I think we all could use a little extra dose of kindness right now in light of all the stress going on in the world. I’ve been thinking about all the businesses impacted by covid19 and how each of our lives has shifted one way or another due to this pandemic and it’s really sat heavy with me. Just a few weeks ago I was shocked to find out my favorite nail salon I’ve been going to for six years just shut down. I was so sad for the owner, who had always remembered my name and shown me the best customer service. I wish there was something I could have done to keep their doors open.

Moments like these make me feel helpless and are a reminder of how rough 2020 has been. The only power I hold sometimes is feeling like I have a place here to inspire others to live kindly and remember the little things that make life good each day.

I wanted to share some strategies and ideas to spread kindness to those around you, whether that’s your grandmother, neighbor, child, teacher, best friend, or stranger in the Starbuck’s line. We all are fighting our own personal battles in some way and I think being more kind to one another is just better for our world! So here is a list in no particular order of 30 things of you can do to spread kindness to other and in turn, feel better about your day:

1.Write a handwritten note to a friend thanking them for their friendship

2. Call your grandparents

3. Collect diapers/feminine products over a few grocery runs and deliver to your local diaper bank

4. Give a stranger a compliment

5. Buy a coffee for a friend (you can do this virtually via the Starbucks app)

6. Buy a gift certificate or gift from your favorite small business and send to a friend

7. Pledge to Adopt A Family during the Holiday Season

8. Practice a little extra patience, whether that’s driving, paying for a bill, or waiting in line somewhere…

9. Send some cards to a nursing home

10. Order lunch for your teachers

11. Bake cookies and deliver to a friend

12. Send thank you notes to a local hospital and show your love for the healthcare workers

13. Support your favorite local businesses on social media by liking, commenting, and following along

14. Check in on a friend you haven’t talked to in a while and see how they are doing

15. Put a surprise note on the mirror or in a drawer for your kid or husband to remind them how much you love them

16. Send a card to a sick child via Cards for Hospitalized Kids that will direct cards to children in US hospitals. Man, I’m teary eyed thinking about this one. Can’t wait to do this with my kids.

17. Thank your spouse/significant other for something they did that day, no matter how small or expected… appreciation is everything

18. Offer to mow an older neighbor’s lawn or rake leaves

19. Leave a generous tip next time you dine somewhere or take out

20. Remind a parent you know how awesome of a job they are doing

21. Compliment a coworker or someone you work with on the great job they are doing

22. Collect canned food for a local Thanksgiving food drive this year

23. Cook a meal for a family with a new baby (but ask about their comfort level in terms of covid, first)

24. Send flowers to a friend for no reason

25. Check in on a lonely friend or family member

26. Give out 3 thoughtful compliments to someone you know needs to hear it

27. Let someone into your lane

28. Take the time to write an online review of a small business you love

29. Print some pictures and send to loved ones

30. Smile and say hi to strangers as you pass them

 

Here’s to lifting each other up and focusing on all the bright wonderful ways we can impact one another.

-xoxo-

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