Keep Kind Intentions

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

Living kindly is a subtle art. Not giving a f@#$ takes no skill at all.
That’s why so many people are so very good at it.

Of course there are many legitimate reasons and/or excuses for not following through on kind intentions or having any kind intentions at all. Ill health, other commitments, lack of money or other personal crises can stop kind ideas dead in their track. Once the inertia of un-kindness sets in, it can become all too easy to just stop trying at all. We slowly lose touch with friends and family members, stop talking to neighbors, and even stop being kind to ourselves.

The most powerful way to stop this not so subtle spiral of not giving a f$#% is to actually lower your bar and do the tiniest most simple kind thing you can think of. Here are some basic but creative kind deeds you can do to snap out of your “I don’t give two f#$%@” routine and start exercising some kindness, no matter what challenges or difficulties you might be facing.

If these ideas feel too cliche or too difficult, then start even smaller. For example, don’t try to be a “Good” neighbor.. just try to be an “Okay” neighbor. Surprisingly, even that low level of effort can get the kindness ball rolling!

1️⃣ Be the Connector: Text an old friend 📲 
Reignite connections with a quick “Hey!” Be the person who values relationships and sparks joy with a simple message. 💬✨

2️⃣ Be the Daymaker: Share a compliment with a stranger 🌟 
Brighten someone’s day like a pro. Your kind words can shift someone's mood and make the world a little lighter. 😃🌞

3️⃣ Be the Uplifter: Leave a sticky note of encouragement 📝 
Stick a smile where it’s least expected. The right words at the right time can turn anyone's day around. ✨📍

4️⃣ Be a Green Machine: Pick up litter on your walk 🚶‍♂️  
Channel your inner eco-warrior. Each piece of litter you pick up is a tiny win for Mother Earth. 🌳♻️

5️⃣ Be the Listener: Give your undivided attention to someone 🤝 
Become the rare gem who truly listens. Offer the gift of presence and make someone feel valued and understood. 🎧💎

6️⃣ Be the Coffee Hero: Pay it forward with a coffee ☕️  
Start a wave of kindness, one cup at a time. Whether it’s a latte or an espresso, small gestures fuel big smiles. ☕️🌊

7️⃣ Be the Gratitude Guru: Write a thank-you card 🖋️  
Spread gratitude like confetti. A handwritten note is a mini celebration of someone’s kindness or support. 🎉💌

8️⃣ Be the Sunshine: Smile and make eye contact 😊👀 
A smile is your superpower—use it. Your eye contact and warm grin can be a bright moment in someone’s day. 🌞✨

9️⃣ Be the Good Neighbor: Offer to help a neighbor 🤲 
Embody that neighborly spirit. Whether lifting, mowing, or lending a hand, small acts make a big community. 🤝🏡

🔟 Be the Self-Care Champion: Gift yourself some self-kindness 🧘‍♀️  
Remember, kindness starts within. By nourishing yourself, you recharge your ability to be kind to others. 🌿💖

There are many reasons that the habit of kindness can be overlooked, and neglected. Worst of all, don’t confuse freedom with the indifference of not giving a f@#$. Fortunately, kindness is easy to start practicing, and progress comes quickly, especially when you’ve never paid much attention to it in the first place.