It's Not Complicated or Expensive to Perform Random Acts of Kindness

One of the most important things I've learned as I've started doing more random acts of kindness is that it requires creativity and dedication. I've shared a few tips on how you can begin your own do-gooder journey, but if you're still in doubt, don't worry. Helping others doesn't need to take much effort nor does it need to involve any money. Let's look at some of the simplest and easiest ways to put a smile on someone's face. Here are just a few examples of how you can spread kindness without any major effort.

• Smile at a stranger.

• Encourage someone who’s struggling.

• Give a word of praise to someone who’s least expecting it, like your boss.

• Hold the elevator for someone who’s in a rush.

• Read a child a story.

• Listen to someone’s complaint.

• Say a heartfelt thank you.

• Share a friend’s creative work on social media.

• Call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time just to say hello.

• Leave a blog comment when you read a post that truly resonates with you.

• Offer a homeless person your leftovers from a restaurant or bagged lunch.

• Tell a frazzled parent what a good job they’re doing or how well-behaved their child is.

• Give someone a hug if they say it’s okay to do so.

• Offer to return someone’s shopping cart.

• Share a kind word with the customer service representative, either on the phone or in person.

• Give up your seat to someone standing on the subway or bus.

• Write a short message of thanks or encouragement to a co-worker, your partner or a random stranger.

• Say hello to a homeless person.

• Introduce yourself to a new neighbor or co-worker.

• Make introductions between your contacts if you feel they could benefit each other or get along well.

• Let someone merge in front of you when driving in heavy traffic.

• Offer to take on someone’s work task if you have time and they seem swamped.

• Give someone a ride who doesn’t have a car.

• Make amends for past wrongs to someone who was once in your life.

• Agree to an activity you might not enjoy just because someone else will love it.

• Invite someone to your holiday celebration if you know they’ll be alone.

• Share your expert knowledge with someone who has questions and has asked for advice.

• Write a recommendation on LinkedIn.

• Offer to pick up items for others when you’re heading out to grab lunch or run an errand.

• Recognize someone for their good idea or contribution during a work meeting.

Are you ready to make a positive difference in the lives of those around you?

Now is your chance to put a little dose of kindness into the world with these easy and free ways to cheer someone up. There's no better feeling than knowing you made a difference in someone's life, so don't hesitate, let's get out there and get to it!

Your biggest fan,

Shay!