Did you know that November 13 is World Kindness Day? While I think we should all be kind every day, I know it isn’t always easy. That is what made me come up with this list of 21 simple ways you can observe World Kindness Day.

There are so many ways you can be kind without much effort on your part. Don’t underestimate how much good one tiny at of kindness can do. I bet if you pay attention, there are many ways you can share kindness with others every single day…

1 – If you are in a check out lane and the person behind you has fewer items than you, let them go first.

2 – When you pack a lunch for your kids or spouse, hide a little note that will hopefully help brighten their day when they find it.

3 – Next time you find yourself at a drive-thru, pay for the person’s order behind you. Hopefully they will pass it along!

4 – Great everyone you pass with a smile and a good morning (or good afternoon or good evening, etc).

5 – Hand out unexpected praise to your family members, co-workers, and even people you pass on the street.

6 – While at the grocery store, offer to return someone’s cart for them.

7 – Donate any unwanted items you have to a local organization. For example, bring books to a library, donate toys to a hospital or shelter, etc.

8 – If you know someone who is going through a tough time, send them flowers or just a simple note letting them know you are thinking of them.

9 – Send a special gift to your child’s teacher just to show them you appreciate their hard work.

10 – Bring some treats to work and share them with all of your co-workers.

11 – Next time you are driving in traffic, let someone cut in front of you.

12 – Leave a small appreciation gift for any community workers you see daily (mail carrier, bus driver, etc). This can be as simple as baked goods or a gift card.

13 – Visit a nursing home or children’s hospital and offer an hour of your time to read or play a game.

14 – When you go for a walk, pick up any litter you see.

15 – Offer to babysit for free for friends or family members so they can go out to dinner. For those friends and family members without kids, offer to treat them to dinner.

16 – If you are a parent, take time as often as possible to talk about kindness with your kids and lead by example.

17 – Next time you are on a bus or commuter train, give up your seat to someone else.

18 – Take a few moments to hand write and mail a thank you note to someone who has made a difference in your life.

19 – Offer to lend a hand to someone who looks like they could use it — this can be as easy as opening a door, help carrying groceries, etc.

20 – Next time you are at the store and see something that has been knocked off a shelf (or hanger), pick it up.

21 – Truly listen to someone, giving them your full attention without injecting your own stories or experiences.

I hope you can find time to do several of these today — and every day!

Copyright: heiko119 / 123RF Stock Photo