REBLOG from the Kindness Blog: 40 ways to be kind

1. Smiles are irresistible. Don’t hesitate to smile warmly at friends, family, colleagues and even…strangers.
2. Write hand-written thank-you notes. The notes don’t need to be an essay and people love to receive them. It’s the personal touch.
3. If you use public transport, it’s busy and there are no free seats, be the first to stand-up and let a weary traveller, pregnant woman or elderly person take rest.
4. Pay it forward – When you are in a coffee shop or café , maybe you could buy a coffee or cake in advance for the next customer that comes in. How tasty! Imagine what a sweet surprise that person will get when they discover that a kind stranger has paid it forward for them.
5. When you see a homeless person, think about how you might be able to help them in some way. Buy a nutritious lunch. Ask them if there is anything that they need. Give them a warm coat. Share a conversation. Spend some time. Listen. Engage.
6. That thing you’re going to sell. Why not give it away for free?
7. Send flowers unexpectedly. No reason needed. Just because.
8. Hold doors open. Even for people who are a little further away from the door than usual.
9. Make your colleagues/classmates a hot-drink. Expect nothing in return. Well…maybe some doughnuts.
10. Speaking of doughnuts…why not buy a bag  full and share them out in all directions.
11. Pay compliments.
12. Does someone owe you money? Forgive the debt.
13. When a person is talking to you _really_ listen to them.
14. Pass books on, especially the good ones or leave them in public places for others to find.
15. Ask elderly neighbours if they need anything doing.
16. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Regularly.
17. When you are served in a shop, bar, restaurant etc, make eye contact and sincerely thank the employee for their help.
18. Put coins in a meter, any meter, that’s about to expire.
19. If you know that someone is particularly busy, offer to take their dog for a walk.
20. When a thought of generosity arises within you, act on it. Don’t hold back. This is important.
21. If someone is struggling with money problems, find a way to secretly help them if you can. If not secretly, out in front.
22. Take a friend to dinner.
23. Stand up for others.
24. Stop complaining.
25. Standing in a queue? Let someone go before you.
26. Tell someone that they look nice.
27. Volunteer some time to help a charity or perhaps a homeless shelter.
28. Stop speaking ill of others. Let your words be kind.
29. Forgive a driver for their error on the road or their road rage directed at you.
30. Recycle.
31. Think of the people in your life…what help do they need with chores or tasks? Don’t wait to be asked.
32. Be the calm voice in a stressful situation.
33. Donate to your favourite charity.
34. Spend some time with a senior citizen living on their own.
35. Teach a child something you wish you knew at that age.
36. If a friend or family member is having a hard time, make sure they know that you are there for them and are available to talk and help.
37. Give Blood.
38. Donate to or volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
39. Encourage someone to pursue their dream.
40. “Please” and “Thank You”

Don't forget to reach out and spread the warmth with any of these simple #actsofkindness!  

Paul Walker

I am normally not the type of person to keep up with celebrities off screen, but Paul Walker was a different caliber of actor.  He is one of the few actors who used his fame and financial success to help others.  His death has affected many people for a lot of reasons.  If you've seen the news or read articles, you know that he was killed while attending a charity event for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines.  This was not his first charity event, nor was it his first act of kindness.  

I read an article yesterday that brought tears to my eyes.  Paul was in a jewelry store shopping, and a couple came in browsing engagement rings.  The man was a member of the armed forces, and he had just came home from a deployment: his soon-to-be fiance found the perfect ring in the perfect setting; but once they saw the price, it was not perfect or to be.  The $10,000 engagement ring was just outside of the soldier's budget and he told his girlfriend that they would need to keep looking.  Paul overheard the exchange and told the jeweler to put the engagement ring on his tab, and to keep him anonymous.  He didn't want the attention, or any recognition for his good deed - he just wanted to help someone for no reason other than it was a nice thing to do.  

To Paul's family I would like to send my condolences for your loss, and say that your son, brother, father, and friend, will be truly missed.  To my followers, please remember how easy it is to be kind (and free too!).  In memory of Paul Walker, let's all go spread kindness and remember to reach out and spread the warmth.

Article: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/paul-walkers-cause-of-death-traumatic-injury-and-burns-la-coroners-office-says/story-fn907478-1226775560682

The Kindness Blog

The kindness blog is a wonderful site that spotlights random acts of kindness.  If you are looking for a simple idea of how to be kind, please take a look at thekindnessblog.com 

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, so give thanks for what you have and loved ones. It's also a great day to do something nice for someone in need.  If you live in an area with a large homeless population, bring a few blankets and coats you don't use anymore (in good condition) and give them to a homeless person.  You can also bring some hot soup and a bottle of water.  Reach out and spread the warmth!

#KindnessExchange

Everyone knows the holidays are coming up, so take a second of your day to brighten someone else's!  Buy a homeless person a soup and a bottle of water, donate clothes, or just reach out and talk to someone who looks down.  Being kind is so easy to do!

You can follow Random Acts of Warmth on Twitter @RandActsOWarmth.  Follow us and learn what people are the world are doing to brighten the holidays for others!  You can also follow +Kindnessblog Smith to look at how they're spreading the joy!  

Happy holidays and don't forget to reach out and spread the warmth today and every day.