5 Ways to Be Kind

It’s National Random Acts of Kindness Day so here are 5 ways to be kind to those you know or don’t know.  Make someone’s day by being kind.

National Random Acts of Kindness Day

Doing something good for someone else is at the heart of National Random Acts of Kindness Day.  A journalist who had written an article over 40 years ago that talked about kindness is what sparked this ‘Kindness Day’.  But, it wasn’t until about a decade later that it started to gain traction.  In February of 1995, the first National Random Acts of Kindness Day was officially born according to this USA Today article.

5 Ways to Be Kind that don’t cost you anything

On National Random Acts of Kindness Day, there are actually 5 ways to be kind that won’t cost anything but will make you feel great as well as the person receiving the kindness.

1. Smile – it doesn’t take much to smile at someone.   Find at least one (preferably 5 people) to smile at today.
2. Hug – I wouldn’t recommend hugging someone you don’t know but if, during your day, you are talking to someone and think they can use a hug – give them one.
3. Listen / hear – If you are having a conversation with someone, really listen to them and actually hear what they are saying behind the words.  People know when you’re engaged in the conversation or not so when someone feels like they are being heard, they will feel it in their heart.
4. Comfort – maybe you know someone going through an illness or someone who is grieving.  Sit with them and give them comfort.  You can do this by simply holding their hand and being with them.
5. Call – do you know someone who is lonely?  Give them a call – even if you think they are ‘ok’ because they look ‘ok.  People hide how they feel because they don’t want people to feel sorry for them.  Call them and spend a few minutes smiling (they’ll be able to tell), listen / hear them, and let them know you are there and thinking about them.

So, there you have it:  5 Ways to be Kind!