“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference,
ignore the small daily differences we can make which,
over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”
Small daily kindness can change the world. What small daily acts of kindness do you inflict upon the world? Let’s make a list.
I’ll start with some easy ones:
- Say ‘Good morning’ and smile to everyone I see.
- Say ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’ when interacting with people.
- Remember to celebrate people’s birthdays
- Make efforts to support people’s dreams
- Share your brownies with a neighbor
- Change the sheets when your partner is ill
- Follow up with a friend
- “Drop a dime in a beggars hand not words of “your” wisdom.” The Walking Man Mark
- “I find I’m a lot happier when I cast a smile upon those who approach rather than putting my head down as if not to notice their presence. Everybody, at some point, just needs to be acknowledged.” Miss Riss from Wild Hair
- “It may sound silly, but I pick up litter when I see it. I tell my kids: ‘We can’t do everything, but we should do what we can.’” Footpad
- “Now that there are so many opportunities online, I try to help new educators and anyone interested in what we do….get noticed and learn more about networks, teaching and learning. I try my best to interact and respond to new people who are just starting by being colleagues “friends” with them on Plurk, CR2.0, Twitter, Facebook, etc.” Sheryl A McCoy
- “I try to compliment everyone I see on a daily basis. “Nice tie.” “Great outfit.” “Cute hair.” Always smile at strangers!” Jean May
- “Say something nice when someone feels uncomfortable; help computer-newbies without making them feel stupid; put my arm around someone who obviously need it but can’t ask, if strangers just touch their arm or hand lightly; hold the door for someone who has his/her hands full; do something kind anywhere and anytime I can” Tink
- “Treat others the way you want to be treated; share a hug, give a smile, approach those that others tend to shun (homeless, etc.) and hold a conversation. Everyone has a lesson to teach and a lesson to learn. I try to find my lesson and joy in every situation. It may take me a few days to decompress and coming off the emotion of the situation, but in the end if find that the most emotional situations were my biggest lessons on my journey to a better me” Zengoddess Jen
- I try to incorporate a small adventure into every day for my husband with Alzheimer’s, a meal out, a photo shoot in a new neighborhood, even just a walk on the beach with a friend’s dog and a smoothie, so that his life doesn’t feel so empty as he steadily loses himself. I hadn’t thought of it as a particular kindness, though, just an accommodation to an extremely heartbreaking and life-changing illness.” Heart in San Francisco
Now it’s your turn. What small acts of kindness do you do?
Leave your answers in the comments. One lucky commenter will win a copy of MJ Ryan‘s new book AdaptAbility: How to Survive Change You Didn’t Ask For
Drop a dime in a beggars hand not words of “your” wisdom.
I find I’m a lot happier when I cast a smile upon those who approach rather than putting my head down as if not to notice their presence. Everybody, at some point, just needs to be acknowledged.
It may sound silly, but I pick up litter when I see it.
I tell my kids: “We can’t do everything, but we should do what we can.”
–f
All these are great ideas.
Now that there are so many opportunities online, I try to help new educators and anyone interested in what we do….get noticed and learn more about networks, teaching and learning.
I try my best to interact and respond to new people who are just starting by being colleagues “friends” with them on Plurk, CR2.0, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
I’m returning the favor of those who helped me many years ago.
TWMark – I’ve even given them hugs. It’s pungent but totally worth it.
Miss Riss – Great point! A smile goes a long way.
Footpad – What an excellent suggestion.
Sheryl – That’s a wonderful point. We’ve all been helped at some point. It’s time to return the favor.
I try to compliment everyone I see on a daily basis. “Nice tie.” “Great outfit.” “Cute hair.” Always smile at strangers!
- say something nice when someone feels uncomfortable
- help computer-newbies without making them feel stupid
- put my arm around someone who obviously need it but can’t ask, if strangers just touch their arm or hand lightly
- hold the door for someone who has his/her hands full
- do something kind anywhere and anytime I can
Treat others the way you want to be treated; share a hug, give a smile, approach those that others tend to shun (homeless, etc.) and hold a conversation. Everyone has a lesson to teach and a lesson to learn.
I try to find my lesson and joy in every situation. It may take me a few days to decompress and coming off the emotion of the situation, but in the end if find that the most emotional situations were my biggest lessons on my journey to a better me.
I try to incorporate a small adventure into every day for my husband with Alzheimer’s, a meal out, a photo shoot in a new neighborhood, even just a walk on the beach with a friend’s dog and a smoothie, so that his life doesn’t feel so empty as he steadily loses himself.
I hadn’t thought of it as a particular kindness, though, just an accommodation to an extremely heartbreaking and life-changing illness.
Jean – What an awesome way to cheer someone’s day
Tink – You always have that way of gently soothing the upset. You’re gifted that way.
ZenGodessJen – That’s an awesome way to treat life’s adventures.
Heart in SF – I love the way you make this heartbreak a little more manageable for you and for him. I wish things were different. You remain in my thoughts and prayers
I like to remember people’s names and birthdays because I always appreciate it when people do that for me.
I tried replying via my phone the other day and lost it, so better late then never?
I replied that what I try to do is “eye hug” everyone I meet or come across in a day. “Eye hugging” is when I make sure to have eye contact with whomever I am near, speak genuinely and sweetly, and just for that moment our eyes have met, offer a smile and gratitude for they are who they are.. Some respond, some glance away and some react suspiciously but no matter how others react, “eyehugging” totally rocks
Jameil – That’s a really lovely way to acknowledge people.
Cylithria – Gosh, how lovely!