We’ve all dealt with that person before – the one who has nothing good to say, constantly complains and releases a ton of negative energy into the world. It’s easy to let someone like this bring you down and ruin your day. It’s even easier to respond with more negativity. However, what you put out into the universe always comes back to you. For this reason, when you find yourself dealing with a Debbie Downer, it’s even more important to try and respond with love and kindness, no matter how frustrated you may feel. The best part? It’s super simple to shine some positivity and light into their day. Here are 5 unique acts of kindness that will make even the most negative person smile.
1. Write a note (or two): There are so many ways little notes can help to brighten someone else’s day. Try leaving a sticky note in a library book with a positive message, send some encouraging words to a child that you know is struggling or being bullied at school or write a thank you note to a service member overseas. These simple words of kindness can impact someone’s life in profound ways – don’t hesitate to put them out there in the world. You have no idea how many lives you can impact through this ripple effect of kindness.
2. Adopt a Grandparent: Many senior living facilities and nursing homes throughout the world offer a program where you can sign up to adopt a grandparent. This program was born with the hope that it would help the elderly residents without loved ones of their own combat feelings of loneliness and isolation by spending time with the younger generation. On the flip side, this wonderful program gives younger people a chance to meet, interact and learn about life through a different, more experienced set of eyes. You can always check with your local nursing homes to see if this program is offered near you. If not, donating flowers, writing a letter or sending a card to a lonely resident is always the next best thing.
3. Go Grocery Shopping: The grocery store is a perfect place if you want to spread some much needed kindness. An obvious suggestion would be to buy groceries for a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker who may be struggling. However, there are other unique ways to put a smile on someone’s face that won’t have you buying a thing. For example, try placing a coupon or two near an item that is for sale, allow someone to cut in front of you in line or offer to help carry someone’s groceries to their car. Compliment the grocery cashier or say something encouraging to the frazzled mom with a toddler throwing a level five tantrum. There are always opportunities to turn someone’s day around in a more positive direction.
4. Be Neighborly: Helping out a neighbor or two is the perfect way to spread kindness right outside your own front door. During those cold winter months, shovel their snow filled driveway or scrape the ice off their windshield when they aren’t looking. During Spring and Summer, rake up some leaves or mow their grass before they get home. If outside work isn’t your thing, bake some cookies, make up some freezer meals for a new mom down the street or simply offer to have them over for dinner. This is a great way to meet new neighbors as well as reconnect with those you haven’t spoken to in a while.
5. Create Care Kits: A great way to spread love at a moment’s notice is to have care kits on hand at all times. Start with gallon size freezer bags and throw in some snacks, sample size toiletries and other items like socks, gloves (during the winter), and water bottles. Put together a bunch of these and keep them in your car at all times. In the event that you see a homeless person or someone who just seems to be struggling, offer them a care kit as a small boost of encouragement. You can even include a positive message or encouraging words to lift them up in their time of struggle.
There are opportunities everywhere to spread love, kindness and positivity – these are just a few that will hopefully inspire, uplift and put a smile on someone’s face today.