10 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Do Today

According to various media outlets, we are currently living in a narcissistic age. Some have even gone so far as to call it an epidemic.

We are obsessed with ourselves - and our devices.

We rarely look up and take in the world or the people around us. And it makes it hard to see the good in this world. It sets the stage for various mental health issues.

It’s safe to say the world needs a little more healing energy and kindness. And that’s what this article is all about!

What Kind Things Can You Do Right Now?

So, get ready to open your eyes and your mind. Throw the doors wide open. Notice others outside of yourself. Breath in forgiveness and healing. And promote a wellness living lifestyle via the only person you can control - you.

In honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th, here are 12 acts of kindness you can do today. Bring the world up around you. Yes, you can make a difference! Remember, every little bit counts.

1. Show your appreciation.

Ask the cashier at the store or the attendant at the gas station. They likely ask this question day-in and day-out, but rarely get asked it themselves. Or even ask a friend. It shows you genuinely care about their feelings. And if they aren’t good - talk it out or send good wishes their way. It’s one tiny thing you can do to make someone’s day a little bit better.

Thank a friend, a coworker, or that stranger who held the door for you. It means a lot. And gratitude benefits you as well. When you are thankful for the things and people around you, it helps you appreciate your life more. You focus less on what you’re missing and more on what you have. And what you have is really all that matters right now.

2. Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while.

Your loved ones don’t just need to know you care during the worst of times - but also during the best of times (or when things seem their best). You never know what’s going on in a person’s head. And then, listen to them. Listening can make a world of difference. And sometimes, it’s what we all need - someone to just listen.

Write them a letter

No one receives letters these days. And when it’s filled with kind words, who wouldn’t love that? Pick 5 people. Spend an hour genuinely writing out what you love about them and why you appreciate them. Then, give them the letter! How kind.

3. Pay for the stranger’s coffee in front of you

This one is a foolproof feel-good strategy for yourself and others. It shows people that even though you don’t know each other, you’ve got each other’s back. Plus, if someone is already off to a rough start during their day, this small act could potentially turn their day around. Wouldn’t you want someone to do that for you? Exactly!

4. Give the gift of time

Do you know a friend that’s moving? Offer to help. Or if someone you know seems overwhelmed, take some of that burden away from them. Can you lend your time and tackle some of their errands for them? Or perhaps offer to babysit so they can get everything done?

Or spend time with the people you care about. Have you been meaning to visit your grandmother but never quite got around to it? Do it today.

5. Compliment someone

Like your friend’s top? Say it! Do you love your sibling’s new ‘do? Tell them. You know how it feels to receive compliments. So, why not make someone else feel that way too? Don’t hesitate. Let people know how you feel - especially when it’s positive.

Related Article: Building Self-Esteem: Learning to Accept Compliments

6. Smile at a stranger

As aforementioned, we are all so caught up in our own world. Instead of getting caught in yours, send some positive vibes outward. Shoot that stranger passing you on the sidewalk a smile. Remember, it’s the little things.

Plus, smiling is contagious. Pass it along. Brighten someone’s day even a little bit. (Bonus: Smiling also makes you feel good so you get some of those good vibes as well!)

7. Put your grocery cart away

This one is super-specific. But admit it - we’ve all done it. It’s bad weather. Or you’re in a rush. So, you ditch the cart as quickly as you can - without returning to it where it belongs.

But guess what? Someone has to put that cart away. And yes, they are getting paid for it. However, one less cart stuck in the snow sludge or pouring rain means one less cart they’ll have to run out and fetch. Also, it saves someone the grief of pulling into a parking spot only to see that a cart has been left in the middle of it.

In fact, instead of doing this just once, make this a regular occurrence. It’s being considerate of your fellow humans.

8. On the bus, offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you

Ever notice how when an elderly lady or pregnant lady gets on the bus no one flinches an eye? Be that change you want to see. Offer up your seat. Or better yet, help them into the seat (if they need it). Often, it’s a rule that no one follows. Take the initiative. You’ve got it in you!

9. Forgive a friend’s debt

Andthis means you can’t hold it over their head.

In fact, take this a step further and forgive someone in your life for anything. It’s not serving you or them. If anything, it’s only holding you back. And this forgiveness and healing will allow you and them to move forward happier and healthier. Harness that healing energy. It will feel good.

Then, you can move on with your life toward bigger and better things.

10. Say sorry first

This one doesn’t sound like an act of kindness but it is. Put those swords down. Push your defenses aside. Say sorry and mean it. Conflicts don’t have to turn into huge blow-outs. Apologize when you’ve done something wrong and do it first. Don’t continue to stroke your ego. Instead, be more kind!

Do One Small Act of Kindness Today

One person can make a difference. A small change can impact worlds. Get out of your head. Notice those around you. And try to make this place a little better for everyone.

You give out good karma - chances are, you’ll get good karma back. The universe has a funny way of balancing it all out. Start living in this world more today. And start contributing more positive vibes into the atmosphere. There can always be more.

Want to learn how you can lighten up right now? Turn to the medicine of laughter (Click the link to read more!).