31 Ways to Spread Kindness and Compassion

At the end of the day, I find myself happier if I have done something to spread kindness or compassion to others. Of course, it doesn’t happen every day, but I recommend doing it often, especially if you start your day in a not-so-cheerful way.

Some days something can happen where you are that gives you a split second to act on it. Try to be aware and take action when that moment happens. Other ways to show compassion and kindness may take a little more planning or doing on your part. Spread kindness and compassion to strangers and people you know.

I believe everyone has heard about paying for the order of the person behind you in the drive-through. These ideas will give you options of other things to do. I hope you consider picking out a few items to do. I’m sure they will give your day a lift and probably a smile on your face.

Acts of kindness and compassion to strangers

Most of these are free ideas, but some will take a bit of money.

1. Help a stranger pick up something they have dropped.
2. Buy gift certificates for McDonalds, Taco Bell, etc. to give to someone that needs a meal. Please do not give them cash, which might be spent on drugs and alcohol.
3. Donate food to a local food bank.
4. Donate blood or platelets at your local blood bank. One donation can help up to three patients. Your blood can save a life. That’s the best thing you could give someone without it costing you a penny.
5. Donate clothes to a homeless shelter. You may not think of it, but there is a need for clothing that can be worn for a job interview.
6. Purchase a toy to donate to Toys for Tots or other local Toy Drives. Find toys on sale, store them in a closet, and donate them in November or December.
7. Volunteer to help serve Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner at a homeless shelter. You may have to sign up months ahead.
8. Ask your local library if they need a volunteer to read stories to the children.
9. Volunteer to work at an animal shelter.
10. Volunteer to do some maintenance at a Homeless Shelter.
11. Instead of selling insignificant items online (Facebook) give the items away free. There are free sites on Facebook.
12. Leave a post a note on the mirror of a public restroom. Leave a word of encouragement or an encouraging quote. Even a hand drawn happy face, could put a smile on a stranger’s face.

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.

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Kindness to people you know

Be a positive part of your community. Wearing a smile on your face alone can make a person’s day.

1. Donate items to rummage sales held to raise money for your local high school band, the local preschool, etc. Come back when they open to buy something.
2. Help a friend declutter her closet. You can be more honest about things than she might be.
3. Visit a friend who has been struggling lately. Maybe she/he hasn’t handled the Pandemic well. Or she is having a difficult time recovering from Covid. Or maybe she/he is newly retired and having a hard time adjusting.
4. Walk over to visit a neighbor who you haven’t seen in a while. Reconnecting to your neighbors is great for your community. It’s a way to feel safe at home, knowing your neighbors care about and are watching out for each other.
5. Visit a person in your church who is homebound.
6. Bring excess produce from your garden to your neighbors. If you have a sizeable amount, donate to a food bank or homeless shelter. This is especially appreciated if you have a tree with an abundance of fruit.
7. Help your elderly neighbor bring in their groceries. Bring their garbage can in from the curb. If they get a newspaper, maybe move it closer to their front door.
8. Prepare dinner for your parents at either their house or yours, depending on their health.

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

Mother Theresa

Kindness by mail

Mail has been replaced in many ways by emails. So take the time and send a letter or card through the mail. It’s usually a pleasant surprise to the recipient.

1. Send a get-well card to someone you know who is sick. Especially remember those who are fighting cancer or another disease that is keeping them from the normal life they used to enjoy.
2. Pick out a special Valentine’s card for each of your grandchildren and mail them.
3. Send a letter to a friend in another state. Update her about your life. Ask her questions about her life. Get to know each other better, again.
4. Send a birthday card to special people in your church. Maybe to the elderly that are home bound.
5. Write letters to your grandchildren. Ask them questions so they can answer back. Children love to send and receive letters. It is also great penmanship practice for them.

Compassion isn’t about solutions. It’s about giving all the love that you’ve got.

Cheryl Strayed

Kindness and compassion when you are out and about

Even a quick trip to the grocery store can result in an opportunity to spread kindness and compassion. So keep your eyes open for opportunities.

1. Go shopping and hold the door open for everyone that comes behind you.
2. Let someone behind you in line go ahead, since you aren’t in any hurry and they might be.
3. Let someone go ahead of you in a women’s restroom line. No one likes standing in line in a restroom. Especially consider the mother with two children who is clearly having a stressful experience.
4. Tip your server higher than usual and make his or her day.
5. Honestly complement a friend. No fluff, just the truth. It could be about their appearance or about the way they have been a blessing in your life.
6. Stop your car and watch if a child has had a bike mishap. Give them a chance to get up. If the child is hurt and no parent is available, render aid. Keep in mind that you are a stranger and you should not frighten a child that has been told the dangers of strangers.

Did anything resonate with you? Try to do at least one of these items this week. Also, please take a moment to comment in the reply section below, anything that I should add to this list or one of your favorite items I’ve listed that you try to do now and then.