Positive News

Though kindness is free, the world is still in dire need of it. So, at all times, be the good Samaritan. Choose to be kind even to the people you don’t know and without expecting anything in return.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some random acts of kindness you can do today:

1. Encourage someone who seems down.
2. Pick up your trash.
3. Say “please” and “thank you” – and mean it.
4. Volunteer or donate to the causes you believe in.
5. Use less plastic.
6. Don’t interrupt when someone is talking.
7. Carry around care packs that you can give to the homeless you pass by on the street.
8. Teach someone. We learn more when we share our knowledge to others.
9. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you might be in a rush.
10. Help others find the silver lining in every situation.
11. Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
12. Never be afraid to give compliments. It can brighten someone’s day.
13. Keep an extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.
14. Ask someone how they’re doing and listen sincerely to their response.
15. Make someone laugh.
16. Be kind to yourself. You deserve kindness too.
17. Donate stuff you’re not using anymore.
18. Say”hello” and “good morning” to people you pass by on the street.
19. Reach out to someone who is going through a tough time. A simple note or a text message will make them feel that someone still cares.
20. Offer a ride to the disabled.
21. Post positive and inspirational messages in unexpected places.
22. Think before you speak. Hurtful words, once spoken, can never be taken back.
23. Share a great book you’ve read. Someone might enjoy it too.
24. Help someone for free.
25. Help an elderly person with their groceries.
26. When in a crowded bus or train, offer your seat to pregnant women, the disabled, and the elderly.
27. Put your shopping cart back in its place.
28. Return something you borrowed after using it.
29. Hold the door open for someone.
30. Tell someone the truth. It might be harsh, but they’ll thank you for it in the long run.
31. Talk to someone new at school or work.
32. Donate food to a soup kitchen.
33. Turn off the faucet and unplug any devices when you’re not using it.
34. Plant a tree.
35. Cook extra portions of a meal and give it out to a neighbor who is in dire straits.
36. If you received excellent customer service, don’t forget to leave a generous tip to the service crew.
37. Post positive stuff online.
38. Take the day not to complain.
39. Help sick animals find homes.
40. After a haircut, donate your hair to institutions that make wigs for cancer patients.
41. Carry around pet food for homeless dogs and cats.
42. Pay for a veteran’s meal. Our soldiers have done so much for our country, but most of them struggle to find jobs upon going home. A free meal can make a difference to their day.
43. Say “I love you” to someone you love.
44. Let people have their spotlight. If they achieved something, let them savor the moment instead of bringing up your own accomplishment.
45. Allow someone to help you. Letting someone be kind is one of the acts of kindness itself.
46. Stop to allow a pedestrian to cross the street.
47. Learn the names of your office security guard, the person at the front desk, and other people you see every day. Greet them by name. It makes them feel important.
48. Give someone a chance. Sometimes it only needs an opportunity for someone to make their big break.
49. Be a friend who listens.
50. Be kind to someone you dislike.

Do something nice and try not to get caught.

The gospel of Matthew says that when you do merciful deeds, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

Do not let your charitable works become an opportunity for publicity. Help others because you want to, not because people are watching.

Listen more, talk less.

You’ll appreciate life more when you’ve had the opportunity to view it from someone else’s perspective. So learn to listen to other people’s opinions, and you’ll see how it transforms you.

Take a 30-minute walk every day.

More than improving your physical health, daily short walks can clear your mind too. It helps you think better, and studies show that it also helps reduce depression.

Strive for excellence, not perfection.

It’s alright to strive for the best, but remember that nobody is perfect. So stop trying to be one. Cut yourself some slack. It’s okay to fail. The most important thing is you’ve tried.

Be on time. Don’t make excuses.

Being on time is one way of showing respect. It means you value other people’s time. They will appreciate you for it.

Don’t argue. Get organized.

When you argue, you’re wasting precious time. Plus, it upsets you and the people you argue with. You tend to get too worked up that sometimes you can’t sleep well at night.

Be kind to unkind people.

Be kind to everyone, even your enemies. You don’t know what they are going through. Maybe they’re on the brink of divorce or have lost a lot of money. Understand where they’re coming from because everyone has a reason for acting the way they do.

Take time to be alone.

It’s okay to crave your own company at times. It helps you to gather your thoughts and put things into perspective. Taking time alone is also an opportunity to understand yourself better.

Cultivate good manners.

Lilian Gish, a pioneering American actress, once said: you can get through life with bad manners, but it’s easier with good manners.

Be humble.

Never let your pride get the better of you. A lot of people who did that ended up miserable. When you think you’re above everyone else, you miss out on the opportunity to form genuine relationships with others.

Realize and accept that life isn’t fair.

Life is never fair for everyone. When you accept that, you’ll start to appreciate your blessings.

Know when to keep your mouth shut.

Sometimes, we don’t notice it, but we’re already hurting someone with our words. So if you don’t have anything nice to say, better keep your words to yourself.