It’s often said, “When people know better, they do better.” When we learn what a random act of kindness is and actually make a practice of them for others – we literally change one life at a time. These 26 acts of kindness examples will inspire, encourage and celebrate you for choosing to make a difference in another’s life!
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Edmund Burke
So… What Is A Random Act of Kindness, exactly?
…. they’re my favorite thing in the whole world! (no, really!) But I’ll get serious and explain this a little bit better.
A random act of kindness is any spontaneous act of helpfulness, thoughtfulness, charity, love or care given without expecting anything in return. If you can think of a way to be kind and/or thoughtful, it is eligible to be a random act of kindness!
Random acts of kindness can be done for strangers and friends or family alike. Anyone and everyone can experience change in their lives from the impact of giving and receiving these beautiful, selfless acts of care & compassion.
So, where did the ‘official’ idea behind random acts of kindness come from then? It is believed somewhere around 1982, Anne Herbert, a writer from Ohio & California, wrote on a restaurant place mat, “practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.”
I’d venture to bet that random acts of kindness have been happening on planet Earth since the beginning of time. Though it didn’t have a phrase coined for it, there were still soft-hearted people seeking to change their world one act of love at a time.
What’s even better is that you and I can carry on this beautiful tradition for many more generations. We can choose to do good for someone else each and every day!
Never Underestimate the Power of Kindness
Y’all, people are hurting…everywhere!
Some are just getting or living with medical diagnoses that change their life and their loved ones lives forever.
Parents are suffering with their children that are making terrible decisions.
Others have just learned that they are being ‘let go’ from their jobs and have no clue how they will support themselves or their families. God forbid they are already working 2 and 3 jobs trying to make ends meet and still can’t! Imagine the pure exhaustion they experience every single day.
Maybe someone’s marriage or relationship is falling apart and they feel totally helpless to change the situation.
We have homeless and hungry people all over the globe. Most of us can’t stand to be hungry more than an hour! Or when we lose our heating or air conditioning … look out! It’s easy to forget that so many people have neither of those luxuries.
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The elderly and disabled individuals who have no one to count on. Just getting across the street is a BIG deal for them. One that is fraught with danger. How many places don’t even have handicap accessibility?
How many races and ethnicities are treated with contempt, hate and malice simply because of the color of their skin? (sigh) God help us all, people!
When you extend your heart to another hurting human being through a random act of kindness, you offer hope. Perhaps hope they had once lost.
Your ‘simple’, selfless act of kindness could be what makes someone choose life over death. You could turn their seemingly hopeless situation into one of possibility. Your act of kindness could single-handedly restore their faith in humanity.
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I’ll be completely honest with you. Random acts of kindness are the most joyous and fulfilling acts you will ever do. My entire day or week has been made by making someone else’s day. Yours can be the same.
Considering these above scenarios alone, how many people could you extend an act of kindness to?
Kindness is contagious. So is rudeness. Which will you pick?
Need Inspiration? These 26 Heartwarming Acts of Kindness Might Help!
In no particular order, here are 26 easy to do acts of kindness ideas that might inspire you to find ways to bless those around you too.
#1 – Take the time to listen to someone who needs a compassionate ear. Instead of rushing about your day, notice when someone is upset. Ask them sincerely, “Are you ok?” and wait for the answer. You might be just who they need! Simply be present. Just listen.
#2 – Go out of your way to be polite and grateful for anyone who is in service to you. Say thank you for what you do! I appreciate you! Whether that’s the person picking up the trash, making your coffee, driving the taxi or working for you doing various tasks. Expressing your gratitude for them goes a really long way when it’s heartfelt.
#3 – Offer to pray for someone who is feeling down and discouraged. Prayer is power!
#4 – Help an elderly or disabled person with their daily tasks: walking, crossing the street, getting groceries, etc.
#5 – Love someone? Leave a heartfelt note letting them know you care, appreciate them and respect them. You are guaranteed to make more than their day!
Relationships are like bank accounts. You get out of them only what you put in! When you withdraw too much without depositing, you’re in trouble! #wisdom #relationships
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#6 – Take food, clothing, hygiene necessities or blankets to a homeless person. You never know what they’ve been through!
# 7 – Fix a problem for someone else. Bill need to be paid? Parents need a date away from the kids? Charity needing donations to complete a project? Nothing is too small or big to consider.
#8 – Send thank you cards to our military men and women. Or sweet & funny cards to hospitalized kids.
#9 – Have a really great experience with someone in customer service? Contact their supervisor and acknowledge their exceptional work!
#10 – Everyone around you gossiping? Crash their party by sticking up for the one they’re gossiping about. It could have been you they were talking about, ya know! Empathy goes a long, long ways….
#11 – Treat a friend or loved one out to a quick lunch or a nice dinner just to catch up and say “I’m thinking of you and I value our relationship.” Maybe even consider making lunch or dinner yourself for them; especially if they have specific dietary needs.
#12 – Bake cookies or other yummies for your local fire department, teachers and police officers. Let them know you appreciate all their dedication to you and your family!
#13 – Visit your local nursing home and spend some time with the residents. Many of these precious people have absolutely no one coming to visit them. The joy you will bring to their lives can’t be expressed with words!
#14 – Donate gently used and like new items to the local shelters in your area. Reach out to these shelters especially around the holidays to see what needs they have. You could give these kids a Christmas they’ve never had! Christmas for Kids is a good example.
#15 – Offer patience. You never know what kind of battle someone is facing. They may be suffering from severe depression, chronic invisible pain, problems at home, anything at all. Often, the most angry people among us are the ones who are hurting the most.
#16 – Know a friend trying to get a business up & running? Help spread the word! Purchase something from them and help them realize their dream is worth achieving!
#17 – Get off the phone! So many people now spend their whole lives looking down at their smartphones. Put it away. Be physically AND emotionally present with those you care about. You might be surprised how much better you feel.
#18 – Be the friend to the ‘underdog.’ Take time to see the value in someone when everyone else thinks they’re ‘not worth it.’ Get to know them. You just might find your new best friend!
#19 – See an animal in need? Take them in if possible. If not, provide them with food, water or shelter. Tell others about it and try to find its forever home.
#20 – Know of a family in dire need? Offer to pay their grocery bill, light bill or other expense. It could mean they have the chance to stay in their home! See if you can find ways to help get them back on their feet.
#21 – SMILE! Mother Teresa said it best: ” We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” A genuine smile straight from the heart can turn someone’s day from dark to light. I’ve witnessed this myself over and over again.
#22 – Consider sending flowers just because you can. Any time I have received flowers as a surprise, it has really touched my heart! Sending flowers is a powerful way to communicate friendship and affection.
#23 – We all like to save money, right?? I do! If you know of a great coupon or current deal, share it with people!
#24 – Give someone you love a hug! They are extremely healing and increase the bond between two people.
#25 – Hold the door for someone. And please, be sure to help in any way needed if this person has a disability.
#26 – Going to a hotel? Leave a note in the nightstand that reminds someone how valuable and special they are. Not planning to visit a hotel any time soon? Leave encouraging, positive and uplifting notes around town at random! It is guaranteed to make someone’s day!
These 26 Acts of Kindness Take Little Time But Make A Big Difference
My personal favorite is paying for the person’s meal or coffee behind me in line. What if that person you pay for is wondering how they were going to keep feeding their family? No matter what we’re going through, someone always has it worse than us.
The radio station I listen to most often, Spirit FM, has a program called, “Drive Thru Difference.” It encourages people to do just that – pay for the meal of the vehicle behind them. It creates a train of gratitude, reaching far beyond that day. Such an act of kindness is not easily forgotten!
Who knows, this might turn into a blog series. There are endless ways for which we can take a moment of our lives and forever change someone else’s.
I have often said – we may not remember what we did for someone several years ago. Yet for the one who received your kindness, they might remember it for a lifetime.
My best advice? Give to someone else what you wish you had. You just might be surprised how what you sow comes back to you multiplied. When you sow love, compassion, joy, and kindness – you will reap that and more! (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Do you have a personal favorite out of these 26 acts of kindness listed? What is your favorite way to show empathy for your fellow humans? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you also for sharing this article on social media. All of us together doing the right thing can change the world – one heart at a time. Join me, will you?
If you’d love to do more, please visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Their mission is one to stand behind. 💕
Kindest Regards,
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24 KJV
Hey there friend! (Sorry to have been out of touch. It’s been a rough go here lately. I hope you are well?)
I adore that Scripture. It is one of my very favorites. So much truth packed in a few words. ❤
I’ve been good! Hope things get better for you!
Aww this is such a lovely, heart-warming post! I’d agree, I think these ‘random acts of kindness’ have been going on since the dawn of time but didn’t have the label attached. Goodness and compassion are to be shared, and the world would be such a brighter place with a little more kindness going around. “When you extend your heart to another hurting human being through a random act of kindness, you offer hope” – that is such a beautiful way to put it. I love the range of things you’ve suggested as examples, there’s something for everyone, big and small, lots of doable things that can make a big difference. Even things like no.15 offering patience, and no.14 donating to shelters (or charity shops). Such an incredible post, Holly. It just shows what a warm heart you have, you’re a beautiful soul ♥
Caz xxxx
I love what you said, “Goodness and compassion are to be shared, and the world would would be such a brighter place with a little more kindness going around.” Amen Caz, I totally agree with you! ❤
We really do assume too much. I know, I’m guilty too. I think at different points, we all are. Thinking we know why someone’s behavior is a certain way when in reality, we haven’t a clue!
I am grateful you felt the list was expansive. What you wrote about there being something for everyone is exactly what I was shooting for. 😉
Your comments always mean so much to me Caz. Thank you for the encouragement and extremely kind words. You are a beautiful soul yourself! ♥
An amazing post dear. We are filled with so much blessings that it won’t hurt to share with others. Knowing about all the misfortunes in this world you might just be the one to save someone. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.
Aw Bridget! That was so kind of you to say! Indeed, but for the grace of God go I…. it’s a true saying. It could easily be us and we would need someone. Why not be the one for someone else if we have the ability? Many blessings to you! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! ♥
These are all such wonderful ideas! I love the cards for kids. I think I’m going to do that with my daughter. It would be a great way to do something for someone else at Christmas. We could make it a tradition! Whenever I’m in the grocery store I always try to compliment someone or at least smile and say hello. It means so much to me to see their faces light up and a smile on their lips. They could have been having the worst day, but just that small gesture could really change their outlook.
Aww! I love that idea of you and your daughter making a tradition out of making cards for other kids. That is very sweet. With your creative talents, those kids would definitely be getting a big treat 🙂
I love your idea too about being in the grocery store and complimenting or smiling at someone. Isn’t it amazing how big of a change you can see in someone’s countenance? How could we possibly not walk away with more joy in our hearts by seeing the effect our kindness has had? You said it perfectly – that small gesture could be everything to that one person, forever changing how they feel about themselves. That’s a really big deal! 😉 God bless you for being such a light in this world my friend. You’re awesome! ❤
This is such a sweet post Holly. I have several favorites too, like number #10, don’t know how many times this has happened in my life with one family member and number #12 is a good one. I have been giving out cookies to neighbors for years but this year along with the neighbors I thought it would be nice to give some to the firefighters in our area as well. Thank you for the coupon (#23) and especially for spreading kindness out there. We do need more of that.
You are just so precious! Your heart is filled with goodness. It really is! 💕
I think #10 is a big one. If more people stood up for the ‘underdogs’ in this world, I believe we would see our cultural ‘norms’ shift for the better. There is so much bullying going on. (sigh) And I love that you have been giving out cookies. What a sweetheart you are. Those gestures mean more than we will ever know. 🤗
You’ve warmed my heart. Thank you for being you and for spreading kindness everywhere you go.
I added you in one of my grateful tags (Sundays post coming up) and also this post will be coming up in my favorites for the month of November, which I still need to write up. Been a bit busy lately. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I have missed you! It has been chaos here as well. I am hopelessly behind on absolutely everything. I’m so sorry!
I truly cherish your friendship and am grateful to have met you. Thank you so much with my whole heart for all you’ve done to mention me on your blog. You are so precious! 🤗
Happy Thanksgiving dear friend to you and your family as well. I’m thankful to have met you and look forward to getting to know you better!
Sincerely, Holly 💕
My response to this post is in line. Not as in ‘in line reply’ to an email. In line as in : this is in line with everything I believe in, strive daily to achieve, and have the desire to do so much more of!
Holly! I LOVE this post. So well written and very beautifully put.
The world needs more people doing things like this – but for now, even if there are but a handful of individuals, it will still make a difference. 🙂
Where I am from, the opportunities are endless. There are more people hurting around here than anything else. It’s heartbreaking. 🙁
So I’ll keep doing my part, and I may not change the world but I can change a life…and that’s a victory in itself 😉
Thank you for this great blog post!
You just absolutely made my day! Thank you for such a thoughtful reply to my post! 🤗
I love what you said – even if we don’t have too many people on the ‘kindness train,’ those of us who are – can still make a difference! I am grateful you too believe that life is only worth living if we care for others as well. It breaks my heart just to hear of what you describe – so many people being in need where you are. It’s so easy to get lost emotionally in the overwhelming need around us and knowing we can’t save/help everyone.
I adore your heart and what you stand for. THANK YOU for seeing what actually matters in this world. We need you and I promise you – your life matters more than you will ever know on this side of Heaven. You are most certainly victorious and I believe greater things are yet to come for you 💕
And this reply made me cry. They’re more than just kind words – you have touched the depths of my soul with what you have said. I really needed to see this message this morning – THANK YOU! 🙂
My passion is people – and I’ve been shown many a time that that is my purpose too. I’m still ‘feeling my way around’ with this knowledge – but He has a plan 😉
I’m not being dishonest when I say that I really DO believe that my day has been wasted if I can’t touch at least one life in a positive way. Small steps 😉
Much love to you, and an abundance of the best kind of blessings on you today too x
Such a very beautiful post!
#3 and #15 stood out to me in particular as things I’m definitely trying to practice more. Prayer and patience. So many folks are broken and hurting in this world. Prayer truly is powerful and sometimes folks just need a patient and listening ear… and someone who will stand next to them and love them even if it seems they are acting mean or “ugly”. Their anger may stem from a deep wound that needs healing.
Anyway, stepping down from my soapbox now 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Aww! Thank you so much for this thoughtful reply! 🤗
I don’t think you were on your soapbox at all 🙂 I completely agree with you! People really are hurting indeed and we never know what kind of battle they’re facing in life. We never know their story or what they’ve been through until we really take the time to find out – through being patient! I know, it is easier said than done sometimes. But if we try and ask Holy Spirit to help us, that’s what counts. Over time, it becomes much easier to automatically see the reason behind the behavior.
I enjoyed your comment so much. Thank you for sharing your heart & thoughts with me ♥
This are key ways. Love this most “give that which you wish you had”. This works for me a lot. Like when I am feeling sad and led to pray or reach out to people. I in turn get healed of the pain or ache I feel and relive flows in.
I am so sorry that I’m just now seeing this beautiful reply! Thank you! I agree wholeheartedly with you. God really does work that way – we really do reap what we sow. What we make happen for others, He makes sure to make happen for us. It’s a beautiful blessing!
All my love to you. Thanks again! 🤗
Smiles. There is no problem. 😊
So sorry from my end too for the late reply. 🙈
Yes. I can’t agree more. 💯
Totally and it comes in ripple effect.
Aww aww. 😊
Love you too ma’am. ❤
You are welcome. 🤗
[…] Do a random act of kindness […]
You are so kind Michelle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🤗
This is beautiful Holly!
Thank you so much! Your kind words have touched my heart! 🤗
This reminds me of a commercial that I saw on tv where they had people show random act of kindness to someone. Seeing others giving kindness just makes your heart warm and comfort.
So nice to hear from you! I agree – kindness does warm our hearts like nothing else can. We literally have the ability to radically change a life, all by what we speak and do. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! ♥
[…] and ‘status’ in life don’t impress me one bit. Have a beautiful heart and treat people with kindness? You are someone I can […]
Holly, I loved this post! Such inspiration. I have always been #18, and have raised my children this way as well. I am very blessed to have three loving and caring human beings that care and respect the underdog!
Christina, I am so proud of you for being a great Mama! Raising your kids to love and care for others is a blessing not seen often enough in this world. You are awesome!
Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your thoughtful reply, for sharing this post and for being you! Keep on being beautiful you! 💕
Thank you Holly! Your words are so encouraging. I love your posts! ❤️
[…] We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. […]
Beautifully written! You are so right, kindness can go so far and we never know how much of an impact we can make on others 💖
Amen to that my friend, amen! 💕 Thank you so much for your beautiful reply!
[…] We have to be honest with ourselves and examine our own behavioral patterns. What toxic thinking are we passing on? Are we showing unconditional love, acceptance and kindness for ALL peoples? […]
“Kindness is contagious. So is rudeness. Which will you pick?” What a great way to put this idea out there! Thanks for another great post.
Joan
In Pursuit of Happiness
https://kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com
Twitter: @kindcompascoach
Amen! Isn’t that an incredible thought? Thank you for being here, my friend! I value you more than you know! ♥️
Those “I-love-and-appreciate-you” notes are a real treasure. I have several of them on my kitchen windowsill. They’ve been there for years.
I wholeheartedly agree with you. They are pure gold to be treasured. It really is the ‘simple’ moments in life that mean so much, isn’t it? It warms my heart to hear you have these special notes to recall how loved you are! ♥️ It sure is wonderful to hear from you!
Your “like” button doesn’t seem to be working for me, so I’ll just say ” 😉 “
So sorry about that. There’s some kind of technical issue that has been going on for months now. Not sure what’s wrong but I sure do hope it gets fixed in the near future.
Here’s a song that has been a recent favorite of mine, on the same subject. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/dOBaLrItEyc
I always enjoyed the lyrics from that song too! Great minds think alike. We can never underestimate the hearts of compassion and encouragement the Lord has given us. One word, one smile, one kind gesture can change the trajectory of someone’s life. We have far more power through the love of Christ than we realize! ♥ Thank you for sharing, my friend!
Dear Holly, What a lovely post. It’s exactly what the world needs right now. Random acts of kindness – nothing else can replace it. I love the way you write and express yourself. I hope that lots of people get inspired by your post. Thank you so much for all your love and caring. Stay safe!
Aw! You are so sweet my friend, thank you! You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers! ♥️ I wholeheartedly agree with you – acts of kindness spread love in a world that is desperately in need of that very thing!
Your kind remarks about my writing have made my day, genuinely. I’m such a tough critic of myself and hearing what you said makes me smile! Thank you with my whole heart! 🤗 Sending my love to you and yours, today and always!
[…] we focus on grows. The next chance you get, offer a random act of kindness and see how different you […]
[…] always have to be money, either. It could also be your time. I encourage you; do what you can to be a blessing to others. Not only will you feel happier and healthier, but you’ll also find that your own […]
[…] 26 Acts of Kindness Examples To Uplift & Inspire […]