17th February is...Random Acts of Kindness Day!

All around the world people are celebrating today with acts of random kindness.We thought we'd post a list (and feel free to offer a suggestion in the comments block!) of simple ideas to get us all started because, really, we should find little opportunities in each day to give.

Pick one that appeals to you most and try it out - sometimes the easiest things can be the ones that make a huge difference - try taking out the rubbish on collection day, or doing the dishes for someone - the key is to give for the sake of doing something kind, not for your good deed to be noticed or for you to get something back :)

Ideas:

• Write a thank you note to someone who has helped you
• Buy a cooldrink for someone working in the heat with whom you interact (your petrol attendant, the courier delivery person, the cashier at a parking garage...)
• Leave a kind, inspiring note in a secret place - in your housemate or partner's laptop, the photocopier at work, the menu at a restaurant...
• Compliment a stranger out loud instead of leaving the compliment in your head
• Pick up litter when you find it in your path
• Actively try to cheer up the next friend/colleague/acquaintence who tells you of their bad day
• The next time you go out for a meal or coffee, leave a really generous tip
• Send a small bunch of flowers to a friend with whom you've lost touch
• Google a few simple orgiami shapes and fold a heart, crane or something equally lovley to leave on someone's desk
• Take the time to read something beautiful to someone
• Smile and focus on being as easily pleased as possible the next time you interact with a cashier or sale clerk
• Forgive someone.
• Share a poem or quote that has really encouraged you - perhaps write it down and mail it to someone or pin it to a public notice board
• Leave a positive comment on someone's blog the next time you admire something online
• Make someone a home-cooked meal - even if it's really simple - it's the love in it that counts
• The next time you have a chance - let another car in
• Find a thundafundor kickstarter campaign that inspires you and sponsor something - even if it's a very small amount - every bit counts and it will feel good it be a part of it
• The next time you are walking past and see someone struggling to park, help guide them
• Bring a small welcome gift for a new co-worker or neighbour
• Make someone a cup of tea or coffee
• If you have relatives or friends with kids, offer a free night of babysitting so the parents can have a night out
• Leave a copy of the book that has most inspired you in a waiting room with a note on the front page that if the person who begins reading needs it, they should take it home because it's meant for them
• Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger
• Donate an hour or your professional services
• Invite someone who is alone over for dinner
• Just once - stop everything to help someone

Just thinking about these feels good :) If you have any great stories of kindness to share, we'd really love to hear them!