When it comes to making a difference in the world, there are so many ways in which it can be accomplished. However, one of the simplest and most effective is to perform acts of kindness for family, friends, co-workers, and those around you. An act of kindness even in its smallest form can provide a considerable amount of happiness, joy, and even love that will resonate long after the act has been completed.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” – Kahlil Gibran

The good news is that you can perform acts of kindness for no charge and not being obligated to spend a considerable amount of money. After all, the greatest acts of kindness have no monetary value and provide the world with a little more happiness which is what everyone needs.

Find More Friends

You can never have enough friends in this world and creating more of them makes for an act of kindness that will be appreciated for a long time to come. This is because friendship is an act of kindness that provides the spark of joy when you see their faces, call them up on the phone, or send them greetings. Being in the presence of good friends benefits you as well, so make as many as you can.

Give from the Heart

You should give of yourself by providing to others the gifts that they need. The world needs more people who can give of themselves in one way or another. The good news is that you can give of yourself in so many different ways by providing small gifts that can be appreciated by those around you to giving of your time, effort, attention, empathy, love, and so much more. The giving of gifts is one that helps the universe and opens you up to receiving great gifts from others.

Pay it Forward

There are opportunities for committing acts of kindness every day starting with where you get your coffee. You can pay for the person behind you or make up the change that they are short of when paying for items. All you ask is that the person receiving your benefit pays it forward to the next person who may be in need. It’s the best kind of request because it is designed to benefit others which spread the act of kindness all around.

Volunteer Your Time

There are so many areas where volunteering your time can benefit so many people. From small neighborhood programs to large events, volunteering your time benefits your community in so many ways. Plus, your volunteering can take on so many different forms that it is easy to find one or more that suits your talents. Start by volunteering just a little of your time and then let it grow naturally as you reach out to help people where you live.

Donate What You Don’t Need

Many people have items that they are no longer using which make it the perfect time to donate what you have in order to benefit others. While there are many things you can sell, these are also the same items that you can think about donating which will bring more than just a little money, it can bring the recipients a little happiness and yourself a little peace of mind knowing that you brought a little sunshine into someone’s day.

Plant a Tree

Planting trees is a time-honored tradition of kindness as what it provides will help the world for many years to come. Trees provide shade, oxygen, and help protect the soil which benefits everyone. Trees are also fairly inexpensive and make for a gift that lasts longer than a lifetime if you choose the right species. So, if there is a place that could use more trees then by all means plant one so you can benefit the world.

Give of Your Time, Advice, and Motivation

Quite often the act of kindness that someone needs does not take the form of a traditional gift. Rather, it is giving of you in a way that benefits them which is needed. By providing some much needed advice, spending a little time with them, or helping to motivate your friends, family, and others into doing what is best for their needs can help the world in so many ways. Your act of kindness will not cost a dime, but may be invaluable to those who need it.

Random Acts of Kindness

Many people have heard about random acts of kindness, but the truth is that the only random element is from the point of view of the receiver. You should give of yourself every day in terms of small acts of kindness from a warm “hello” to providing a smile to those who are down. When you see someone whose day is not going great, you can reward them by delivering a small act of kindness that will be most appreciated.

Send Flowers

One of the best gifts is flowers, particularly to someone who is feeling down or lonely. Flowers are the universal gift of appreciation whether you purchase real ones from the florist or silk flower arrangements that are both beautiful and last a lifetime. If you know someone who may be feeling lonely, send them a delivery of flowers and brighten up their day.

Improve Yourself

Self improvement is a gift that benefits both you and everyone around you. By finding ways to improve yourself, you are now in a position to benefit others in a better way. Plus, you are creating more joy and happiness when others see how you have taken the time to make improvements whether it is losing excess weight, getting rid of a bad habit or vice, or just doing the little things that make you better. By improving yourself, you are also improving those around you.

If everyone would take the time to create small acts of kindness the world would indeed be a much better place to live. You can start today by choosing one or more acts and making it a part of your life.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

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