"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you." ~Princess Diana

It's so simple, yet profound. One person in line at Starbucks drive thru paid for the car behind them. The next 377 cars did the same. A Michigan police officer buys a needy mom a booster seat, instead of issuing her a ticket for not having her son in a child restraint. Or something so small but dear to my heart; after having one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong, I came home to a post-it note on the front door from my husband...

The other day, I read a quote; "Every day of our lives, we are given opportunities to spread love and kindness to those around us". So true, but I stopped for a moment and wondered...when was the last time I made someone smile? I'm not perfect. I'm guilty of saying less-than-kind things about someone, and avoiding people I know at the store. But living a more positive lifestyle is something I continue to work towards daily. 

Below is a list I came across of ways to show others that you care...

*Smile . It is contagious!

*Say please and thank you.

*Wave to your neighbors while walking or driving by.

*Ask the person next to you how their day is going, and be sincere.

*Give a gift to a friend or family member just to say I was thinking about you.

*Praise children when you see them doing something nice.

*Be a designated driver.

*If you see someone drop something, stop and help them pick it up.

*If you are baking, make a second batch to give to a neighbor or friend.

*Put a coin in an expired meter. Or leave some extra change in a vending machine.

*Pay for a strangers meal at a restaurant. Or send them dessert.

*Be kind to cashiers. Customers are more likely to take their frustrations out on the cashier. Go ahead and brighten their day.

*Out of the blue, give a genuine compliment to a stranger; "Nice shoes!" or "Great color!"

*Pay for the order in the car behind you in the drive thru.

*Make eye contact and say Hi to strangers instead of awkwardly passing them on the street.

*Bring doughnuts or bagels to work

*Send a friend a cd with some upbeat tunes, just to let them know you were thinking about them

*Help someone carry their grocery bags

*Offer the UPS man a bottle of cold water

*Tweet or Facebook message a genuine compliment to three people right now.

*Leave random sticky notes with fun or kind quotes on the mirror of a public restroom

*Give the benefit of the doubt

*Compliment someone to their boss.

*Write someone a letter. Like a real letter, on paper, and mail it!

*Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading groceries in their car.

*When you hear that negative, discouraging voice in your head, remember to leave yourself alone — you deserve kindness too! 

Do you have something to add? Or possibly a feel good story to share? Leave a comment below. Our favorite comment will receive a $25 gift card to Simply Me!

PS Every time I open my jewelry box, I see that same post-it note. It took him only a few seconds to write, but it has made me smile, every day, for the past 10 years. 

 

'Til next time,

Be safe. Be healthy. Be happy.

Amy 

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