“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”. - Mark Twain

The world is advancing in technology but social and personal lives are more depressed nowadays. Modern lifestyle has minimalized human interaction and increased self-centred behaviours. In this modern age, people are living isolated lives and are deprived of social support circle which is very significant for living a fulfilling life. Right next to physiological needs and safety, sense of belongingness and social approval are third on Maslow’s Hierarchy of basic human needs. This means that mankind after gratifying the basic need for food and shelter needs kindness from each other for mental health and fulfilling life.

It implies that even if a person has the best food to eat and greatest house to live in he will still need human connection and love from other humans to be happy and enjoy the luxuries he possesses. If his need for social approval is not met or he is shunned by his peers, he may fall into depression and will not be able to enjoy the comfortable life he has. People now days are more stressed and there is more anxiety as compared to previous times.

The world is now in need of kindness more than ever. In an increasingly growing dark world, kindness can spread light everywhere. No act of kindness is small as the most random acts of kindness can brighten up a life. Most of the people are shy to offer help but it’s the best thing you can do to better society. If everyone in the world starts helping others, the world will be a much better place. Only Kindness can help spread prosperity to this world. A simple and small act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Kindness is the easiest, simplest and the cheapest gift you can give to someone. It could be a smile, a hug, a cup of coffee or even a compliment. Everyone should do their part to spread love, happiness and kindness.

Every year, on February 17th, the world celebrates Random of Acts of Kindness Day as a reminder for everyone to be more kind and compassionate towards our fellow human beings. It is a sweet tradition to give humanity a boost.

1.     Donate to charity

Donate the things that are not in your use and can be useful for others. You can donate anything like a pair of shoes, jeans that do not fit anymore, clothes your children grew out of, or a spare blanket. You can even donate your video games and books to shelter homes, so those who are struggling can also find joy in life. You can also donate blood to the blood banks to literally save some lives. Make sure things you are donating are in a good condition and you are not just getting rid of useless items in the name of charity.

2.    Spare some cash for the needy

If you do not have things to donate, you can always spare a little cash for the needy so they can buy every day things for themselves. Men and women in shelter homes need sanitary items to be presentable. Children may also need supplies. Check if you have any neighbours who are struggling financially. Help them out.

3.    Listen to someone’s problems

If you do not have anything monetarily to give away, you can always give your time and attention. Giving someone importance and hearing them out is also a very kind act to do. Find a person who is disturbed and stressed out, hear them out and that will make their burden a little bit lighter.

4.    Buy Cookies or Donuts for your co-workers

If a co-worker is having a bad day and you feel like they might not want to talk about it, buy them something sweet. A bag of candies, a jar of cookies or just simple cupcake can lift up their spirits.

5.    Give positive compliments

A compliment can go a long way. It can help lift up spirits of someone who is feeling low. It can help boost their self-esteem and you don’t know how much strength it can give them for fighting the demons they are struggling with. Be generous about giving compliments and encourage them whenever you can. But you also need to make sure that your compliments are sincere and not sounding as flattery or worse sarcasm.

6.    Compliment your Spouse

In our daily routine life, we get accustomed to the good qualities of our spouse which initially draw us towards them. Gradually we stop acknowledging all the things they do for us and start to take their care for granted as ‘part of the deal’. So we neither show any gratitude towards them, nor we ever compliment them. This can strain a relationship. Take the opportunity and compliment them, tell them how grateful you are that they are a part of your life and acknowledge the efforts they put towards making things work out.

7.    Give a lift to the pedestrian

If you own a vehicle and are travelling alone, offer a lift to the pedestrian going in the same direction. Sure it could come out as weird if not worded correctly. You might scare someone if you offer a lift to a random pedestrian. Austin Macauley recommends you to carefully pre-plan the wordings of your offer and if you see any person walking on foot ask them to drop somewhere.

8.    Forgive People

Holding grudges and staying fixated on negative things is not good for your own inner peace and it destroys a relationship. Guilt could be eating out the other person. Forgiving is the best thing that you can do to yourself and others. Be the bigger person and forgive them and let them know that you no longer hold any hard feelings for them.

9.    Plant A Tree

This one is a little long term commitment but its time we start paying attention to it. The world is facing a crisis of pollution, deforestation and global warming. What you can do is plant as many trees as possible for you. That will benefit everyone including you. It could be your share towards making the earth a better place to live and act of kindness towards the people who will benefit from the tree planted by you. But make sure to water your little seedling regularly and take good care of it. Small plants need care just like children until they grow to become trees. However, some trees can grow in wild on their own and you can plant such a tree too.

10.    Feed birds and animals

In hot weather place some water and food on the top of your roof for the birds. Leave a bowl of water and a bowl with some seeds for birds. Or you can visit an animal shelter home and feed some cats and dogs. You can take some pet toys with you too to donate if you wish to.

Remember, no act of kindness is small and everyone can use a little more kindness. Austin Macauley wishes you a great Random Acts of Kindness Day.