“In this earth, In this soil, In this pure field, Let’s not plant any seed other than seeds of compassion and love.”
- Rumi
Do you remember the last time someone was kind to you? Recall the last compassionate thing you did for yourself? How did it make you feel? Was the atmosphere in your world shifted ever so slightly? Did you feel the tender rays of sunshine infuse your soul with love and joy? In the chaos and confusion of life, simple acts of kindnessare the difference between light and darkness, joy and sadness, love and hate. Endeavour to be that difference by cultivating rays of sunshine in your world and others through one simple act of kindness at a time.
Each morning, pause in front of the mirror, look yourself in the eyes, and say something kind.
Write inspiring quotes or words on scrap paper or post-it notes and hang them around your home. Give yourself a hug every day.
Set aside time to appreciate a sunrise or sunset.
Smile often. Even when there’s no one around, and especially when you don’t feel like it.
Send a loved one or old friend a handwritten letter or card to show them you care.
Compile a list of songs that make you smile then create a playlist for someone who is going through a difficult time.
Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Offer to lend someone your copy, or buy the book and lend it out.
Make a kindness bookmark for someone. Include an inspiring quote, kind word, or colourful picture. Offer to babysit younger family members or a friend’s kids for free.
Show support and encouragement for someone else’s dream, no matter how small or unachievable it may seem to you.
Make a list of a friend’s best qualities then present it to them in a meaningful way.
Regularly compliment yourself, friends, family, and complete strangers.
Cook healthy, homemade meals for your family or bake for a friend or neighbour.
Plan an ‘appreciation day’ for a loved one. Celebrate their wonderful qualities and tell them how they have made your life better.
On Mother’s Day:
Spend the day with your mom. Cook her a healthy meal, go for a nature walk, take pictures of the day to print for her later.
Make a donation or volunteer your time at a charity that your mom loves.
Make a kindness coupon book for your mom: “Coupon #1: Full House Clean, Coupon #2: Vehicle Wash and Detail, Coupon #3: Cook Dinner…”
Write your mom a poem, paint her a flower pot, or make her flowers out of compostable paper. Let someone with small children go in front of you in the grocery store lineup.
Offer to take someone’s shopping cart back to the line outside.
Allow someone to cut in front of you in traffic.
Next time you’re at your favorite, local coffee shop, pay for the next customer’s coffee or tea. Insert coins into a stranger’s parking meter.
Buy fresh flowers or make paper flowers to hand out on the street.
Offer to help an elderly person, or a mom struggling with young children, carry groceries to their vehicle.
Offer to walk your neighbour’s dog, or take care of their animals or plants while they are away. Learn to say “Hello, how are you?” in different languages and practice this with different people.
Practice listening without interrupting.
Hold the elevator door for someone, even if you’re in a rush and doing so will slow you down.
Write an inspirational quote or encouraging message:
On a restaurant napkin, and leave it for someone to find. Painted on rocks, and place them near a park bench.
On poster board, and tape them to your front window for people to see when they’re walking by. Give up your seat on the bus or offer to pay for someone’s bus fare.
Learn to knit or sew and make someone a homemade blanket or scarf. Make a care package for someone in need.
Start making or collecting Christmas presents to donate to a local charity or needy family. Support a local business by purchasing their goods or promoting their services to a friend. Pick up garbage and recycling while out walking or hiking.
Make a birdfeeder and fill it regularly.
Plant a tree in your yard or a community garden.
Become inspired by the work of environmental activists and start your own earth-friendly initiatives.
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