I remember one day when I walked into Shopper’s Drug Mart. The day was super cold and rainy. My feet were soaked with water. And, on such a miserable day, giving or receiving a small act of kindness was nowhere on my radar. My only goal was to buy a new watch.
I checked every single aisle, and couldn’t find any. Then, I decided to walk towards the cosmetics section, and I saw a bunch of watches placed conveniently in front of my eyes. I chose one, and went to the cashier.
While I was purchasing the watch, I noticed that the watch was packed tightly, in a box with plastic wrapping. I asked the cashier if it was possible to borrow scissors, just for me to open the packaging. She nodded, and to my surprise–in a small act of kindness, she opened the package for me.
Her action, although small, showed me that many people do tend to have good characteristics. The interaction not only made my day, but it showed me that going above and beyond can create such a positive impression on others.
Nowadays, whenever I interact with people, I realize that kindness can actually be the difference between a positive and a negative day. By showing kindness, you are also showing care and consideration. When people feel cared for, they will tend to feel more respected, and in turn, realize that their experiences matter.
When a Small Act of Kindness Seems to Matter Least, It Can Matter Most
Kindness, in a way, is also showing empathy. By being kind, you are indirectly showing the other person that you understand what they are going through. When people feel valued, they are more likely to not only feel better about themselves, but realize that they are not alone in the situation.
Kindness also can be shown through small manners as well. The trait is not only about listening to someone’s conversation, or helping someone complete their tasks, but kindness is also about waving hello to a person, or reminding them that they matter.
Here are some ways to show some small acts of kindness:
1. Check in with a friend
Everything feels pretty loaded in the middle of a busy season. Some people are studying for exams, and others are trying to complete their projects. Amidst the tasks, many may feel a sense of loneliness: the sense that they will have to navigate through the work without any support. That is because they have no one to help them, they feel that it is up to them to figure it out.
However, you can remind others that they’re not alone, and that you’re there for them. If you haven’t reached out to a friend in awhile, perhaps now is the time to check in with them. You can find them on social media, and ask them: “How are you doing?”
You may be able to rekindle the friendship, and you also may allow the other person to realize that they are not in their challenges alone.
2. Holding the door for a stranger is a small act of kindness
Oftentimes, people feel the need to rush, whether they are going to a new place, or going to work. Nowadays, I noticed that many people would open and close the door by themselves. They will not hold it or wait for others.
However, holding a door for another person signals empathy and patience since the act shows that you are aware of the other person’s presence. And who knows? You may have saved them two minutes for an important meeting.
3. Lending someone a pen or pencil
If you’re ever in a situation where someone needs a pen or a pencil, you may have saved their life by lending them the item. And if not their life, maybe at least their day.
In many cases, I have forgotten my pens and pencils when I was preparing for tests. However, fortunately, someone kind enough lended me their pens, which allowed me to complete the test seamlessly.
In other cases, when I had to sign forms on the spot, and I forgot to bring my writing utensils, a pen allowed me to complete the form immediately, instead of waiting around. By lending someone a writing utensil, you’re not only showing care, but you’re also showing others that you care about their task.
4. Creating handwritten cards for friends
Appreciation and friendship can definitely be shown in a more tangible manner. One of these ways is to create handwritten cards for friends.
The steps are simple: You can go to the dollar store, collect some craft supplies, and decorate each card with personalized messages and colours. You can also write a message expressing your thanks towards them.
The cards are a great way to remind your friends of how much they mean to you in life. And how much you value the friendship as a whole.
5. Purchase snacks for colleagues or classmates
Everyone loves food, especially snacks during work or lectures.
If you’re feeling up to do it, you can perhaps purchase a few cookies or biscuits from the local donut shop. Or rather, you can even pop into the grocery store and purchase a few items for your classmates and colleagues.
Your friends are going to thank you later. And are going to much appreciate the effort you invested.
6. Write thank you notes to those who have helped you
One act of kindness is also acknowledging others who were kind to you in the past. What’s a way to do this? The answer is to write thank you notes.
Grab a piece of paper, and a pen, and write down a few statements of thanks. When you bring the note to the person, they’ll be so happy to see lots of acknowledgement. Oftentimes, we’re too busy focused on our own lives; we forget the help that others have given us. But we can definitely change that pattern, and show gratitude.
7. Compliment someone as a small act of kindness
Compliments can actually go a long way for anyone’s day. And one way to show kindness is by complimenting anyone – especially a stranger.
If you’re in school, you can also consider complimenting other students, especially if they’re in your group project. For example, if you noticed that someone has great handwriting or design skills, you can let them know: “Hey, I like the way you design slides.”
These compliments can mean a lot for a person.
8. Purchase food for a friend or colleague
I remember during my first semester of school, when I met a new friend. During our first meeting, she wanted to try Popeyes. I told her that she could have lunch by herself, as I wanted to spare some cash. Nevertheless, she still went out of her way and purchased a Popeyes burger for me.
I felt surprised by her kindness, because I thought that people would rarely purchase food for others. However, I soon learned that her way of kindness was a way to build rapport and create new friendships.
I still remember that act of kindness to this day. And again – food can go a long way for someone. So if your classmate or colleague is hungry, see what happens if you purchase lunch for them.
9. Listen and be present
Listening skills can actually go a long way. When a classmate or colleague confides in you, remember to listen to understand their situation and perspective.
By listening to them, you are showing that they are cared for and their emotions are valid. Moreover, you are also showing that you are willing to understand their situation as well.
10. For students: Help others understand the material
Sometimes in school, I noticed that material and content can be a challenge to decipher, especially for students who do not have related backgrounds to the subject.
If you find yourself understanding the material, you can try to help your fellow classmates or friends. For example, if they have a question in regards to the material, you can try your best to answer it. Or alternatively, if they are requesting for notes, feel free to send them your notes.
For many students, answering questions can go a long way. They’ll be able to learn and comprehend new material better. And moreso, they will feel thankful towards you as well. The classroom dynamics will definitely become more positive.
11. Leave a positive review for companies you visited for your small act of kindness
Have you recently visited a restaurant and enjoyed their food? Another small act of kindness is leaving a positive review on the restaurant’s website.
Restaurants and fast food chains rely on reviews for promotions. So why not share your experience with others? You never know the difference that one review could make.
12. Tell your colleague they’re doing great
In life, we’re often too focused on our own goals. We are focused on achieving them to the point where we continuously would set the bar higher to reach more goals. But throughout this process, we often forget about the journey.
Sometimes, we feel lost in our own progress as well. We don’t know if we’re actually taking steps towards what we actually want. Or rather, we don’t know how close we are in terms of achieving our own goals. Progress isn’t linear.
So, when you remind someone else that they’re doing great, you’re reminding them to continue to chase after their dreams. By being kind and complimenting others on their progress, you’re helping others to realize that no matter how the circumstances are, they are still making progress.
13. Give a few high fives
We all sometimes need some encouragement. So why not resort to a few high fives? They’re not only effective, but they’re easy to implement as well.
After a group presentation for school, give your group members a high five for contributing and delivering their part. And after a work meeting, give your colleagues a high-five for finishing their projects and presentations.
But otherwise, feel free to high five your peers as well!
14. Saying ‘hi’ to a stranger can be a small act of kindness
I know this may be counterintuitive. Because let’s be honest, most of us tend to stick to our close group of friends.
However, expanding your own network is great as well. And one way to begin is to say ‘hi’ to other people around you, whether that would be in the elevator, on the streetcar, or in the restaurant.
The ‘hi’ can also go a long way as well. The other person may really want to talk to someone else, or meet a new friend. And by greeting them, you’re opening a door.
15. Support a friend’s business
If you have a friend who has started a business, another small act of kindness is to support them in their business. In those first years this can be a huge boost for both the business and your friend.
You can purchase a few of their products to show your support. Or if you’re not able to support them with purchases, share their products on social media. And again, a review on any popular platforms can go a long way too.
16. Encourage someone
A few words of encouragement can go a long way. And this can happen in any scenario.
Let’s say that your classmate is feeling discouraged about their recent performance in school. Let them know that they can still achieve their desired GPA, as long as they put their mind and effort into it.
And let’s say that your best friend feels discouraged. But you can offer some words of encouragement and let them know that other alternative options or solutions are available. Believe it or not – positivity and motivation can help others to push through and achieve their goals.
In Summary: Small Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference
Showing small acts of kindness can create huge impacts. By spreading kindness, other people will feel more valued and content. They will realize that no matter what, they have a backup, and that they won’t have to navigate through situations alone.
Kindness also spreads positivity as well. By being positive, others will feel more hopeful for the future and treat others respectfully too. Positivity can also strengthen relationships, as it provides more of a focus on solutions, instead of problems.
Most importantly, an important component of kindness is the act of passing it on. By being kind to others, other people will feel inspired and decide to share the trait with their own network. By spreading kindness, people will learn how to empathize with others. And they’ll feel more encouraged to treat others better in their daily lives.
Because after all, we are in this together.
About the Author
Candice is currently attending school for social service work. One of her passions is helping others through my writing. In her downtime, you'll find her listening to music, watching random YouTube videos, and writing about career goals and resumes. She hopes to start freelancing for writing and obtain a leadership position in a public services sector.