Are you feeling a little Scrooge-ish or Grinch-ish today? This is supposed to be a season of joy, yet it’s easy to feel annoyed, frustrated, and resentful at the crowds, long lines, and grumpy workers, not to mention the extra holiday expectations and expenses we face. We’re all a bit impatient and stressed—which is why it’s important to intentionally share a gift of kindness with those you interact with.
You and I cannot fix other people’s attitudes. We cannot solve the nation’s supply chain issues or staffing shortages. We can, however, be a light of kindness and compassion to those we meet. And, we can intentionally extend a gift of kindness to the people around us who are as stressed and weary as we are.
Who knows when a simple gift of kindness will make all the difference in someone’s life today.
11 simple (and free) ways to give a gift of kindness
Today, as you go about your day, you can intentionally spread love and goodwill by giving people a simple kind word or extending grace instead of getting upset.
- Start your day with gratitude. When we get our mindset firmly planted in the truth of all we have to be thankful for, it helps us see past petty annoyances to the good events of our day. An attitude of gratitude will help you remain positive even when others aren’t.
- Resist the temptation to complain. Yes, I know there’s lots to complain about, but let’s be honest. Does complaining fix anything? Rarely. And it certainly doesn’t spread joy and peace to others. So, instead of exercising your “right” to complain, choose to be unoffendable and extend forgiveness, instead.
- Look for reasons to praise, instead. We see what we look for. When we look for the positive instead of the negative, we will notice more of it. (Yay!) So then, make a conscious effort to notice praiseworthy things, and then share what you see with someone. That will make both your days a little bit easier.
- Speak kind words to service personnel. Even if they aren’t nice. Or polite. Or as fast as you’d like. Consider how many impatient and demanding customers they’ve dealt with today. Surprise them by a kind word. Even if they don’t smile or acknowledge it, they hear you.
- Pick up some trash and throw it away. It’s not your job, but it shows you care. You’ve just made the world a little bit nicer for the next person. Thanks!
- Let someone else go first. Man has no greater love than to let someone else go ahead of them in line. But when you do, it can bless the socks off someone. Try it.
- Share smiles with everyone. Because we can all use a cheerful face. It doesn’t matter whether they smile back or not. A smile says you notice them. A smile says you see value and dignity in them. And smiles can be contagious, so start a trend.
- Pitch in and help someone with a task. Surprise a family member or coworker by taking care of some small task that isn’t your responsibility. Empty the dishwasher. Put more paper in the copier. Tend to a customer while they’re busy with another. Who knows when your little bit of effort will make a huge impact on someone’s day.
- Leave a positive review for a local business. This time of year, when everyone is harried and hurried, people are more likely to air their gripes than their praise. Be unconventional and counteract that tendency by taking the time to leave a positive review on Google or other sites.
- Perform a small act of kindness. Hold the door for someone. Do a coworker a small favor. Help a fellow shopper get an item they can’t reach.
- Thank others for their kindness or assistance. Be sure to acknowledge everyone else who is doing what they can to spread gifts of kindness. The more we encourage each other, the more everyone wins.
How many gifts of kindness can you give today?
How will you give a gift of kindness to the next person you meet today? May God give you the patience, love, and joy to spread kindness to all you meet this week.
