KIND IN PUBLIC
GIVE CARE PACKS TO THE HOMELESS
GIVE CARE PACKS TO THE HOMELESS
There are so many everyday accessories and toiletries we take for granted -toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant.
RETURN A SHOPPING CART
There are many small things we can do in our daily lives that make other people’s lives easier. An example of this is to serve those who serve us.
GIVE DIRECTIONS TO SOMEONE LOST
New cities and towns can be confusing. We've all been lost before! Whether you've just moved into a new neighborhood or you are visiting a city for the first time, it is easy to get overwhelmed and confused. So when someone stops you to ask you for directions, take a minute to help them out. Even if you are busy or running late, at the end of the day you won't regret taking an extra minute to help someone in need.
TALK WITH A HOMELESS PERSON
The next time you pass someone on the street asking you for spare change, take a moment to talk with them. You can give them change or share any snacks you may have, but also be sure to just say hello and speak with them for a while.
PICK UP TRASK
Beautify your surroundings! Be kind to the environment and those around you by picking up trash when you see it lying around. It doesn't matter who left it there, just pick it up!
LEAVE A GENEROUS TIP
Next time you eat at a restaurant, leave a generous tip as a surprise for your waiter or waitress. Or next time you get coffee or ice cream somewhere, look for a tip jar and leave more than just the change from your transaction. Why not throw in an extra dollar or two? You are bound to make someone's day when you tip more than expected.
PAY SOMEONE'S TOLL
We've all been there: waiting in a long line of cars at a toll booth, sometimes for up to an hour or more, simply waiting to pay our toll so we can get on to our destination. Traffic on a summer weekend or during the holidays can be awful. Why not make someone's experience a little more pleasant and pay their toll for them?
BE A DESIGNATED DRIVER AND DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
Keep your friends safe by offering them a sober ride home when they need it. Before you go out with your friends make it a habit to always discuss who will be driving home. Volunteer to be the designated driver and you know you and your friends will be safe!
DONATE $1
"Would you like to donate $1 to…"
It seems like we get asked this in check out lines everywhere: grocery stores; department stores; fast food restaurants. Modern technology is such that we can add one dollar on to our purchase, and that one dollar will go to the cause that store is promoting. Next time you are put in that situation, donate the dollar. You won't regret it later, and every bit counts.
DONATE BLOOD
The next time you hear about a blood drive in your area, make the decision to go and give blood. Or be proactive and find the local blood bank in your area set up an appointment to donate. Nearly 4.5 million Americans are saved each year by blood transfusions. You can become a part of this powerful way to help others! Donate today.
HELP SOMEONE LOAD/UNLOAD GROCERIES OUT OF THEIR CAR
As people grow older, their body begins to slow down and they become less mobile and lose their muscle strength. Simple tasks like carrying groceries or walking up and down the stairs often become a struggle for them.
THANK YOUR MAIL CARRIER
In most of our lives, there are at least a couple people who we see on a daily basis, but don’t necessarily acknowledge because they have become so much a part of our everyday routines.
BE POLITE DRIVING ON THE ROAD
Practice kindness on the road by being polite to other drivers. When a driver tries to merge into your lane, let them in with a wave and a smile. Or, if another driver makes you angry, try to let it go, instead of retaliating.
LET SOMEONE GO IN FRONT OF YOU IN YOUR CAR
Nearly everyday we encounter a situation where we are required to wait in line. Whether it is at home, school, work or in town, go ahead and let someone in front of you.
GIVE YOUR SEAT TO AN ELDEERLY PERSON
The next time you are traveling by bus or in a public place, offer your seat to an elderly person. This is a great way to show your respect for the elderly, and because you are in a public place your actions will highly visible to many bystanders. This is a great opportunity to set a kind example for all those around you.
ASK SOMEONE ABOUT THEIR CULTURE
Do you know someone who is from a different culture than you? Perhaps they were born in a different country, speak a different language, or celebrate different holidays than you. Ask them to tell you about their cultural values and traditions.
RETURN LOST BELONGINGS
“A healthy social life is found only, when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection, and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living” - Rudolf Steiner
MAKE KINDNESS BOOKMARKS
Sometimes all people need to be kind is a simple reminder.
BUILD A HOUSE
Help build a house for someone in need with Habitat for Humanity. Donate as little as one Saturday of your time and you can say you helped build a home for someone. Or you can help with home repairs or re-modeling. There are numerous ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity.
VOLUNTEER AT A FOOD BANK
There are many ways to help your local food bank. Obviously, providing canned goods is a great way. But you can also be a little more hands-on and volunteer to stock shelves, clean the store, or work at the counter.
VOLUNTEER WITH THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Do you have a passion for sports? Sign up to volunteer with your local Special Olympics chapter. Special Olympics is a wonderful international organization devoted to empowering individuals with disabilities in more than 180 countries. They offer year-round sports training and competition, and are always looking for volunteers to help.
ADOPT A STAR
This is a great way to let a loved one know they are special to you: adopt a start in their name! There are numerous organizations that provide this service, but a couple of them are non-profits and the fee you pay to adopt the star will actually go to supporting scientific research on the stars you adopt.
SHARE YOUR UMBRELLA WHEN IT RAINS
The next time you are stuck in a rain shower take a peak out from under your umbrella and see if there is anyone walking in the same direction as you without an umbrella. Lift up your umbrella a little higher and offer to hold it over them as well. Invite in as many people as will fit under your umbrella.
GIVE AWAY YOUR PARKING SPOT
Next time you are in a crowded parking lot and you spot a great parking space close to the entrance of the building, let it go. Let someone else have that parking spot.
KIND AT HOME
READ TO A CHILD
Giving your full attention to children is a simple way to show them they are loved. Reading together can also be a very relaxing way to bond with a child you care about.
PICK UP GROCERIES FOR A NEIGHBOR
Picking up groceries can be an especially kind act for an elderly neighbor who isn't able to get out much. Simply knock on their door and see if you can pick something up for them while you are at the store. This is most helpful to do when you know bad weather is approaching. Pick them up a couple of things that will help tide them over until a storm has passed so they don't have to venture out in the middle of terrible weather to get some dinner.
WASH A CAR
Wash a car for a friend or family member for free! Has a friend of yours recently returned from a long trip with a filthy car? Offer to wash it for them! Or surprise your parents by washing their car for them while they are out of the house. Do you know someone who is trying to sell their vehicle? Offer to wash it for them to help them sell it.
RAKE YOUR NEIGHBOR’S YARD
Offer to rake your neighbor's leaves, or to mow their lawn. While you are raking your own lawn, don't be afraid to just keep going and rake your neighbor's yard, too! This can be a particularly helpful kind act if your neighbors are elderly, or if they are just really busy and often away from the house. Do it while they are out and think how surprised they will be when the get home to a beautifully raked yard!
SEND FLOWERS
Show someone--your mom, your wife, a friend--you love them by surprising them with flowers when they least expect it. So often flowers are sent on birthdays or anniversaries. Send flowers to your loved ones on any day!
CALL/VISIT SOMEONE WHO’S SICK
Call someone who you know is sick and ask them how they are. Or, surprise them with a visit and bring flowers or a card. Knowing that someone cares about you is often the best medicine!
COOK A HEALTHY MEAL
Next time you make dinner for your family, make it extra special by keeping it healthy. We tend to get so busy in life that we think we don't have time to make a healthy meal; instead we think that it is easier to stop on the way home and grab something, or to throw some snacks together at home. However this is just not true!
COOK A MEAL FOR SOMEONE
Cook and deliver a meal to a friend who needs it. Perhaps you have a friend who is busy with a new baby or sick child. Or maybe you have neighbors across the street who just moved in--they might not have had time to go to the grocery store! Bring someone a meal and save them the time; it will be a huge stress reliever!
GIVE OUT FREE POPSICLES
Hand out free popsicles to kids in your neighborhood or on your college campus on a hot day. This is a great way to to spread kindness and to meet new people! You will be amazed at how grateful the recipients will be.
BE A ROLE MODEL
Be a good role model for your friends, classmates and siblings. Being aware of your actions will help you set a good example to those who look up to you.
PUT GAS IN SOMEONE’S CAR
The next time you borrow a friend or relative's car, fill it up with gas for them before you give it back. Or if you are on a road trip with your friends and you're taking their car, when you stop to fill it up, offer to pay for the gas. This is a thoughtful and generous thing to do.
BAKE SOMEONE A CAKE
You never know when someone else needs to be uplifted. Most of us have been in a situation where we felt unappreciated, or maybe felt like no one cared about us.
SHARE A TOY OR GAME
You've probably heard the phrase "sharing is caring." It may seem silly, but it is actually true!
HELP SOMEONE LEARN
Do you have a classmate who struggles in class? Or a younger friend or sibling who might not know how to read or do arithmetic very well? Or a grandparent who doesn't like to use the internet? Use your skills to help others! Offer to help someone learn something you do well. Maybe there is something they can teach you in return!
BE GRATEFUL
"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
~Voltaire
Be a grateful person. Make it a habit to thank the people who touch your life, even for the little things.
CALL A GRANDPARENT
Our grandparents are an important part of our culture and our history. Spending time with a grandparent is a great way to learn about your heritage, your family history and even about yourself.
OBEY YOUR PARENTS
Obeying your parents isn’t always easy. It can be hard to stop and do something they have asked you to when you are in the middle of playing a video game or watching your favorite T.V. show.
HAND OUT HELP COUPONS
Make your own coupons that can be redeemed for free help and then hand them out to your family and friends! Make a coupon for free dish-washing, vacuuming the house, a homemade dinner, free pet-sitting, or babysitting, etc. Tailor them to fit your friends' needs! If your best friend hates to do laundry, give him or her a coupon for one free load of laundry. Pick it up, take it to the laundromat, fold it and bring it back!
WRITE A POEM FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL
Sometimes it’s hard to put into words how much we care about someone. A poem can be a great way to express just how you feel.
USE LESS PAPER
Did you know every ton of paper that is recycled will save about 17 trees?
READ A BOOK
Did you know that your brain needs exercise just as much as the rest of your body?
PICK FLOWERS FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL
Share the beauty of nature with a loved one by picking a special bouquet of flowers for them. The fact that you picked out the flowers yourself with them in mind will add a lot of meaning to this gift, rather than just sending store-bought flowers. This is a great activity whether you are an adult or child, and what better way to show someone how much you love them!
PAINT A PICTURE
I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say 'he feels deeply, he feels tenderly.'- Vincent van Gogh
ADOPT A PET
Have you ever thought of owning a pet? Before visiting a breeder, why not check out your local animal shelters? Cats and dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities are available, ready and waiting for their forever homes!
SEND A CARE PACKAGE
Everyone loves to receive mail, and especially a care package. Maybe you have kids at sleep-away-camp, or in college. Maybe you have a friend studying abroad, or maybe your brother or sister moved away to start a new job. These days families are more spread out than ever and people are making friends all over the world. It doesn't take much to stay in touch, especially with email, cell phones, and social media sites. But if you really want to make someone's day, and let them know just how special they are to you, then send them a care package!
CREATE YOUR FAMILY TREE
It is often said that you can't know where you are going unless you know where you are from. Creating a family tree helps you know where you come from. And a framed family tree makes a wonderful gift and life-long possession for loved ones.
RENEW A FRIENDSHIP ON FACEBOOK
Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life." - Dior Yamasaki
BRING IN YOUR NEIGHBOR'S TRASH CANS
Often times an empty garbage container is light enough to be tossed around by the wind. Sometimes they end up in frustrating locations; they roll across the street, or down a driveway blocking the path of the cars trying to drive past or park. On "trash day" in your neighborhood, why not save your neighbor the trouble of jogging down the street to retrieve their empty garbage cans and simply pick it up and bring it in for them?
ADOPT A FAMILY
There are many families out there that are in need, living week to week and hoping for enough food and money to get by. For these families, every week is a struggle, but the holidays are even more of a struggle. Every parent wants to be able to buy presents for their children, to surprise them with a gift.
HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
There are numerous international study programs at both high schools and colleges around the world. Some programs last two weeks, others are for a whole school year. While some are summer programs, others are semester-long. If there is an option at your school to host a foreign student, why not volunteer?
PET-SIT FOR FREE
For pet-owners, one of the most stressful things about planning a vacation is the ever-present question "What are we going to do with the pets while we are gone?" There are many boarding facilities that offer wonderful accommodations for pets but they can be expensive, especially if you are planning to be gone for a week or more.
SEW FOR FREE
If you are a whiz with a needle and thread, offer to mend, hem or sew someone's clothes for free. Perhaps a friend of yours is getting married and needs her wedding dress or bridesmaids dresses hemmed. Or maybe your neighbor is constantly looking for a good place to hem his pants. Offer to do these services for free!
CLEAN YOUR FRIEND’S HOUSE FOR FREE
Offer to help clean your friend's home. Perhaps they are busy with two jobs and three kids and just haven't had time to clean. Make the decision to go over to their home one day and vacuum, do the dishes and laundry, or clean the bathrooms.
BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR
In the United States alone there are over 100,000 people waiting for an organ donation. By becoming an organ donor, you can literally help save lives. When you are old enough to get your license, you should think about signing up as an organ donor, and offering multiple people a second chance at life.
DONATE YOUR VEHICLE
Do you have a vehicle you don't need or want? Maybe your car just died and it is so old it isn't worth it to pay to fix it. Or perhaps you inherited a vehicle from a relative who can no longer drive. Before you immediately decide to sell it, consider donating it to a local charity.
DONATE OLD SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Did you know that some parents won't sign their kids up for youth sport leagues because they know they cannot cover the cost of the equipment their kids will need to have in order to join the team? Think about it for a minute: if your son plays football you have to buy helmet, pads, cleats, jerseys, pants and a football. Or if you daughter plays soccer it's shin-guards, cleats, soccer ball, and uniform. For baseball or softball it is the same thing--cleats, uniform, bat, ball, glove, etc.
ATTEND AN EVENT
Attend an event important to your loved one. Even if it is something you are not remotely interested in, go out of support for your friend, spouse, child, brother, sister, or parent.
MAKE A LIST OF APPRECIATION
Make a list for your spouse or significant other highlighting all of the different reasons you appreciate them. Spend a couple of days thinking about it and every time a new character trait you particularly love about your spouse pops in your mind, write it down.
KIND AT WORK
TREAT SOMEONE TO FRESH FRUIT
Most people don’t eat enough fruit, which is a great natural energy source full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. But who can pass up such a delicious and healthy food treat? It’s good for your body and your soul!
SAY “GOOD MORNING” WITH A SMILE
Saying hello to someone, even if you don't know them, is a common courtesy. It means you are acknowledging their presence; you are saying that they are a person, too, and that they are important enough for you to say hello to.
BRING YOUR COWORKERS A SPECIAL TREAT
Small surprises and tokens of your appreciation spread throughout the year help the people in your workplace feel valued all year long. Surprise your coworkers with donuts, cookies or a homemade treat.
ADOPT A SOLDIER
Raise a soldier's spirits and make a friend by adopting a soldier as a pen pal. Showing your encouragement and gratitude for the hard work they do will be appreciated.
BE A FRIEND WHO LISTENS
If you have a friend who's going through a rough time, offer to talk about it with them over a coffee. Think of all the times you've wished you had a friend to talk to--be proactive and be that friend for someone else.
BE NICE TO SOMEONE YOU DON’T LIKE
"Knowing what paint a painter uses or having an understanding of where he was in the history of where he came from doesn't hurt your appreciation of the painting." -Jodie Foster
Make an effort to be polite to someone you don't get along with. Go out of your way to say hello or have a conversation with them. Getting to know and understand him or her better might help you appreciate your differences. Before you know it you might actually have a new friend!
BRING SOMEONE A SOUVENIR
When you take a trip, bring a souvenir home for someone who doesn't expect it. Even the smallest trinket will remind them that you care about them.
CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF
Whether you are at work, school, or home, cleaning up after yourself is a kind way to show your consideration of others.
COLLECT CANNED FOOD FOR A FOOD BANK
Take some time out to appreciate all that you have, and also to recognize that others aren't always as fortunate. There are so many people for whom putting dinner on the table is a daunting task. Many people are struggling to find a job and provide for their family. You can help!
EMBRACE YOUR MISTAKES
"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." ~John Powell
Does it frustrate you when you do something wrong? Next time you make a mistake, instead of being hard on yourself, ask yourself what you can learn from it. It won't help anyone to dwell on your mistake and feel guilty about it. Acknowledge that it happened, make amends if necessary, and move forward!
ENCOURAGE SOMEONE
Encourage someone who needs it. Whether it’s a friend, sibling, parent, child or coworker, a little recognition could make a world of difference in their lives. Let them know that you are thankful for them and that you appreciate having them in your life. You can encourage someone with words, a hug, a gift or even an email or phone call. It is so simple to do; act now and go encourage someone!
GIVE EVENT TICKETS
Be generous to both friends and strangers. Give someone a pair of tickets to a baseball game or concert. It will make their day a memorable one! Or invite someone to go with you for free. If you have two event tickets and someone else backed out at the last minute, call up a friend or co-worker and see if they can go with you. Sometimes spontaneity leads to the best times with friends and family.
HAVE A CHARITY DAY AT WORK
Organize a charity day at your office. Ask your coworkers to bring food and clothing items to donate to the needy. Or organize a Saturday service project in your community: rake leaves for your office's neighbors, host a bake sale, or pick up litter in a nearby park. Your coworkers will enjoy the chance to help others too.
HUG SOMEONE
Have you hugged someone recently? Hugs can communicate a number of things - A hug is a great way to let someone you care about them; or it can be a way to comfort someone who has experienced loss; or it can just a be way to say hello to a friend.
JUST SAY SOMETHING NICE
“Just as despair can come to one another only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.” –Elie Wiesel
BAKE A CAKE FOR SOMEONE
You never know when someone else needs to be uplifted. Most of us have been in a situation where we felt unappreciated, or maybe felt like no one cared about us.
GIVE SOMEONE A VACATION
Give someone the gift of rest and relaxation. Do you have a co-worker who needs a break? Arrange for them to use one of your personal vacation days. Has it been years since your sister had a quiet weekend away with her spouse? Offer to watch their kids and buy them a gift card to their favorite hotel. Help someone you care about relax and get away.
HELP A COWORKER
If you know that one of your coworkers has a huge work load or big project to finish, offer to help. Be a team player! You could review and edit the work they've already completed or offer to take some work off their shoulders and help run reports or finish a presentation. You will be amazed how quickly the work will get done with both of you working on it!
SHARE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES WITH SOMEONE
Have you ever been in a situation where you were unhappy or discouraged? Sometimes all it takes to be revived is a little encouragement from someone who recognizes that you need it, someone that can help you get away from whatever is bringing you down.
MAKE SOMEONE LAUGH
You’ve probably heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” Well, there's a lot of evidence that this saying is actually true!
WRITE SOMEONE A THANK YOU NOTE
When someone does something nice for you, return their generosity with a pleasant thank you note to let them know you appreciated their kindness. In this day of technology many people will send emails or text messages. Be different! Think about sending an old fashioned snail-mail type of thank you note. Dig out your stamps and address book and send a note in the mail! It will be an added delight for your friend or family member to get physical mail.
BE SPONTANEOUS
Sometimes all we need in life is a little spontaneity. Make a conscious effort to act on every single thought of generosity that arises in your heart. Being kind is being happy!
FORGIVE SOMEONE
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” ~Lewis B. Smedes
We all make mistakes. The next time someone wrongs you, forgive them without hesitation. Carrying anger and resentment with you is bad for your health and your relationships. Learn to let it go and forgive others. Both you and the one you forgave will benefit from this act of kindness. You will be amazed at how much lighter you feel when you forgive someone!
THANK YOUR EMPLOYEES/COWORKERS
If you ask most people what makes a good boss, you’d probably get a variety of answers – a good boss is someone with great communication skills, strong ethics and good leadership skills.
RAISE FUNDS WITH A LEMONADE STAND
Have a lemonade stand in your neighborhood or at a nearby grocery store and donate the money to children who might need it. Ask someone to help you find an organization that supports homeless or hungry children. You can help make the world a better place, regardless of your age!
BE GRATEFUL
"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
~Voltaire
Be a grateful person. Make it a habit to thank the people who touch your life, even for the little things.
BE A POSITIVE PERSON
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~Winston Churchill
MAKE A WISH COME TRUE
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead
It is amazing what a group of people working towards a common goal can accomplish. Harness this power and make someone's wish or dream come true. Find someone, or a family, in need. Get to know them, listen to their hopes and dreams. Find something you can help them accomplish.
ASK SOMEONE ABOUT THEIR CULTURE
Do you know someone who is from a different culture than you? Perhaps they were born in a different country, speak a different language, or celebrate different holidays than you. Ask them to tell you about their cultural values and traditions.
ASK IF YOU CAN HELP
Many people find it quite difficult to ask someone for help. They feel that they are inconveniencing the other person or "unloading" on them. The next time you see someone who looks down or frustrated, offer to help them. Simply ask how you could help make a situation better.
HAND OUT “HELP COUPONS” YOU MAKE
Make your own coupons that can be redeemed for free help and then hand them out to your family and friends! Make a coupon for free dish-washing, vacuuming the house, a homemade dinner, free pet-sitting, or babysitting, etc. Tailor them to fit your friends' needs! If your best friend hates to do laundry, give him or her a coupon for one free load of laundry. Pick it up, take it to the laundromat, fold it and bring it back!
ASK BEFORE YOU BORROW
How you treat others says a lot about you as a person. One way you can show respect to your friends, family, classmates and teachers is by respecting their personal belongings.
ARRIVE ON TIME
Whether you're at school, at home or at play, using good manners will make people enjoy being around you! And what better way to display good manners than arriving on time wherever you are meant to be?
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS
Turn off the lights when you leave the room, and you will be joining millions of other environmentally conscious individuals around the world. While turning off the lights is something you should practice every day, you could also do it simultaneously with the rest of the world when you celebrate Earth Hour. To read more about this global movement
STOP NEGATIVE CONVERSATIONS “GOSSIP”
There is a point in every conversation we have where we make a choice to either engage in gossip and speak badly about someone or something, or to steer the conversation away from gossip and onto more positive things. It doesn't take much to stop negativity, and the first step is always being aware of the sometimes subtle shift in the tone of the conversation. If you sense someone is trying to get you to say something negative, change the subject! Or surprise them and make a positive comment about the situation. Help others see the positive qualities in everything through your conversations.
MAKE A LIST OF APPRECIATION
Make a list for your spouse or significant other highlighting all of the different reasons you appreciate them. Spend a couple of days thinking about it and every time a new character trait you particularly love about your spouse pops in your mind, write it down.
DONATE A PERCENTAGE OF RECEIPTS
Merchants have a wonderful opportunity to invite their customers to help them raise money for a charity or cause. If you own a restaurant, cafe, clothing boutique, pet store, convenience store, etc., you have the unique ability to raise far more money than just one person could ever donate.
ADOPT A HIGHWAY
If you and your company, sports team, or church are passionate about keeping your community clean, you should think about participating in one of the "Adopt a Highway" programs. You can adopt a section of the highway, interstate or even local back roads in your area. Make your passion for keeping your community clean visible on a large scale.
LEAVE CHANGE IN THE VENDING MACHINE FOR SOMEONE
Next time you pass a vending machine or gumball dispenser, check your change purse. If you have enough change to buy a soda or snack, tape the change to the side of the vending machine with a note saying "Snack's on me!"
SPEAK KINDLY
Practice speaking in a kind way. For one day, keep every negative thought, frustration or complaint to yourself and only share your positive comments with others. And every time you do have a negative thought, counter it out loud with a positive one. See the silver lining in the cloud in every situation.
GIVE AFFIRMATION
Words can heal, they can bless, they can bring comfort and they can transform lives. So choose to be an affirming person. Offer encouragement freely to your friends, co-workers, and family, and without any expectation of anything in return. You can always find something positive to say in any situation, it just depends on your perspective. Be generous with your words of affirmation to all those around you, and most importantly, to yourself.
LAUGH OFTEN
"A day without laughter is a day wasted." ~Charlie Chapman
Laughter makes everything better. Having a sense of humor lightens your burdens, connects you to others, inspires hopefulness and offers a new perspective.
SAY "BLESS YOU" WHEN SOMEONE SNEEZES
Though it is a common courtesy to say "Bless you!" when someone sneezes, people rarely do unless it is someone they know. The next time you hear or see someone sneeze, offer those kind words regardless of whether or not you know them. And if you have a tissue on hand, offer that, too!
HELP SOMEONE NETWORK TO FIND A JOB
Looking for a job can be overwhelming and frustrating, which is why when someone offers to help you it means so much! If a friend or colleague recently lost their job or is looking to re-enter the job market after a number of years away, offer to help!
GIVE THE BENEFIT OF DOUBT
Make it a practice to always give someone the benefit of the doubt. In the world of law, people remain innocent until proven guilty. Shouldn't that also be the case with our loved ones?
INCLUDE OTHERS IN DECISIONS
The next time you need to make a decision make a conscious effort to include all those who will be affected by the outcome in the decision-making process. Whether your decision is something small, like what to have for dinner, or something big, like which neighborhood to move to, be sure to ask everyone involved if they have an opinion and would like to help you make the decision.
BE A GENUINE PERSON
Make an effort to be a genuine person. When you say you will do something, do it. When you ask someone how they are doing, wait for them to answer and really listen to them.
