Want to practice a random act of kindness but don't see any old ladies who need help crossing the street? That's okay, there are plenty of other ways to improve the world around you on a daily basis. Lifehack.org has put together a list of 10 small things you can do to make people smile, feel appreciated or learn something new.
Here are our favorites:
- Compliment someone: Tell someone how much you like the job they're doing, their outfit or new haircut, their singing voice - whatever. Be honest and sincere. I like to practice "drive-by compliments", sending an out-of-the-blue email to someone whose website, post, or comment on a post I really liked. Don't expect anything in return, just let someone know that something they're doing works and move on.
- Teach someone how to do something: Share your skill or talent with someone by showing them how to do something. Not so they won't bother you with it, but so they can move a little bit towards improved mastery of the world around them. Have patience and respect for the person you're helping - you're giving them a gift, not compensating for some lack in their character.
- Send a letter, email, tweet, or text message out of the blue: Email someone you haven't spoken with for a while, or text someone you see every day just to be nice. Maybe they'll respond, maybe not - it's beside the point. They just need to know that they're important to you.
To read the whole list of mostly free and super-easy ways to spread kindness, visit Lifehack.org.