Part Two: A Hundred Heartwarming Acts of Kindness for Yourself and Community

Wrangle an errant shopping cart into submission to protect parked cars or for someone in need of a trolley.

Always keep loose change on you in case you pass by someone in need or have the opportunity to donate to a charity box.

Leave your favourite local businesses a glowing online review to boost their sales and affirm reputation.

If you’re in school or higher education, invite somebody who usually sits alone or is new to join you at your table. Make an effort to really get to know them.

Reach out to an author whose book you really admire or share a book review for an emerging author’s work. This is even more meaningful if you have a prominent platform. Help spread the word of their literary genius through social media!

Take the time to leave your honest thoughts on an article you’ve enjoyed. Let the writer know how they’ve touched your day and added more meaning to it.

If you’re an avid video game fan, help another less fortunate player out of a sticky situation without expecting anything in return. Or, make an offer to show beginners the ropes.

Slip some cash under a parking ticket and give a stranger and their budget some much needed wiggle room.

Let the person behind you in line at the grocery store go ahead, even if they have a bigger cart of items. This is especially kind if they have young kids or are elderly.

When you learn someone’s name, keep using it. This way, it’ll be imprinted in memory and you won’t worry about forgetting. If you’re unsure of pronunciation, ask immediately for clarification until you get it right. Keep in mind correct pronouns.

Purchase an item you’ve had your eye on directly from its maker. Buy your vegetables directly from their grower through farmers markets. When you shop from Amazon or Etsy, they take a percentage of the total sum of money you pay.

Send a card or future email to someone who needs a little pick me up.

Take the time to fill out a satisfaction survey for your favourite tried and tested brands after a customer service interaction. Praise the person who helped you and mention them by name so they are recognised.

Offer to grab a coffee with a friend or acquaintance looking to start a new job venture in your line of work.

When you meet someone who is new to town, offer up recommendations for the best restaurants, mechanics, schools, therapists, hairdressers and more.

Compliment someone’s dog as they walk by you or ask someone who fawns over yours if they want to pet them.

Familiarise yourself with cultural and religious holidays you don’t personally celebrate and share appropriate wishes with the people who do.

Find out the names of people you regularly see and greet them as such. Make your grocery store clerk, postman or doorman feel seen and heard!

Donate high quality and nutritious food to your local community fridge. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter.

Go out of your way to tell someone’s manager, especially if they’re a young person, that they’re excelling in their job. Offer that praise and be specific about their achievements!

Let a pedestrian cross in front of your car without creeping into the crosswalk while they’re still midway.

Draw a silly picture or write a funny limerick for a family member or friend to find. Start an inside joke.

Let a merging car into your lane and allow them plenty of room. Wave and smile if you’re feeling up to it!

Strike up a friendly and stimulating conversation with a cashier, especially if you’ve seen customers before you act in a dry manner. Ask how their day is going and respond with genuine interest.

If you’re leaving your parking spot, wave down a person who is looking for parking to let them know you’re leaving. Give them your ticket if there’s extra time left before it expires.

Slow down and hold the door open for the person behind you.

Start a spare change jar at your local laundromat for the next person waiting to do a load.

Pick some pretty wildflowers and create a small floral arrangement. Leave it on a stranger’s windshield or give it to a child.

Acts of Kindness for Yourself:

Moisturise your body with a scented lotion after your shower. Keep your skin hydrated and glowy!

Spend at least an hour each day in whatever indulgence pleases you. If you want to get outside, take a walk or meet a friend. If you want to read a book or take a nap, stay in.

Make your bed extra nicely with throw pillows and all. Make sure your bedding is freshly washed and fluffy.

Take a minute to engage in focused breath. No matter how busy or overwhelmed you feel in the moment, this will make a difference.

Write a list of things you are most grateful for about yourself. It may be your giving heart, warm smile or ability to make new friends wherever you go.

Make a backup of all your important records and organise any paperwork. Make sure you know where any essentials are. Labelling and a good filing system is critical!

Cancel plans that are weighing on you and take yourself out on a solo date. To the park with a picnic lunch is always a good idea. Bring your speakers and listen to dreamy music. Eat baguettes slices, pick at a cheese and meat board, sip bubbling kombucha and enjoy.

Print out the photos that show you doing the things you love. The ones that resonate and make you feel most at home. Frame them around your house as a reminder of the joy that exists in your life.

If means allow, skip the free movies on Netflix and rent a new release online from your favorite movie website. You deserve to watch the latest Blockbuster hit on your couch every now and then!

Speak up for yourself, even when it’s hard or feels uncomfortable. Be tactful and sensitive but honest enough to let your true feelings shine through. We all need advocating for at some point in time.