Practicing Random Acts of Kindness

In today's world, with all of the negativity and disdain, I have found that little random acts of kindness can make a world of difference. When we decide that we want to make a change in the world in which we live, we need to start with our own lives, and our own family. One way to start making change is to begin practicing random acts of kindness toward others.

There are so many ways to start, and even the smallest of acts can help make a difference in someone's life. Here a just a few ways that we can all make a difference:

Volunteer your time or donate your money to a cause that touches your heart. Read to an elderly patient or buy new books for a veterans' home. Work at a soup kitchen or send a gift of food. No matter how big or small, your contribution will positively affect many people.

Embrace nature and beautify the world for others. To lift people's spirit, keep your garden bright, or plant and maintain flowers in a public area. Plant and donate a tree in somebody's name in your local park.

Your energy affects others so choose to be a beacon of light. Project goodness, happiness, and peace outward through your home, neighborhood, country, and, finally the world. The effects are felt for thousands of miles.

Smile and the world smiles with you. When you catch a stranger's eye, flash a bright smile, even if you aren't feeling quite that happy. Your stranger may be confused, but their day (and yours) will be brighter.

Animals feel a lack of love as acutely as humans. Adopt a pet from your local shelter rather than purchasing one from a pet store. If your life can't include a pet, spend an afternoon volunteering at the animal shelter giving the animals some much-needed love.

Help improve someone's self-esteem or simply show them you care. Give a compliment, send a friendly letter, or tell someone you were thinking about them.