Everyone’s been there. A day where you’re down in the
dumps and nothing seems to make it right. On those days, we could all use a
little happy injection, and spreading some joy may be an easier task than you
think. It’s easy to turn even a complete stranger’s day around with an
unexpected act of kindness, and taking just an hour out of your normal routine
could mean the difference between a frown and a smile for one lucky person.
The cycle of gratitude and generosity is unstoppable once
it starts, and you may find your life improving just as you help improve the
lives of those in your community. We owe it to our kids and to each other to
make the world a better place, and by paying it forward every chance we can, happiness
will spread in leaps and bounds.
1. Chef Of The Day
Spend an afternoon preparing a hearty meal for someone in
need and drop it off. Is there a family you know going through a hard time? Or
possibly an elderly couple who may find it hard to get all the cooking done?
Make a simple and delicious casserole, and
feed the soul along with some hungry mouths. This unexpected delivery can mean
all the difference, and you can hone your kitchen skills while filling the
stomachs of grateful folks. Plus, your family will love the added bonus of any
chance of leftovers.
2. Make School That Much Sweeter
With school starting back up for children across the
country, head into your local elementary school or your own child’s classroom
with a cookie bouquet. The
smiles you get will light up the room, and no doubt a busy teacher will be more
than grateful for your effort. Who can deny the allure of a delicious treat? You
may be inspired to bring one home for yourself—I won’t tell.
3. Coffee On Me
Who doesn’t benefit from a morning coffee run? Head to
your local drive-thru coffee shop and pay it forward by footing the bill of the
person behind you. This selfless act of kindness could give that driver some
extra pep in their step for the rest of the day—beyond the necessary jolt of
caffeine.
4. The Power Of Wise Words
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written book. If
you have a friend going through a rough patch or needing some encouragement, send
them a book that will inspire
them or help change their perspective. This may provide words of comfort in the
times that you can’t. This simple, inexpensive gift will let them know you’re
thinking about them. As an added bonus, the words of wisdom they may find
within its pages might just give them an entirely new outlook on a hard situation.
5. Teddy Bear Visitor
Purchase some stuffed animals at a toy
store and head into your local children’s hospital. This simple gift will give
the children and their parents a moment of reprieve from difficult times, and
bring some sunshine into their lives. For an extra bit of fun, tie a balloon
around the wrist of each bear, and see the difference a bit of colorful helium
can have on a child’s smile!
6. Coins For Kindness
If you’ve got lots of loose change lying around, take it
to a convenient Coinstar and donate the funds to a
charity of your choice. To help get the kids involved in this one, tell them
with every kind thing they do, you’ll donate a coin to a “happiness jar” set up
in your living room. Your kids will love watching their acts turn into a pile
of money for those in need. You can even send them on a scavenger hunt
throughout the house to find coins that may have slipped into couch cushions or
under the coffee table. Once you’ve got a hefty pile set up, head to a local
grocery store with a Coinstar machine. Trust me when I say the jingle of coins
sliding into the Coinstar kiosk is probably more entertaining than it should
be, especially for little ones.
If you’re like me, you may find yourself feeling a bit
down with constant negative news that comes from the media these days. Turn
some of that negativity into positivity and spread it to others. A little bit
of effort may change a person’s entire day, and make you feel even better about
yours. Kindness is truly infectious, so get out there and spread some joy with
these easy random acts of kindness. Take an hour out of your day to do
something for someone who won’t ever forget it, and teach your kids generosity
through your example. You never know when someone might pay it forward to you
in the future!
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