With all of the division and politics that have taken over our society, kindness seems far out of reach. More than anything, it can be hard to realize that there are still good people in the world. Well, kindness can always start with you. Nothing is more uplifting to your day than helping a random person or a loved one out.
After losing my grandfather, I started to realize that acts of kindness are a reminder that there is still good in the world; even if the world seems bleak. My world seemed so grey after losing him, and any time someone did something nice for me, it made me feel tremendous joy. So, in memory of my grandad, I'm trying to do more acts of kindness so other people can feel that joy too.
So, here are 36 good deeds you can do to brighten your day, and someone else's day.
1. Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru.
2. Pump someone's gas for them.
3. Donate some can goods to a food pantry.
4. Buy a gift for your loved one - just because
5. Donate some of your old clothes to a homeless shelter.
6. Fill someone's parking meter who's about to run out.
7. Give a coupon to the person in line behind you.
8. Remind a friend or family member that you love them.
9. Bring a snack for your co-worker.
10. Send a donation to your local pet shelter.
11. Compliment a stranger.
12. Answer a few questions on Freerice.com.
Every question that you answer correctly, they donate 10 grains of rice to countries in need through the World Food Programme.
13. Tip your waiter or waitress a little bit extra.
14. Hold the elevator for someone who's rushing.
15. Let someone in the checkout aisle go ahead of you.
16. Leave some spare change at a vending machine for the next person.
17. Leave a happy note for your mail man.
18. Buy a meal for a homeless person.
19. Bring your significant other some flowers.
20. Remind someone that they matter to you.
21. Pick up some litter that's on the ground.
22. Thank a service person for their sacrifice.
23. Offer to babysit for one of your mom friends who seems overwhelmed.
24. Cook a meal for your grandparents or parents.
25. Donate some old books to your local library.
26. Hold the door open for someone.
27. Comment something positive on your friend's picture.
28. Tell someone who has been trying to lose weight that they look amazing.
29. Donate a care package to a random military member.
30. Return some cans and donate the money.
31. Offer to be a designated driver.
32. Bake cookies for your neighbors.
33. Help an elderly person load their groceries in their car.
34. Smile at someone random.
35. Water the flowers at someone's grave.
36. Offer to help at a soup kitchen.
You never know if you're someone's guardian angel or the sign they needed to keep going.