Do a Random Act of Kindness and make a difference. Small acts can make a big difference

July 5, 2024

A simple act can mean a great deal to someone and can make us feel better. We suggest some acts of kindness.

If the intention is to do it on a daily basis, it becomes second nature. You can’t go wrong when it comes to being kind to another human being.

In our podcast section, there is a series called Sideways hosted by journalist Mathew Syed where he explores ideas that shape our lives. I was struck by one titled “My Last 5p”.

It tells the story of a woman living on her own and on benefits who one Christmas was short 5p to feed her meter and thus guarantee electricity during the holiday.  She searched her flat to see if she could find 5p but to no avail. She decided to go to her local shop to see if the owner would lend her 5p and when crossing a car park, she met a homeless man and got into conversation. When she mentioned what she was doing, he searched in his pockets and found one coin – 5p, which he gave to her.

That act of generosity had far reaching consequences, but I won’t give the game away in case you want to listen to the podcast.

Here are some ideas for a random act that involve interaction with another person. We hope very much that you will contribute with your own.

• Buy a homeless person something to eat. With fewer people carrying loose change and being wary of giving money not knowing what it might be spent on, giving a sandwich or something similar is a better alternative.

• When writing a personal email to someone, send a letter instead, it will be appreciated even more. A letter is far more likely to be kept and re-read at a later date than an email.

• When queuing for a bus or something similar, let somebody in front of you. Very simple and always appreciated.

• When driving, let a motorist into the traffic or turn right across your path.

• When going outside, smile at the first person you see. A smile can often make someone’s day and they might pass your smile on to someone else.

• If you have to deal with customer services, finish with a positive message like “You’ve been really helpful” or just wish them a “Good Day”. If it’s been a bad experience, a simple suggestion of how they could have done better might be appreciated if it is done in a polite and considerate way.

• Whether it’s a product or a service consider leaving a positive review on Trustpilot shows your appreciation and is helpful for others. There is a benefit to a justified negative review as it can help the recipient to improve their offering.

• Before throwing something away, consider whether it might be useful to someone else. There are so many Charity shops so rather than commit to landfill let it be recycled.

• Leave a snack or refreshment for a delivery driver. Most delivery drivers are under time constraints so a gesture like this, which doesn’t have to be done with every delivery, will be a nice surprise.

• Let somebody merge in traffic it will invariably be rewarded with a gesture of thanks.

• Reach out to someone who is having a rough time. Take time to consider whether someone you know is struggling and then how you can do something to make a difference.

• Hold the door open for someone. What used to be standard gentlemanly behaviour is becoming a thing of the past.

• Walk a neighbour’s dog. It’s something different to do and you may appreciate it just as much as the owner.

• Leave your waiter a generous tip. Even though a service charge added to your bill is standard, if you have had service that may a difference to your experience, why not leave something extra?

• Hold the elevator for someone.

• Give up your seat on public transport. Whilst the days of men offering up their seat to any woman are long gone, to give up your seat to someone who needs it more than you isn’t just of instant benefit but likely to make others consider a similar act.

• Give something, like your umbrella to a stranger. Don’t be afraid of doing something that others would never consider. Someone who witnesses such an event might be just as moved as the recipient of your thoughtful gesture.

• Offer a compliment to a stranger. I am sure some of us fear our gesture will be misconstrued so we take the soft option instead of making someone’s day with a well considered comment.

It’s always easy to think of a reason not to do something. Instead consider a quote from Bob Marley “Don’t live life the negative way. Make this a positive day“

Whatever you might do, an act of kindness can bestow as much benefit to ourselves as it does the recipient.

I’m sure you will have many ideas of your own, so please share them with us.

You may be interested in our post Stay Positive