Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Pay it forward with a cup o’ joe

Start your day with one of the most popular acts by paying for the coffee of the person behind you in the drivethrough.

2. Donate books to a free little library in your neighborhood

Have your children go through their old books and walk them over to one of these kiosks. (If you aren’t sure where to find one, go to the Bend OR Little Libraries Facebook page).

3. Return a grocery cart

Grab someone’s grocery cart on your way into the store and save them a trip.

4. Compliments are free

Say something nice to someone you know or even to a stranger walking by and watch that smile spread!

5. Text your love

Send a sweet text to a friend or family member just because.

6. Use social media for the good

It’s hard to resist posting memes that declare your disgust for those with different views, but change things up and use your social media to remind folks that they are loved and worthy of all good things. Show your kiddos that being kind to people you don’t necessarily jive with is just as important as being kind to the people you dig.

7. Reflect love

Write a message of self-love on the bathroom mirror with a dryerase marker. Remind your family that kindness is a gift we can give ourselves.

8. Lunchbox Love

Leave love notes in your child’s lunch box for a mid-day boost.

9. Be kind to the environment

Go on a walk with your kids and pick up trash. Better yet, pick up at least one piece of trash wherever you go.

10. Let someone cut

Let someone who is in a rush or who has fewer items in their cart go ahead of you in the grocery store checkout line.

11. Shoulder an extra load

Encourage your children to help a friend by carrying their school bag for them. You can model this by helping a peer or elderly person get their groceries or some other heavy load to their car.

12. Get trashy

Take your neighbor’s garbage can to the curb or bring it in for them after it has been emptied.

13. Tidy up

Do one of your family members’ chores for them without being asked.

14. Listen

No, really. Listen. When someone needs to talk, put the phone away, and give them your ear and your shoulder to cry on, if needed.

15. Volunteer

Central Oregon has a host of nonprofit organizations that need volunteers throughout the year (not just during the holidays). Sit down with your kids and list some that interest them. Your young pet lover might want to volunteer at the Humane Society, while your outdoor enthusiast might feel moved to help maintain trails.

CREATIVELY