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The World Needs Your Kindness
- Becky Mac
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
If you spend much time listening to or watching the news these days, you would see the need for more love and kindness in the world. Side note: if you find yourself getting overwhelmed by it all, check out some of my suggestions here (these are really just things I'm trying for myself!), notably, it's ok to turn off the news. (No really. Turn it off and give yourself a break!) Remind yourself that it's the negative, scary stories that sell, and the media is in the business of making money. There truly is more good out in the world than there is bad or evil. 💗 And that starts with us!
How can we spread more light and love to the world?
That seems super overwhelming, right? I constantly remind myself to control what I can - which is to find ways to impact those in my circle...and you know what? Even a little thing can create ripples out farther than you can even imagine.
YOU can actually make a difference for someone, TODAY!
In 2000, the movie "Pay it Forward" came out. It's a story of a social studies teacher who gives an assignment to his junior high school class to think of an idea to change the world for the better, then put it into action. When one young student creates a plan for "paying forward" favors (do something nice for 3 people, ask them to pay it forward to another 3 people, and so on), he sets in motion an unprecedented wave of human kindness which, unbeknownst to him, has blossomed into a profound national phenomenon. Such a cool (and easy!) idea, right?
February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day
I absolutely love the concept of Random Acts of Kindness. It's all about doing nice things for others, with no expectations of their reaction or even them knowing it came from you. It's not about getting credit for doing something kind, you're doing the nice thing just because you can! There's actually a Random Acts of Kindness organization and they have a ton of great resources (start a movement at your office or school!).
How can you easily spread kindness today?
If you already volunteer your time or donate money for organizations close to your heart - Amazing! Keep doing that! AND you can simply pick one or several of these things to do today to bring some light into someone else's day.
FREE/easy ideas for spreading kindness:
Leave a post it, or a chalk message, with a kind note
Pick up trash (or dog poop, a problem in our neighborhood 🤪)
SMILE at anyone you see
Be patient with other drivers - give them extra space, and take a deep breath if you encounter someone who isn't giving you space
Pick up someone's newspaper and put it by their door
Compliment someone on something they accomplished
In a conversation, truly LISTEN to the other person's response
Hold the door for someone
Give up your seat in a busy coffee shop
If you have a little cash to spare:
Buy a gift card to give to the next person in line for coffee
Leave flowers at someone's door
Tape a dollar to a vending machine at the hospital
Visit a senior home and deliver a kind surprise (flowers, candy, handwritten notes, a hug for residents)
Leave water and snacks with a thank you note out for your mail and delivery people
Tip a little extra when you get great service, and write thank you on your receipt
Buy yourself a treat and truly allow yourself to enjoy it (chocolate, pedicure, massage)
The lists above are just some thoughts to get you started. There's a whole Random Acts of Kindness Calendar on the organizations website if you'd like more inspiration.
BONUS: Random Acts of Kindness not only makes another person feel good, YOU feel the impact as well. That warm fuzzy feeling of making another person smile is pretty great. 🤗 Challenge for you: If you notice someone doing something nice for you or someone around you, use that as motivation to pass it on in your own unique way. Every little bit of kindness spreads!
⭐I'd love to hear your ideas and what you think about this! Shoot me an email, or comment with your ideas!!
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