The inspiration for this post is my dad who passed away last week. Although he will be fondly remembered for many reasons, almost everybody who knew him expressed how they remember him as being very kind and friendly, and he always had a smile. As I mentioned in my eulogy at his memorial service, I find those qualities so admirable, and I’m proud to call him dad.

So let’s get inspired! Because kindness is contagious, it’s fun to think about the possible exponential effect of ONE simple act of kindness.

When someone does something kind for you, it makes you feel good. The good feeling will make you more likely to do something kind for someone else.

This ripple effect does not stop with you, it will make the recipient of your kindness feel good and likely to do something kind for someone else. I think you can guess how this pattern continues to form an incredible ripple that truly makes people feel good and inspired to be kind.

That’s why one act of kindness has a big impact on the lives of ourselves and other people. We all can help make our world a kinder place.

Kindness: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

When opportunity knocks… make a difference

I consider kind acts that are done simply because you want to do so (not out of obligation) as expressions of your soul. The best opportunities for simple acts of kindness jump out at you when you least expect it.

Pay attention so you don’t miss a fun opportunity to be kind! Although they can be, they don’t need to be premeditated.

No act of kindness is too small. Each and every time you smile at someone is an opportunity for you to make a difference.

As you bring that little piece of kindness into the day, it will bring positivity into the lives others and to your life. It’s a win-win, and you’ll never regret being kind.

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There’s Joy in Giving AND Receiving

It’s fun to be kind, so make someone’s day by accepting their gift of kindness. Say thank you with a smile, and be a kind receiver.

Appreciate the kindness you receive, and the universe will serve you up with more.

The recipient, the giver, and anyone who silently observes the act kindness will all be inspired to pass it on. Kindness is the type of contagious that we want to spread around.

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Kindness: A Healthy Habit

Kindness shouldn’t be at the expense of your own happiness. Be kind to yourself! Carve time out of each day to do something that brings you joy.

Be proud of who you are, and remember that negative self-talk is useless. If you tend to get down about yourself, make a list of your positive aspects, and read my article about how to control negative thoughts.

Also, I wrote a whole post full of budget-friendly self-care activities. No excuses, because there are plenty of self-care ideas that are inexpensive and fit into a busy schedule. Permit yourself to be kind to yourself, you’re worth it!

But what about those people who are generally unkind to people? One must wonder about their story. What got them to the point that they appear to be blind to other people’s feelings? Who knows.

Entertain the thought that unkind people just might need a bit of kindness more than anyone can imagine. Shoot them a smile and friendly hello, you’ve got nothing to lose and just might make their day.

What Does Science Say About Kindness?

Need more reason to be kind? It can enhance your happiness!

There are scientific studies, such as one conducted by the Department of Psychology of Tohoku Gakuin University in Japan, that suggest a relationship between kindness and happiness.

The results indicate that happiness was increased simply by counting kindnesses performed over the course of a week, an exercise that also increased both kindness and gratitude in the participants. Do good → feel good.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

~Leo F. Buscaglia

An Invitation to You

In my eulogy for my dad, I also said that I would love it if everyone there would do one random act of kindness this week in honor of my dad.

It made my day when a friend came up to me at the end of the funeral luncheon and said he did his random act of kindness; it was snowing and he brushed snow off another car when he brushed his own. I loved that! Simple kindness – it doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. (Thanks, Tim!)

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Be a kindness catalyst! I now extend an invitation to YOU –  if you are moved to do so, please take time today to do a simple random act of kindness to make this world a kinder place. You’ll be happy you did.

Acts of Kindness Ideas

Kindness is contagious, so let’s get an epidemic going.

Here are some fun, simple ideas to be kind, and I bet you can think of plenty more:

1. Make eye contact, smile, and say hello to a stranger
2. Pay someone a compliment (I love this one!)
3. Leave money in a vending machine for the next person
4. Let someone into your lane when driving
5. Let a rushed person in front of you in line
6. Bring coffee to someone having tough day
7. Pick up litter
8. Randomly send a friend a positive text ← love this one!
9. Give extra attention to your pet
10. Leave positive comments on social media
11. Tell a joke! (Funny jokes)
12. Bake treats for someone
13. Send someone an email to just say hi
14. Send a postcard to a friend
15. Be happy for others
16. Listen. Don’t interrupt. Just listen.
17. Leave a big tip
18. Leave a quarter in the cart at Aldi for the next person
19. Drop-off personal care items or diapers at a local shelter
20. Leave a positive note for a family member, friend, or co-worker
21. Share your talents or expertise
22. Give a candy bar to a bus driver, receptionist, teacher, police officer, etc.
23. Call a friend – or your mom 🙂
24. Say thank you to someone who often does something simple to make your life easier – even if it’s their job to do so!
25. Paint kindness rocks and leave for others to find in your community
26. Hold the door for someone
27. Invite someone to join you on a walk or over for coffee
28. Make a meal for a family with a newborn or an elderly person
29. Brush the snow off someone’s car windows
30. And the ol’ pay for the person behind you in the drive-through never gets old!

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One last time… Kindness is contagious, so let’s cause an epidemic!

• Have you been the recipient of a random act of kindness?
• Have you taken advantage of (or missed) an opportunity to do a spur of the moment act of kindness?

Feel free to share your thoughts in a comment. Thank you for being here and reading this post. It means the world to me.

I leave you with my motto…

Do at least one act of kindness today and every day to make life a little better for yourself and others. Trust that the Universe will reciprocate exactly when you need it most.  ~Ellen Burgan

RELATED READING:

• 7 Daily Habits to Make Life a Little Better for Yourself and Others

• 99 Inspirational Kindness Quotes to Enjoy & Share

Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.  ~ Jamie Anderson

Love you, Dad.
XXOO, Ellen

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