Being kind to others doesn’t require much effort, and it’s a lesson I believe we should all teach our children. In the midst of challenging times, my hope for humanity remains steadfast. I truly believe that despite the chaos in the world, we can choose to uplift one another.
On February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Day, we have the perfect opportunity to enhance our kindness efforts and spread goodwill. Similar to Valentine’s Day, which focuses on expressing love to those close to us, this day encourages us to brighten the day of friends, neighbors, or even strangers.
Here are 20 thoughtful gestures to make someone’s day a little brighter:
- Cover Someone’s Meal: Surprise the person behind you in line at a coffee shop or drive-thru by covering their order. The joy on their face when they realize what you’ve done is priceless.
- Assemble Care Packages: Team up with your kids to create care packages filled with items like hand sanitizer, chapstick, masks, and warm accessories, then deliver them to a local domestic violence shelter.
- Create Hope Notes: Write uplifting messages and place them in a jar or decorated bag to leave at the pediatric wing of a hospital for patients and staff.
- Shovel Snow: If it snows on February 17th, grab a shovel and help clear sidewalks in your neighborhood, or lend a hand in a nearby community.
- Bake for Pets: Make homemade dog treats with your kids and deliver them to a local animal shelter.
- Leave Encouraging Notes: Use sticky notes to leave positive messages on car windshields, such as “You matter” or “You’re doing great.”
- Pay a Parking Meter: Bring a smile to someone’s face by covering their parking meter—just a small gesture that can make a big difference.
- Write Letters to Residents: Address uplifting letters to residents at a nearby nursing home, reminding them they are cared for.
- Refill a Pantry Box: Stock your local little free pantry with essential items, or start one if there isn’t one nearby.
- Donate Books: Give a few books to your local library or little free library to promote literacy and joy.
- Share Baking Supplies: Drop off cookie-making essentials to a family nearby, or bake cookies yourself to share.
- Support Social Justice: Purchase and donate insightful books like “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson to organizations that support marginalized communities.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise a neighbor with a meal delivery along with a heartfelt note.
- Thank Your Librarians: Write a thank-you note to your local library staff for their hard work and dedication.
- Treat Essential Workers: Show appreciation to essential workers by giving them sweet treats to brighten their day.
- Practice Self-Kindness: Take a moment for self-reflection and jot down positive affirmations that describe you.
- Form a Kindness Group: Create a group of friends (virtually or in person) to brainstorm and implement weekly acts of kindness in your neighborhood.
- Balloon Conversation Starters: Purchase balloons and write conversation starter questions on them to deliver to families, encouraging quality time together.
- Make a Resource Guide: Compile a handy guide with information about local assistance resources, food banks, and services to distribute.
- Check In: A quick call or message to check in on a friend can mean the world—ask how they’re really doing and be present in the moment.
Even when we feel depleted, stepping back to reflect on what we can give can reveal that we have so much to offer. You don’t have to wait until February 17th to spread kindness; every day is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little brighter, which in turn can brighten your own.
For more ideas on kindness, check out this related blog post.
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In summary, National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th is a wonderful opportunity to engage in activities that uplift others around us, from simple gestures like paying for someone’s coffee to more involved projects like creating care packages. Every small act of kindness counts and contributes to a more compassionate world.