I’m sure you’ve seen this all over…a new wave of “pay it forward” and doing small things for others to help brighten someone else’s day. It’s something I thought about including on my new year’s resolutions, but this isn’t something I want to do for 2013, but more something I’d like for a more long-term goal.
I’ve perused all sorts of sites and blogs for inspiration and ideas to put my ideas to work, and here is a list I put together to get us all thinking of how we can help others:
- Pay for the person’s coffee/meal/etc for the car behind you in line at the drive-thru
- Fill someone’s parking meter that’s about to expire
- Compliment a stranger
- Volunteer at a local nursing home
- Let the person who seems like they are in a hurry in front of you in line
- Hold the door open for someone (especially the elderly, someone with a baby, etc)
- Send a friend a handwritten letter
- Donate your old coats, gloves, and scarves to a local homeless shelter
- Walk your shopping cart back to the entrance of the store
- Send a care package to a soldier
- Bring a friend/co-worker/colleague a meal if they’ve had a major life event (had a baby, moved, got married, etc)
- Take treats to your local fire station
- Leave nice comments on blogs, Twitter, and Facebook
- Tip generously
- Smile to people you pass by
- Drop quarters on the sidewalk for people to find
- Buy dog/cat food and take it to the animal shelter
- Become an organ donor
- Post a positive comment on someone’s blog
- Donate your kids unused or outgrown toys
- Go to your neighbors house during the holidays to drop off baked goods and sing a carol or two
- Leave your mailman a nice little surprise in the mailbox
- Drop off a gift for a child in the hospital
- Donate blood if you can
- Offer to babysit a family member’s or friends kids so they can have a night out
I know this is just a short sampling of the many things each of us can do to help others…sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest impact to someone’s day and I am going to try to incorporate as much as I can. You never know when the kindness might be given to you đ
And if y’all have any other ideas to add to this list, PLEASE send them my way!
Something I have tried to do is strike up a conversation with the gal who checks me out at the grocery store. So often they are "ignored" and they have to deal with so many grumpy people! I always try to thank the person behind the register and let them know they aren't invisible!
Last week when my son and I had the flu, I was so touched by my friends. They checked in on me and offered to help in anyway they could. Their thoughtfulness really brightened my week!
I never thought of dropping quarters, I like that one!
I did 28 acts of kindness for my 28th birthday and it was amazing. I'm doing it again this year for my 30th.
This is so wonderful:)
i love this list! i've wanted to pay for the next person in line at starbucks, but have yet to do it! you may have just inspired me to do just that and maybe more!
What a great idea! Tackling this list with your children would be such a great lesson for them. Thanks for the inspiration!
this is a great list love! Thanks for the inspiration!
our brand new precious puppy has been in the hospital since yesterday morning and i have been overwhelmed with the support of our friends and family. tiny gestures mean the most and i love this list!
i especially love the treat for the mailman, and i'll definitely do it!
This is such a good list of ideas! đ
What a great list!!! We are frequent "pay for the person behind us"-ers…it always comes back to us with good karma, so it's a win-win!! I think it's great to make this a life-long resolution instead of just a year. đ
I love this idea! I've had this done for me several times recently and I totally need to repay the favor.
I love this! Someone paid for my toll once years ago and I have never forgotten it- I am going to try and accomplish some of these this year:)
Love this! I've tried to start sending my friends that I don't get to see very often morning text wishing them a great day!
I have always wanted to pay for the person's meal behind me at the drive through but always seem to forget when I'm actually there.
Love this!! I've also started doing random acts of kindness as well! I'm getting ready to do an "update" post on what things we've done so far. My absolute favorite one was when I was at a grocery store checking out. I bought a $10 gift card to the store and turned around and handed it to the family behind us and then handed the cashier/bag guy a $5 gift card to Starbucks. Their reactions were priceless and it just reminded me that we all need to pay it forward every once in a while. Good luck! Can't wait to hear how your acts of kindness go! đ
I love this. I have tried so hard to be a more kind person. I know Lainey will notice and will feed off of the attitude I have towards others. It's important to teach kids to be kind.
Great list…thank you! I had someone ahead of me pay for my coffee this holiday season. It really made my day. Time for me to pay it forward! đ
I paid for someone's drink at Starbucks the other day. It felt so good.
I paid for someone's drink at Starbucks the other day. It felt so good.
I just had someone ahead of me in the coffee drive through buy ky drinks today. I did it for the person behind me and hope it is still going on! A simple gesture made my day!
love the dropping quarters idea!
So inspirational! I always remember to tip restaurant servers well and compliment their service because I used to be a waitress and know how rude some people can be!
BOY OR GIRL TELL ME TELL ME TELL ME!!!!
And I love this list you are such a sweetheart!! This world needs more Natasha's! (mainly cause I love saying your name! đ
I love this list! Such a neat idea and easy way to impact someone's day!