Have you ever had one of those days where it just feels like the world is against you? Of course you have; we all have.Sometimes all it takes for us to snap out of a foul mood is a random act of kindness. A small gesture from a stranger around us to remind us that the world is not against us. Chances are, however, that you are reading this in your air conditioned home, or on your smart phone waiting for your takeout meal. The sad truth is that while you may be grumpy they forgot to put your salad dressing on the side, there are people who have had a whirlwind of misfortune. So much so that even to an outsider, the world seems to be against them. People that we walk past daily. We forget that the problems we have and the worries we create in our heads seem like a dream to others.
It doesn't take much to make someone's day. Think of a time where something a total stranger did for you made you smile. You don't know who they are or why they did it, but it makes you feel good--and I have found that it feels just as good knowing you may have done the same for someone else. Here are 7 acts of kindness to try to implement into your weekly routine.
1. Pay it forward with a cup of coffee.
I never fail to be surprised when I pull through the drive thru of my favorite coffee place to hear my order has been taken care of. As small as it may seem, it shows there is still love and generosity towards strangers in this world.
2. Buy an extra meal and give it to the next homeless person you see.
Sometimes it may be hard for us to approach a homeless person on the street. There have been several times I have felt the urge to help, but I've been watching too much Law & Order SVU. The scary stereotypes we see on tv are not true. Someone down on their luck, begging for change will have nothing but the sincerest gratitude for even just a meal off of the dollar menu.
3. Offer a hand to a stranger.
A hand, a stick of gum, a hug, a seat--offer whatever wherever because they really might need it. Except don't offer candy to kids. That's still super sketchy.
4. Hold the door open with a big smile as often as possible.
Too often we rush through our days oblivious to the blurred world around us. Nothing is worse than having your hands full and a door slammed in your face. Even if the person behind you is hands free, holding the door is polite, and little old ladies will love you for it.
5. Donate to those who need it.
Whether its a bag full of t-shirts or and old coffee machine you stopped using months ago, get rid of your clutter by giving it to someone who could use it. Even just donating a dollar at the movie theater for a cause with a sad kid on the poster, it helps to make a difference.
6. Volunteer an hour of your time for something you believe in.
The list of organizations and causes that need volunteers is endless. If you have no clue where to begin, start by thinking of something you like and go from there. Do you like puppies? Volunteer at an animal shelter. You'll be doing the staff, the puppies, and yourself a favor.
7. Sincerely compliment a stranger.
If you see a girl's shoes you absolutely adore, say it out loud! Thinking it will not get you those shoes, but if you compliment her, you not only made her feel great about herself, you also learned where to get a kick ass pair of shoes.
This week see if you can take time out of each day to do a small thing with big results. Whether it's one minute or one hour of one day of one week, you never know whose day you might change.
