Random acts of kindness

Random acts of Kindness are little gestures you do to put a smile on someone’s face. No good deed is too small! Being kind can brighten someone’s day and leave a lasting impact on their heart. Also, kindness is contagious and is more likely to produce ripple effects.

Did you know? Random Acts of Kindness day is celebrated every year on the 17th of February! It’s a day to soak in all the love and positivity sent your way and spread the same joy to others around you. However, we believe in showing empathy and compassion all day, every day.
In this article, we go through acts of kindness you can do any day for your partner, your friends and family, strangers and last but not least, for yourself! So keep scrolling to discover creative ways you can show kindness today.

Are you in a relationship? We encourage you to seize every opportunity to make each other smile! Keep the spark alive with these thoughtful ideas.

1. Compliment each other every day. Pay attention to each other, your outfit and acts of service. Notice each other’s daily wins and find opportunities to celebrate them.
   
2. Surprise your partner with their favourite treat.
3. Write a kind message for your significant other on a mirror with a dry-erase marker or on a sticky note.
4. Give your partner a back or foot rub.
5. Buy a present outside of a special occasion.
6. Write a list of things you like about your partner. This is even more special if your partner’s primary love language is Words of Affirmation.
7. Help with a chore that your partner usually does. Alternatively, offer to help with something they haven’t had time to complete.

1. Offer to watch over a relative’s kid for a few hours so they can get some work done or take a nap.
2. Make a care package for a friend who needs a pick-me-up. Include some snacks, notes, or anything else you think they will like.
3. Run an errand for a busy family member.
4. Buy groceries for someone in need, a new parent, a grieving family member, or a sick friend. Include a little encouraging note.
5. Make time to call a parent, sibling, or friend just to hear how they are.
6. Share a friend’s latest project or accomplishment on social media.
7. Go to your local bookstore and pick out a book a friend would love.

1. Write a recommendation for a colleague or a connection on LinkedIn.
2. Learn the names of your office security guard, the receptionist, the cleaner, and other people you interact with frequently. Greet them by name and with a smile.
3. Post your favourite quotes or Bible verses on the company billboard.
4. Keep a spare umbrella at the office to lend out when it rains.
5. Bring in some snacks for everyone to enjoy.
6. Send a gift card to a colleague who is doing an outstanding job.
7. Tell a manager about the great service you received from another employee.

Go out of your way to be a blessing to someone you may not know, with these simple ideas.

1. Spread positivity online.
2. Leave treats for postal workers.
3. Pay for a stranger’s library fees.
4. Leave a generous tip at your favourite restaurant.
5. Donate gently-worn clothes to the less fortunate, or books and writing supplies to schools and orphanages. Additionally, you could donate household items to a refugee organisation.
6. Give compliments to people you interact with during your day: it could be the cashier at your supermarket, the waiter at a restaurant, the bus driver, a school teacher, etc…
7. Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter.

Source: Unsplash – Simon Ray

1. Make a customized playlist for each other. Check out our tips for building your ultimate playlist for date nights.
2. Support a local business. Go to a farmer’s market and purchase locally-made crafts and locally-grown produce. Have a date at a little neighbourhood cafe or restaurant. You will help a small business keep running.
3. Leave feedback and reviews. Spend an evening spreading the love by making a list of hotels, restaurants, or other businesses you have visited, and leaving them an online review. Sharing your experience will help prospective clients in future and the business owner will highly appreciate your feedback. Additionally, leave a comment on an article you enjoyed!
4. Sign up for a charity run.
5. Invite a friend over for a home-cooked dinner and prepare their favourite dish. Make sure to ask ahead about any allergies or sensitivities.
6. Alternatively, visit someone who needs it. It could be an elderly relative, neighbour, or friend who lives far away from family. Bring some baked goods they might enjoy.
7. Have a random-acts-of-kindness date. Pick your favourite ideas from this article, and spend the date blessing others. Start with a list of 5 things you could do right away.

Last but not least, be kind to yourself!

1. Spend at least 30 minutes today doing something you love
2. Write down a list of things you are grateful for.
3. Pamper time! Book a spa session to destress.
4. Post inspirational sticky notes around your work area.
5. Write a letter to your future self, to be opened on a date of your choice.
6. Give yourself grace. You are allowed to make mistakes. Learn from them and rise higher.
7. Check off an item on your bucket list.

We hope these lists give you ideas for random acts of kindness that can be done regularly for yourself and others. How many of these can you check off right now? Let’s make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
Feel free to tag us on social media @thewishmill as you try some of the ideas.

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