Working in retail and in the food industry, I've been yelled at and even insulted before, but I take the time to remember that for the most part, the majority of people aren't rude and that there are people who go out of their way to be especially kind that makes the job worth it. It can be something as simple as a how are you that cheers me up, people have a bigger impact on others than they realize. Knowing this, I try my best to do some small acts of kindness on a daily basis. Here are 15 of my favorite deeds to get you started.
1. Smile at someone (with discretion of course).
At an assembly in high school, a man shared a story about how he was walking along a bridge prepared to jump off, but he told himself that if one person smiled at him, anyone, he wouldn't kill himself that day. Luckily, there was someone that warmly greeted him and he lived to tell his story. Even if it's not as big as an impact as it was for this man than for someone else, a smile can go a long way.2. Tell one of your friends something great about themselves.
Everyone can use a little reassurance once in a while and it'll be more appreciated than you know. When a friend doubts their self at some point, they can look back on the compliment they received to help them positively reaffirm their self. A favorite of mine is telling someone, "You are lovely and you are loved."3. Leave a note for someone.
Post-its are handy in this situation. I like to leave small notes in books at a book store or library with a recommendation and favorite quote. Another favorite is leaving a loving note in a friend's jacket pocket for them to randomly find it one day.4. Write a letter.
Handwritten letters are practically extinct at this point, but it makes a letter even more valuable. Take five minutes to write one and send it to a friend, it'll be a lovely surprise for them.5. Leave a higher tip.
Every now and then when you can afford it, it can be a 25% tip on a bill or a dollar bill in a tip jar when you get coffee, it will help someone's paycheck. I don't make much money myself but a good size of my income comes from tips and I'm always appreciative of someone who does, especially with how expensive the products at my workplace are.6. Bring a bunch of candy or treats to work.
It's always a happy surprise for a coworker to come in and have sweets to munch on. Every job is difficult and a small deed like this can help people get through even the longest of days.7. Make dinner.
So that your parents or roommate have the day off. Ordering take out is fine, too.8. Give a small donation.
Blood donations or food for a food drive are options, too. You're making a difference in someone's life.9. Check on a friend through call or text.
Let's be honest, we all almost always have our phone on ourselves, it doesn't take much to ask someone how they are. It's nice for someone to know they're cared for.10. Take a photo for someone.
If you see someone trying to do a group shot, take one for them so the photographer can be included, too, or take a picture of a pair of friends so they have a better picture than a selfie to upload to Instagram.11. Share or give a book to someone.
If you're not much of a reader, a movie or video game works, too. It'll save that person money and a trip to the library.12. Volunteer at a pet shelter.
They are always in need of help. Dogs need to be walked and cats socialized with, their living conditions are cramped and they don't all receive much attention. I like to deal with older animals because they're often the ones least likely to be adopted and have been at the shelter much longer.
13. Give your seat up on the subway.
There's always a weary person in need of it more. If you don't live in the city, you can pick up a coworker and drive them to work with you.14. Have a friendly conversation with a worker.
Whether it's with a waitress or sales associate, it'll be a nice break for them to not have another rude and harried customer.15. Be kind to yourself.
Treat yourself every once in a while, take a long bubble bath or indulge in chocolate (or ice cream or wine). Just relax, you deserve it.
