Discover countless ways to be Intentionally Kind through ideas submitted by our community members!
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Ask for Your Server’s Name
The next time you order a meal from a server, ask for their name and thank them for helping you out. Try not to forget it!
Be Aware of Others Around You
It can be easy to bump into people or unintentionally take up a little more space than needed in the aisle at the grocery store, etc. Being aware of others around you allows you to consider their needs, feelings, and boundaries. By doing this, you may even notice that someone is in need of assistance! Being aware of others fosters a supportive and considerate environment and shows respect for others’ personal space.
Buy a Stranger’s Coffee or Groceries
This is a kind and generous gesture. You can approach a stranger at a coffee shop or grocery store and offer to pay for their purchase or just tell the cashier to let you pay for the person behind you as an act of kindness. It can brighten someone’s day and create a positive connection with others. It can also cause a chain of goodwill in the case when a person keeps the gesture going for the next person and so on. You never know what one small gesture can mean for anyone on any day!
Check on Friends, Family, and Acquaintances in Times of Need
If you know someone who is struggling in some way (e.g. grieving a loss, lost their job, dealing with mental health issues, etc.), check in on them from time to time. Send them a quick message or call and let them know you’re here for them if they need you. If you can, offer situationally-relevant, concrete suggestions for ways you could help (e.g. buying groceries, being someone to vent to, helping with childcare, etc.).
Dads: Wear a “Free Dad Hugs” Shirt at Pride Parades
Due to historical and persisting prejudice and discrimination, many members of the LGBTQ+ community no longer have relationships with their anti-LGBTQ+ parents. If you are attending a pride parade, wear a “Free Dad Hugs” shirt and give hugs to all who want or need one. Beyond pride parades, if you know someone who is LGBTQ+ with unaccepting parents, reach out to them and be a source of support for them in any way you can.
Donate Books to Your Local Library
Libraries are a wonderful place where the community comes together. If you’re looking to clean out some gently-used books, your local library would be a great place to donate. Alternatively, give the library a call to ask which books they need most, and buy the books for them!
Donate to Charity
Donating to a charity is a powerful way for individuals and communities to create a positive impact in the world, address pressing issues, and foster a sense of unity and compassion. Donating to a charity is a selfless and impactful way to make a positive difference in the world. This act of generosity plays a crucial role in fostering social responsibility, empathy, and global well-being. Online platforms and technology have made it easier and more accessible than ever, which enables a wider range of people to get involved. Not only does it help the individuals in need, it can offer a sense of fulfillment and purpose, contributing to a person’s improved mental and emotional state.
Give Compliments
Find someone’s inner beauty and tell them about it. Maybe it’s their smile, eyes, laughter, how they held the door for you, or even just their general demeanor.
Help a Co-Worker with a Project
Helping a co-worker with a project goes beyond the immediate task at hand. It contributes to a positive work culture, strengthens relationships, and fosters an environment where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally. When colleagues are willing to support one another, it creates a more pleasant and cooperative atmosphere. Knowing that someone is there to support and assist can make a considerable difference in a co-worker’s well being.
Hold the Door Open for Someone
In this busy, rushing world, taking a moment to hold the door open for someone or lending a hand with heavy packages is a reminder that genuine care for others still exists. It’s about more than just the physical act: it’s an empathetic gesture that says, “I’m here to help.”
Learn First Aid and CPR
If you learn how to administer first aid and CPR, in the event that you find yourself witness to a medical emergency requiring first aid, you can save someone’s life!
Leave Positive Notes for People to Find
Leaving random positive notes can uplift someone’s spirits and spread positivity. A thoughtful, encouraging, or funny message has the potential to boost someone’s mood, provide comfort, and brighten someone’s day. The daily challenges of life can weigh people down, so small acts like leaving positive notes helps create a more supportive and caring community.
Make a Birthday Calendar
It feels good when someone remembers your birthday. Still, it can be hard to keep track of birthdays! Whether you’re friends, family, acquaintances, or co-workers, if you know a person’s birthday, write it down in a birthday calendar that reminds you when birthdays are coming up. This will help you remember to celebrate the people in your life, whether through gift-giving or simply by wishing them a happy birthday.
Offer to Babysit
It truly takes a village to raise a child. Sometimes, parents need a break from the chaos. Offering to babysit gives these tired parents some much-needed time to themselves!
Practice Self-Love
Being Intentionally Kind to yourself is important too! When you find yourself beating yourself up for things, take a moment to pause, interrupt the negative thoughts, and try to find something positive to say about yourself. It may feel inauthentic at first, but it helps.
Smile!
Smiles are such a gift! If you’re comfortable, give a smile to people as you pass them on the street, when standing next to someone in line, or even on the phone as people can hear your smile!
Strike Up a Conversation with a Stranger
Initiating a conversation with a stranger is often unexpected and can brighten someone’s day. It communicates that you value their presence and perspective, which can be a heartwarming and validating experience for them. Many individuals, especially in today’s fast-paced and digitally focused world, may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. A kind conversation with a stranger can break this isolation and provide a sense of human connection. It’s a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic society, one conversation at a time.
The Power of a Good Workout
When you see someone working out at the gym, give them motivation or praise them for pushing themselves. Doing this makes me push hard too!
Volunteer at a Local Food Bank
Volunteers at food banks play a critical role in supporting the community by ensuring that individuals facing food insecurity have access to necessary resources. Volunteering also provides an opportunity to contribute to others and make a positive impact in your community and in individual lives. Volunteering typically includes sorting, packing, and distributing food to those in need. A little effort can mean so much!
Volunteer with a Local Nonprofit
If you have some extra time, volunteering with a local nonprofit organization can be a great way to spend it! No matter your skills, there is almost certainly a nonprofit that would love your help. Try using volunteer opportunity listing sites like VolunteerMatch.org or Idealist.org to find a volunteer position near you.