We all need a little more kindness in our day

It’s World Kindness Day and in 2020 more than ever, we need to spread kindness far and wide. We’ve seen some incredible acts of kindness and generosity in our community and it’s so uplifting. From kind words to helpful gestures, acts of support that keep the world turning and show one another that someone is there and they care.

This is a day that encourages random acts of kindness. Thoughtful little things that are done without prompting and without want of acknowledgement to make someone else’s day a little better and a little brighter. Especially in times of challenge and grief, these small moments can make one’s day.

Here are some ideas for how you can start to include random acts of kindness in your day. They not only brighten up the day of the receiver, but they can also leave you with the warm and fuzzies too.

Text a thoughtful message

It’s quick, it’s easy and it can put a smile on someone’s face. We’re so often messaging about what we have to do, where we’re going to meet or some other mundane day to day activity. Why not brighten someone’s day with a little note to let them know you’re thinking of them.

You could send something as simple as a love heart emoji or a smiley face, for no other reason then you want the receiver to smile when they see it.

Get creative and send a GIF, a joke, a poem or an inspirational quote. You could also go back to basics and just send a little “Love you” or “thinking of you”. Simple, sweet and kind.

Pay it forward

Such a great concept and a sure way to surprise and delight someone is to pay for their goods in advance. Some coffee shops and restaurants have this as a formal offering, where you can buy an extra coffee or meal and the next person who comes in can receive it.

This program is also available in some places for the homeless or less fortunate. Someone might come in asking for change or perhaps just not have enough to pay for their coffee, the team members can use one of these “pay it forward” credits for that customer so they can enjoy a hot drink or meal.

It doesn’t have to be a lot of money, just a few extra dollars and you can help put the pep in someone’s step for the day.

Write a letter

In this modern day of email and mobile communication, we so rarely now write physical letters or cards to our friends and loved ones. A letter sent for no apparent reason can be such a joy to receive in the post. It shows that thought, care and time were put into the words – even if it’s a simple “writing to say hello and thinking of you”.

For a little more of the random act, why not write a letter to a stranger. You could leave it in a coffee shop, a library or on a park bench. In the letter, you can share some kind words, a poem, a quote or a simple message. What an amazing thing to stumble across in the course of your day, a thoughtful message from the universe in handwriting.

Have fun with it and imagine what joy it will bring to the receiver.

Send flowers

This has to be the universal sign for “I’m thinking of you”. Whether it’s a big bouquet from a florist, or a posy of wildflowers picked on the way to a friend’s house, receiving flowers can truly be such a joyful lift in the day.

You might even decide to drop them on someone’s doorstep, a complete stranger, who can then open the door to some beautiful flowers. That’s the random part and the beautiful part.

If you’d like to brighten the day of a loved one, our on-site florist has an amazing selection of flowers available for online purchase. Take a look here to choose the perfect bunch.

Give someone a compliment

A simple gesture that can truly make someone’s day. How do you feel when you receive a compliment?

Why not share that joy with someone else. “Love your hair” or “what a nice bag you have” or “you’re doing a great job, thanks so much”. All these little phrases can help so much. Especially to those in service jobs. So next time you’re in a café, at the train station or visiting the post office – pay the team there a little compliment and give them some thanks. It certainly goes a long way.