Goodness Gracious! Be Kind to a Stranger Today!

Have you ever experienced a random act of kindness? Maybe someone held the door open for you, helped you get a stroller down a flight of stairs—or did something big for your family in a time of need. Sometimes even the simplest kind gesture can turn our days—or lives—around. And because we know how much those moments can impact us and our loved ones, we think it’s a great idea to pay it forward and live God’s love by offering a kind gesture.Random Acts of Kindness Dayhappens once a year, but we thinkanyday can be the perfect day to add a little joy to the world.

Here are some simple ideas to get you started!

Give out compliments like they’re going out of style

Something as simple as offering a “Good morning!” or asking someone, “What was the highlight of your day?” can show people that acts of kindness don’t have to be complicated. Tell someone something they did really well that day—even if they just did a great job getting dressed (some days, it’s a “win” if our socks match…). And smiles are contagious—in a good way! Share compliments generously. If you’ve heard great things being said about someone you know, tell them so!

Pass the popcorn

Next time you return a movie rental to Redbox, why not leave a $5 bill inside the case with a note that says, “Popcorn is on me! Enjoy!”? Or, offer to pay for the smoothie or tea for the person behind you in line at your favorite juice shop!

Three cheers for volunteers

Did you know thatvolunteering can potentially make you live longer? Giving your time to a great cause is an easy way to put a lot of kindness into the world. Whether you decide to help out in your local homelessshelter, church organization oranimal shelter, there are countless opportunities to offer acts of kindness of all types.

Send a hospitalized kid a handmade card

Individuals and groups across the United States, and world, donate time and creativity to make handmade cards and send them for distribution in hospitals across the nation.Cards for Hospitalized Kids, have sent cards to over 100,000 kids in hospitals in all 50 states through people that want to share an uplifting message through people who want to get involved in the effort.

While you’ve got your fancy pens out…

Have you ever had a pen pal? There are few greater joys in life than opening your mailbox to a handwritten letter from a friend or loved one. Or a stranger! With initiatives likeThe World Needs More Love Letters, it’s easy to become a pro at epistolary expressions of kindness.

Want to save stamps? Write a few positive letters of encouragement and leave them on park benches, in library books or on the bus. You never know how that letter of well-wishes might brighten someone’s day.

Give thanks

It seems silly, but saying “thank you” can go a long way—especially to those who play huge roles in our daily lives: the mail carrier, the cleaning crews at work, the security guard in the parking garage—you might be surprised how few times people are thanked for their hard work.

Take it a step further and send a letter or care package to themen and women who serve our country.Send flowers to your local nursing homes and, while you’re at it, send flowers to the nurse’s station.

Offer great pickup lines

…of garbage, that is. If you see litter in the street, pick it up and throw it away. It may not seem like an act of kindness, but this small gesture is kind toeveryone, and it sets an example for those around you to do the same.

There are so many ways to show kindness in this world—and these are the times we could certainly use more of it. Doing something generous for someone doesn’t have to be expensive or even a grand gesture—even the smallest thing like a smile can show someone that they are cared for.