life.
30. Look for someone to compliment generously today!
A kind word is like a Spring day. – Russian proverb
31. Write a note saying “You are beautiful” or “You are loved” and insert it into a book in a bookstore.
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own. – Benjamin Disraeli
32. Cut out a funny comic strip and tape it to someone’s desk or locker anonymously.
A laugh, to be joyous, must flow from a joyous heart, for without kindness, there can be no true joy. – Thomas Carlyle
Laughter also has many health benefits. It lightens the heavy feelings brought about by anger. It burns calories and protects the heart. It also releases endorphins and boosts the immune system, among others.
33. When taking public transport, thank the driver.
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. – Galatians 5:22
An attitude of gratitude improves your mental strength and self-esteem. It also allows you to sleep better. It reduces aggression and enhances sympathy, as well as improves your psychological and physical health. Additionally, it opens the door to more relationships.
34. Write down an inspirational note and leave it under a stranger’s dorm or hospital room’s door.
I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. – Stephen Grellet
35. Greet strangers with a pleasant smile as you pass by.
Don’t wait for people to be friendly, show them how.
Smiling makes you feel happier and less stressed. It also allows you to release emotions, and it will attract people to you.
36. Wrap up a surprise gift for someone and put it in their bag.
Kindness is always fashionable. – Amelia Barr
37. Tape the exact change needed to a pay phone to surprise the person who will use it next.
Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns.
In a singles conference I attended years ago, the speaker advised that you should emulate the characteristics of the person you want to have in your life. As an example, he said that if you want to have a respectable partner, then you should learn to be respectable yourself.
38. Scribble down an inspiring poem and leave it for a stranger to see.
Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom – Theodore Rubin
39. Paint over or clean up graffiti.
You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. – John Wooden
This reminds me of a recent incident where a New York passenger scrubbed off Nazi graffiti from a subway train’s windows with the use of a hand sanitizer. He then inspired the other passengers to follow suit.
40. Volunteer to tutor a struggling student.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. – John Watson.
41. Leave an inspiring note on the windshield wipers of parked cars.
Studies prove that kinder people tend to live longer and lead healthier lives.
As reported by Alexandra Sifferlin of Time Magazine, a recent study showed that people who occasionally cared for and watched over others lived longer than those who didn’t. The study suggested a relationship between helping and health benefits, as well as between helping and mortality.
Random Act of Kindness #42. Pray for a stranger.
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. –Lucius Annaeus
Even praying comes with health benefits. According to Psychology Today, praying offsets the ill effects of stress. It enhances trust and makes you more forgiving and nice. It also improves your self-control.
Conclusion
Being kind to others not only benefits them; it also benefits you. In other words, you get to love yourself by loving others. I hope this inspires you to perform at least one act of kindness every day!
What was the last kind thing that you did for others?
