7 Ways to Make Someone's Day
February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. So, here's a question you might not have thought about in a while. What is kindness? It is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It's an outward expression of a noble spirit - a behavior marked by generosity, consideration, or concern for others. Random is the apparent lack of a pattern or predictability.
Imagine the kind of world it would be if kindness was not just for one day of recognition, but part of the norm. Being kind to others not only makes someone else feel better, but it's also good for your health!
It has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost joyfulness, reduce pain, improve healing, and increase acceptance by others. Acts of kindness improve bonds and social relationships and help adults and children to develop stronger friendships.
So as we move deeper into 2022 and on this day of recognition - it is a perfect time to give kindness a boost. Acts of kindness don’t have to take time or money. The smallest acts are often the most impactful and sustainable.
Here are a few ideas to throw in your bucket of kindness to reach for at random, or better yet, with intention:
Lend a hand. Be aware of others and help where you can. Maybe it’s as simple as returning a grocery cart for someone.
Let a stranger go in front of you in line. Is there a person with just a few items as compared to your cartload? Or an older person or a mom or dad with kids who might appreciate speeding through.
Be kind to siblings, family members, or friends. Encourage your family to surprise one another by helping out with day-to-day tasks or playing a game with a younger or older family member.
Donate your time. Is there a food pantry that could use your help? A neighbor who could use some yard help? Even asking if someone needs something from the store while you’re out.
Just say “Thank You” when someone waits on you, makes a delivery, or shows you kindness. Or even write a Thank You note. Outside of holidays, a handwritten note in the mail is so rare these days, but what a special feeling when one shows up in your mailbox.
Compliment someone. Be it friend, family, or stranger - if you’re aware of something worth recognizing – just do it!
Smile at someone. Even in this age of masks, when you smile so do your eyes. Smiling at someone makes them feel seen, and it could be the best thing that happens to that person all day.
The list is endless – help spark the light of kindness every day and make someone's day. Be the spark that makes the world a kinder, gentler place for us all.
"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 Buscaglia.
Author, Charlotte Rose, is the founder/owner of ahhhMazing Life Yoga & Wellness and the newest partner of Live Free Yoga. Her yoga journey started over 20 years ago, and she’s been teaching for more than 13 years. Her journey started out as an adventure in self discovery but has evolved into a practice guiding others to self discovery, and healing in body, mind and spirit. To find peace in the moment... to live the best for the rest. She is also an IIN nutritionist, REIKI Master, Life & Wellness Coach, QiGong Level 1 Teacher and continues to train in many areas of energy, breath, movement, and trauma recovery through meditation & movement.
