Random Acts of Kindness

Do you want to make the world a better place? Then, be kind.....it really is that simple.

It doesn't take too much effort to be kind – nor does not cost anything in extending kindness to others.

Doing random acts of kindness can be an amazing remedy in changing negative experiences – both for yourself and the person you've shown kindness to... not only can you make someone’s day, but potentially change the course of a their life (possibly abit extreme, but you just never know).

If you’re a parent, try to set a positive example for your children - be compassionate, charitable, and thoughtful. These are such important values to learn in life...don't you think? And with parents leading by example and showing kindness at every opportunity, children will most likely follow in their parents footsteps and be kind human beings (well, I'd like to think this would happen).

Here are some random acts of kindness ideas that you can use to start making the world a better place.

Stop staring at your phone screen; put it down and take the time to actually engage with someone – have a face to face conversation with someone...rather than text, whatsapp or face book message.

Send a 'just because' package to a friend; send them something that would be happy that could possibly help boost positive feelings.

Hug someone; it's free and can improve someone’s mood.

Prepare a meal for a loved one or friend; a good old fashioned home-cooked meal can be a welcome break for them.

Change up your routine and offer someone a ride home; it doesn't take much to offer someone a lift home.

Treat someone to a movie; with nights like tight arse Tuesday, it makes going to the cinema affordable...who knows, you could maybe even go all out and buy the popcorn. What a perfect way to reconnect with a friend or family member.

After mowing your lawn, why not mow your neighbours...you know...just because.

Bake a cake or some cookies and share with your workmates; give it a theme such as Mental Health Monday – what better way to start the week than by taking five minutes out of your day, making a cuppa, enjoying a slice of cake or a bikkie and catching up on what your colleagues did over the weekend.

Volunteer at a shelter; most shelters are usually understaffed and by offering your time you are not only easing the workload, but it could be an opportunity to make a real difference in your life (not to mention the people or animals your helping.

Sign up to be the storyteller for kids’ story time at your local library or school; keep children’s vivid and wild imaginations alive by reading some of the old classics that have stood the test of time.

Keep the elevator door open for someone - by just waiting a few more seconds, you could actually be preventing someone from being late.

If you're musically inclined and can either plan an instrument or hold a tune, why not volunteer some time and entertain the residents in a nursing home.

Another freebie...smile at people; you could actually brighten someone’s day. Give “resting bitch face' the flick and have a smile as your default greeting.

When someone speaks, actually listen; in today's society 'mindful listening' is a dying act...our mind is either waiting for the perfect opportunity to jump in to talk about yourselves, or it's off elsewhere going through the list of a thousand things you still need to do today. Be a captive audience when someone is talking to you.

If you're in line at the supermarket with a shopping trolley FULL of groceries and the person behind you only has a couple of things – let them go ahead of you.

Say thank you - acknowledge the people who have helped you or even provided a service to you (it could be your local barrister, delivery person, maintenance person). Manners cost nothing.

If you're in a position to, pay for the lunch of the person standing behind you in line at your local cafe - you may just restore someone’s faith in humanity by changing their crap day into a great day...and who knows, one day they may return the favour to the person behind them, and buy their lunch. What a nice gesture to show...there are actually strangers out there who CARE.

Why not show the environment you care – buy a seedling and plant a tree. What the hell...why not plant several trees. Not are you only showing nature you care, but you're also showing future generations you care about them as well.

And last, but certainly not least; be kind to YOURSELF. It is important to show yourself kindness and practice self-care....you can't pour from an empty cup after all.

And isn’t our ultimate goal in life to 'live our best lives' and to 'be the best versions of ourselves'? So go on......throw kindness around like confetti and sprinkle that shit EVERYWHERE. Simples (by the way that needs to be said like the Meerkat from Compare the Market commercials).