Things around our world seem to be falling apart this week so one afternoon I decided to take my camera outside for a bit to gather some perspective and even a little peace for my heart and mind. It worked for a little while…
I thought about this post that my friend Tracy wrote and how beautiful it was and how wonderful the acts of kindness displayed made me feel as I was reading.
And so I got to thinking, how can we be more kind, as a society, as a human race, as people who are taught to love one another (at least I hope…)?
I came up with a few things that I thought we could each do in our daily lives so that we can put more kindness and love to others out there. It certainly cannot hurt, right?
Here goes…
Drive nicely. Don’t cut people off because you are in a hurry, don’t yell at other drivers, especially in front of your kids. Let someone go in front of you while exiting a busy parking lot. If you are 30 seconds late it won’t matter…
Give someone a smile and a “Hello”, it could change their entire perspective for that day.
Ask nicely. Use your manners, just like we teach our children. Say Please and Thank you and You’re Welcome. It’s really easy to do.
Be good to those closest to you. Sure, you could get angry that the kids missed the hamper for their dirty clothes for the millionth time (I know I have) but it’s probably best to keep it to yourself and just put the clothes in there yourself, rather than getting upset about it. Hug them, tell them you love them every chance you get. Tell your spouse/partner what they mean to you.
Call your Mother (and Father) if you can. Some people do not have their parents to call because they have passed away or are just not around. If you are blessed to have your parents in your life, let them know how much they mean to you.
Give someone a handout. It’s okay to give that guy by the red light with a sign $5. Or, if you would rather not give them money, make a few bags for your car/van with snacks and bottled water and give them that when you see them.
Let someone at the grocery store with only a few items go before you.
Give someone a compliment or praise at least once a day. Tell a friend her hair looks nice or give high praise to your child because they DID put the clothes in the hamper. 
Kind acts, no matter how “small” can make a difference in anyone’s life. I believe it.
What kind thing can you think of to do today? Or tomorrow? Or next week?
Leave a kindness in the comments and I will pick a random winner in a few days and send them a little surprise in the mail… Because I have kindness to pass on too…
XOXO
I love this post, Elaine. I believe in kindness too.
The next time I buy coffee, I’ll pay for the person behind me.
I’ll continue to be kind to people I meet online.
The next blog evaluation client I get, I’ll donate the proceeds to a cause.
And I’ll be kind to myself this weekend – sleep more, mainly.
What a beautiful sentiment Elaine! All week I’ve been holding doors and helping up/down staircases everyone I see struggling with a stroller here in Berlin. I’m always surprised at how surprised they are, and try to give them the fellow-parent look of sympathy in return though I’m traveling alone this time. Thanks for the reminder to keep spreading the kindness.
Yes! All of this.
We should all practice random acts of kindness.
Wonderful post. I hate that we need reminders to be kind, but I love seeing love being spread.
I love this. I’ll definitely be putting these (and other people) in the front of my mind.
Lovely, I like the idea of doing small kind things. We need to make this world a kinder, more loving place little by little.
I say this all the time. Why can’t we just be nice, as in polite? What happened to good manners, and when did we become so selfish? I agree with all of these things. I know sometimes I can be rushed and super short, but I really do try to just offer a smile or a thank you or a you too when someone says have a nice day. Really that’s all it takes.
It is the little things that can make the biggest difference. I am a big believer in smiling. I try to walk around with a smile on my face. My parents always told me that you never know what someone might be going through. Smile.
Fabulous post.
Beautiful, Elaine, and so needed this week. The thing I try to do most is help another parent when I see them struggling to get through a door with kids and a stroller or when they have hands full. Such a little thing but I know that can make the difference for me when I’m ready to sit down on the sidewalk and cry.
At least once a day I let another driver go ahead of me..especially in the school parking lots. I offer to help ppl lifting heavy items into their shopping cart or cars. Complimenting ppl and their children can go a long way to changing a person’s day.
All so many easy things we can do to be kind to mankind…and most of them free! I really don’t get how terrible things like this happen…or should I say how terrible people do these terrible things.
Yes! I remember having a really bad day and ended up in the drive through at Starbucks. The barrista asked me how my day was and I started crying…ugly cry. She handed me my latte and said “Its on me.”
Best thing that happened to me that day. I bet she doesn’t know how much that meant to me.
Love this! I attended a talk by Dr Murad (he has a skincare line) and your bit on driving reminded me of when he said “It’s better to be Mrs Jones who is late than the late Mrs Jones” While I don’t cut people off, I get angry at those who cut me off & I get super nervous when I’m in (LA) traffic & running late. Definitely trying to control my patience!
Great list, Elaine! There is so much we can do to be kind. Even a smile can be worth it’s weight in gold at the right time. We just don’t know what baggage others are carrying, nor do they have a secret window into our lives and issues, so to be understanding is truly a gift.
I love these shots and, more, you sentiments, Elaine. I’m so sorry I’m late–we’ve all been sick. But this is really, really lovely.