On Practicing Kindness Every Day

It’s estimated that there are about 7 billion people on this earth and even though that seems like a lot (and it IS!), we may think we can’t make a difference as a tiny organism in the big scheme of things.

But nothing could be further from the truth!

YOU can definitely make a difference. Every good thing starts with one person. Today that person is YOU!

What Does it Mean to Practice Kindness

We are going to change the world. Yep, me and you. And we’re gonna start with small, yet hugely impactful, acts of kindness.

The best part is, you get to decide how you’ll do so AND it doesn’t take up too much of your time.

For instance, here are some things you can do to start practicing kindness in your daily life:

1. Give your server a compliment to his/her manager.
2. Do something nice for your neighbors, like get their mail when they’re away for a while.
3. Look someone in the eyes and genuinely smile.
4. Let someone in front of you at the bank or store.
5. Open the door for someone (few people do this!).
6. Put money in someone’s meter.
7. Send someone a handwritten note.
8. Give someone a long, warm hug (20 seconds is the perfect length for connection and releasing oxytocin!).
9. Tell your friends/family you love them out of the blue.
10. Send a peer’s boss a kudo for a job well done.
11. In traffic, let someone in front of you.
12. Have a “normal” conversation with a homeless person.
13. Cook a meal for someone who’s going through a rough time.
14. Give something away when you buy something new.
15. Tell someone who has made a difference in your life how much you appreciate him.
16. Forgive someone and don’t hold it against them later.
17. Help the parent with the crying baby on the plane.
18. Freely offer your skills.
19. Cut someone some slack.
20. Buy a meal for a stranger.
21. Pick up litter.
22. Donate old electronics.
23. Leave better tips.
24. Volunteer.
25. Be patient with others (and yourself).

The better question is WHY NOT practice kindness?

What goes around comes around. What you give is what you get. Make what you give beautiful. Kindness is beautiful.

Kindness is one of those things that is very often FREE and doesn’t have to cost you anything, unless you want it to. Acts of kindness can make a HUGE difference, not just in your life but in the lives of others.

It’s also good for your health as you’ll experience positive physical and mental changes stemming from doing good deeds.

It increases self-esteem, compassion, empathy and sympathy for others, and improves your mood.

Let’s not even forget that it can lower your blood pressure and cortisol, the stress hormone.

So guess what? People who practice kindness often live longer and are in better health, physically, mentally, and emotionally!

The Kindness Boomerang

This video is the perfect example of how one act of kindness can literally change lives!

What will you do today to help make kindness go viral? All it takes is one simple act and it starts with one. Let’s do this! Tell me what you’ll do first in the comments below!

Kindness is a beautiful thing. Let’s make it work even more by keeping it going!”