“A random act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a tremendous impact on someone else’s life” — Roy T. Bennett
Acts of kindness are beneficial for both recipient(s) and giver(s). The process can translate into increased social support, a strengthening of and expansion of social connectedness.
However, when being kind, you are placing the needs – of all types — and hopes of someone else before yourself. Acts of kindness can be small or large, spontaneous or planned, tangible and/or intangible, anonymous or that result in public recognition.
Although this may seem inconceivable, an act of kindness can help someone who is struggling and hopeless to keep moving forward and to make it through another day.
You can make a major difference in someone’s life by random acts of kindness, and may not even be aware of the impact you have had.
Benefits of kindness
Being kind promotes overall wellbeing and health, reduces stress, bolsters resilience, and sets the stage for increased happiness and positive attitudes.
Engaging in acts of kindness can help foster a sense of meaning and purpose in your life, and promote social engagement.
A key method for making a difference via acts of kindness is volunteerism, which promotes a sense of belonging and connectedness. Friendships are forged along the way.
One should accept the challenge of simple and random acts of kindness toward others.
Kindness challenge
Create a list of acts of kindness that you could engage in. Consider implementing some of them before the end of 2023. Keep in mind that they can be simple or small, and not costly.
Your acts of kindness should be sincere, authentic, and genuine.
Be kind to other drivers – e.g., slowing down and allowing someone to cross into your lane.
Say “Hello” to people you do not know, or who are neighbors with whom you haven’t engaged in mutual self-introductions yet.
Be an active listener when communicating with someone.
Be kind in the grocery store – e.g., pulling out a cart for someone and rolling it toward him/her to use; helping pay for purchases if the person in front of you in the check-out lane is short on funds; paying for someone else’s groceries (if you can afford it) if his/her credit cards are rejected and he/she has no cash.
Hold a door open for someone to pass through when entering a store.
Compliment someone, sincerely and spontaneously.
Say thank you when you are helped.
Make a donation to a charity, organization or cause.
Engage in volunteerism.
Be an advocate for a cause that you hold near and dear.
Write a letter of acknowledgement and gratitude to an employer about a staff member who has gone out of his/her way to help you, who has done a fantastic job, who is “one-of-a-kind.”
Write a note of thanks to someone who provided assistance to you.
Text or email individuals to simply check-in, say “Hello” and “How are you doing?”
Call individuals who are struggling, who are isolated and lonely, who are ill, who are grieving, who are depressed and have lost hope.
Mail note cards or greeting cards to individuals who you have not connected with for a while, older adults who are isolated.
Offer to help someone take their trash to the trash bin.
Be ready to help neighbors and others during a weather crisis, or when utilities go down in your area.
If you are going to the grocery, consider simply asking a loved one if he/she would like for you to pick up something for him/her.
In this holiday season, ask yourself what can you do for someone who is isolated and will be alone for most or all of Thanksgiving day.
Kindness toward yourself
To promote overall well-being and optimize mental health, it is important to practice self-compassion and kindness toward yourself. Be aware of your strengths, and what has brought meaning and purpose to your life.
Celebrate the realization that you have at least one person in your life who you can trust and count on no matter what. When things get rough, try to realize that you do not have to walk alone, and minimize social isolation if possible.
Relax and engage in activities that you enjoy. Find time for yourself – take a walk, celebrate the beauty of nature as the seasons change, take a bubble bath, read a novel, watch a holiday DVD at any time of year, listen to music, cuddle with your canine companion.
Stay in touch with those people whom you love and who love you. Connect with others via text, email, snail mail, phone calls, video chats, or in person. Engage in different forms of creative expressions (e.g., art, writing), keep a gratitude journal, celebrate even small accomplishments and the little but positive things in your life.
Make a wave
The quote provided as an introduction to this article revealed the power of one act of kindness, which can have far-reaching effects. To make this reality come to life, listen to a song sung by Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas, MAKE A WAVE.
It reveals the extent to which kindness can make a difference. Consider reading a poem written by James W. Foley, “Drop a Pebble in the Water,” that also captures the effects of an act of kindness or unkindness.
Closing comments
Be kind to others and to yourself. You can make a difference even by one small random act of kindness.
Givers and receivers both benefit from acts of kindness. When you think of and engage in kindness, embrace feelings of love, caring, compassion, joy, and hope for the future.
Diana Spore, PhD, is a freelance writer, mental health advocate, social gerontologist, educator/researcher, and expert on mental health and aging.