10 Random Acts of Kindness Everyone knows the month of February to be the month of love, largely because of the hugely popular holiday, Valentine’s Day. But there’s another holiday in the month of February that is just as impactful, yet doesn’t get nearly the amount of attention it deserves, and that is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. National Acts of Kindness Day is February 17. And in honor of the holiday, we’ve come up with 10 random acts of kindness that you can do. Read on. 1. Feed The Meter: There’s nothing more frustrating than coming out to your car, just shy of a few minutes after your meter’s run out, only to find a ticket. Adding money to the meter is great because it costs very little to do. Who knows? Maybe someone will return the favor one day. 2. Pay For Someone’s Meal: If you’re going to a fast food place, or the coffee shop, consider paying for the person behind you. Although you might not get to see their reaction, you may set off a ripple effect. That person could decide to pay for the person behind them, and the kindness continues! 3. Babysit For Free: Do you have any friends or family members with kids? Offer to babysit them for the day or evening, so they can enjoy some free time on their own. While children are amazing, all parents could appreciate some personal time to themselves. It’s all about self-care. 4. Write a Love Note: Acts of Kindness don’t have to cost a thing. If you’re low on funds, write the people in your life a note, expressing how much you appreciate them. You could always accompany it with a piece of candy, but your kind words should be impactful enough. 5. Leave a Generous Tip: If you’ve got the money to spare, the next time you dine out, leave a little more than the 20 percent. Many people don’t realize that most servers make less than $5.00 an hour. Not only will this server be incredibly grateful, but they’ll also remember you forever and likely give great service every time thereafter. 6. Teach a Skill: What are you great at that you know you could show someone how to do? Show someone how to do something for free. Are you great at playing the piano? Teach that. Physically fit? Lead an exercise class? Know how to ride a bike? Show a child the way. Your options are endless. 7. Cool a Meal: Who doesn’t love a free meal? If you’re handy in the kitchen, cook a meal, or baked goodies, and bring them to someone who could use it. These could be friends or family members. If you can’t cook, purchase some goodies and hand those out too. Firefighters love baked goods, and they’re cute too!
8. Quality Time: Time is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give someone. If you’re constantly bogged down by your work or distracted by the phone, put those things to the side for someone you love today. A memorable experience is something that can imprinted in the mind for a lifetime. 9. Smile, Say Hi, Engage: Because of social media, people have really lost the ability to interact one on one. Smile at strangers. Strike up a conversation with someone you do, or don’t know. You never know where those conversations may take you. Whatever you do, make the effort to connect and genuinely be present in your interactions today. 10. Volunteer Somewhere: If you’ve run out of ideas, consider volunteering somewhere for the day. You could go to an old folk’s home, or find out if there’s an after school program for kids where you can lend your services. There are a ton of volunteer organizations that would love to have your help. Let Google show you the way. Doing a random act of kindness is great for both the giver and the receiver. And the best thing about it is, it’s a language that anyone can understand. In the words of Scott Adams, “remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” So what one thing are you going to do to spread a little joy today? Your heart thanks you in advance.