“Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” – Og Mandino
Whether we realize it or not, everyone we come across may be fighting a battle, they may be happier than they have ever been, or they may be somewhere in the middle. Regardless of what they may be going through, you should always be considerate of their feelings and grace them with as much love and kindness you possibly can. One act of kindness can come a long way.
It’s time we start being more considerate of those around us, here are some ways you can color our earth with kindness.
1. Smile at strangers
As they say, the best accessory to wear is a smile. Believe it or not, smiling at someone can truly brighten up their day. Sometimes all someone really wants to see is a friendly face.
2. Buy a cup of coffee for the person in back of you
I have done this before. However, it was for the person in line in front of me at Starbucks. So much joy was brought to the individual’s day all for the small cost of $2.50.
3. Donate your old clothes to a local charity
Take those pair of jeans that you’ve refused to wear for the past two years and give them to someone in need. There are so many different options as to where you can donate your clothing, whether it’s a charity or Goodwill, you will be helping out someone in need.
4. Hold the door for someone
Holding the door is such a polite gesture and it won’t use up much of your time either.
5. Leave a big tip to a server
Waiters and waitresses don’t always have it easy, they’re hard workers and they deserve appreciation. If you can afford it, leave a big tip for their service. You never know how much your tip was needed.
6. Compliment someone
If you like that woman’s shoes, tell her! If you think that boy has nice eyes, tell him! A compliment can boost someone’s self-esteem drastically and there’s nothing more beautiful than a person with high self-confidence.
7. Help elderly people
If you spot an elderly person struggling to carry their groceries or crossing the street, offer to help them. They will greatly appreciate it. When you get older you would want someone to do the same for you.
8. Tell someone how wonderful they are
It doesn’t have to be their birthday or some holiday, if you truly care for someone, appreciate them, or think they’re so lovely, then TELL THEM!! Randomly showing appreciation for someone can bring so much joy into their heart, it’s such an incredible thing to do for someone.
9. Be gentle with your words
A lot of the times we are insensitive with the words we use and the way we say things, that needs to change. Always try to aim to say things in the nicest way possible.
10. Always say “thank you”
When the waiter gives you your food, say “thank you”. When the cashier gives you your receipt, say “thank you”. When someone holds the door for you, say “thank you”. Always be polite to those around you.
There are so many simple ways to make this world a better place. Go out there and make someone’s day!
