Performing random acts of kindness may be new to you, so it’s possible you have no idea how to begin. That’s okay. Coming up with ideas can be tough. That’s why today’s blog post is packed full of things you can do to make someone else’s day a little brighter. Some of the activities will cost you nothing and take only a moment of your time. Others will be more in-depth. Choose whatever fits your comfort level and the occasion. Enjoy these examples of random acts of kindness to inspire you.

Kindness to Inspire

• Buy a bag of cat or dog food and donate to your local animal rescue.
• Share posts of animals looking for a home. Be sure to tag the shelter or rescue too.
• Volunteer at a local animal rescue or shelter.
• Clean up the trash in your neighborhood or at your favorite outdoor recreation spot like a park or beach. The wildlife will thank you for it.
• Fundraise by participating in a 5K, walk, or other sponsored activity.
• Donate old blankets and sheets to your local shelter.
• Send a thank you card or bring treats to the animal caregivers at veterinarian offices, shelters, and rescues.
• Check-in on a friend’s pet while they are at work.
• Hold the door open for the person behind you whose hands are full.
• Allow the shopper in the grocery line to move ahead of you if you only have a few items and their cart is full.
• Check on an elderly neighbor or shut-in.
• Donate your old clothes to charity.
• Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine.
• Give the new employee a tour of your work area or offer to sit with them at lunch.
• Volunteer at an animal shelter.
• Adopt a child or family during the holidays to give gifts to.
• Send a get-well card to someone, or even a card for no reason whatsoever.
• Ask for donations to your favorite charity instead of presents for your birthday.
• Smile at someone on the street.
• Give an unsolicited compliment.
• Pay for the person behind you in line at the drive-through.
• Let the manager of the store know when an associate gives you exceptional service.
• Leave kind notes in the dressing room to encourage body positivity.
• Send a note of thanks to someone who’s made a big difference in your life.
• Pay for someone’s layaway who hasn’t made a payment in a long while.
• Mow the lawn for elderly neighbors.
• Mentor a young person entering your profession.
• Help someone stranded on the side of the road.
• Take the time to listen to someone who is having a bad day.

Hopefully, this quick list will inspire you to begin sharing random acts of kindness with those around you. Pick one from the list or come up with an idea of your own, then just do it. See how you feel. Chances are you’ll be ready to do another one tomorrow