Compassion is a personality trait everyone has, but many people either forget about being kind or compassionate or just don’t even try to do it. It’s a challenging world and we can help to make it better just by doing a few kind and compassionate things.

“The greatest gift that you can give others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.” – Brian Tracy

Here are 10 ways we can show kindness and compassion:

Learn to smile more often

Lots of times you look around the room and it seems like nobody is smiling. They stare at their phones or look off into space as they walk on by. Try smiling at the people you meet and those you see at work or school every day. Smiling is contagious and it can make someone else, as well as yourself, a lot happier. So smile at the person who hands you your morning coffee and donut and make their day better!

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward

Have some empathy for others and learn to show emotions

Empathy is the ability to show that you care about someone else’s feelings and emotions. It’s kind and compassionate to give support to people who need it. Try asking someone if they need help, work with a coworker to solve a problem at work, lend a shoulder to cry on, etc. Learn to show a sincere smile if something warrants it or even tears if the situation is sad, and if something calls for a genuine, solid laugh to help someone feel good and a part of the situation, then by all means, laugh out loud!

Don’t be a gossip, learn to show consideration for others

A person’s privacy is very important to them and sometimes people don’t respect that. If you want to be respected and compassionate, then be considerate and respect others’ privacy and help protect their dignity as well. Be kinder by not listening in on a conversation or gossiping about someone’s troubles or problems. Respect should be shown at all times. For example, turn off your phone while talking to someone, treat them as you want to be treated, and don’t interrupt when talking.

Give a small gift

It’s also kind to give someone a small gift to help make their day better. For instance, pay for someone else’s toll behind you or pay for their coffee, put a get well card or birthday card on someone’s desk if they need it, do an errand for someone, or just bring a coworker lunch or offer to take care of someone’s pet or babysit for a child. These gifts are worth more than just money, and they truly show you care.

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” – Steve Maraboli

Help give others some motivation

Motivation is something we all need from time to time, and helping to motivate others is a kind and compassionate thing to do. You can make someone happier, give them the courage to complete a goal, etc. Use positive phrases like “well done” or “I know you can do it.” Everyone needs some help at times, and motivating them is like being their coach in life’s troubled world.

Be helpful to those in need

There are many people in the world less fortunate that could use help in several ways. Show some kindness by helping them out such as donating clothes to the Salvation Army or Goodwill, serving food at a food bank or shelter, or even simpler things like helping someone carry packages or opening the door for another person. Remember, some day you may need help and good karma will come to you if you are showing kindness to others when they need it.

Volunteer to do things for others

Another great way to be kind and compassionate is to do some kind of volunteer work. You can volunteer to tutor students in school, coach a kid’s sport, be a Boy Scout leader, or help at a homeless shelter or animal rescue group. There are lots of things a volunteer can do. Just check out your own neighborhood and see what is needed. Volunteering is not only kind and compassionate to others, it makes you more confident and happy as well.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan

Appropriate touching

When appropriate, a nice, soothing and gentle pat on the back or touch on the shoulder can go a long way to make someone’s day better. It shows that you really care about the person and understand what they are feeling or going through. So, shake someone’s hand when you meet, or pat your buddy on the back when he does something good.

Send meaningful messages to friends and loved ones

People like to know that you care and are thinking about them. Be sure to send out meaningful messages to friends or loved ones on special occasions, or just for the heck of it send your spouse or significant other a loving text or a funny card or simple gift. Even if all you do is tell them you are thinking of them, it shows you really care.

Show unconditional love, kindness and compassion to others

Life is too short to be a grouch going around being mean to others and causing problems. It doesn’t make you or anyone else happy at all. So, try to show kindness and compassion to others. Be unconditional in your love for your friends and family. Be loyal to your job and coworkers, and truly listen to their words and feelings. If someone needs help, then give it without expecting anything back, just do it because it is the right thing to do for your fellow traveler in life.

“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.” ― Brian Tracy

The bottom line is that kindness and compassion is something the world needs a lot more of these days, especially when it seems that the whole world is out to hurt each other in wars, fighting, hate and discrimination. So, take a few moments and read this list of 10 says to show kindness and compassion to others and have a brighter and happier future!

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