Summary

The article "Practice Kindness: 3 Things You Can Do Today To Help Your Fellow Man" encourages readers to engage in small acts of kindness to make a significant impact on others' lives.

Abstract

The article, updated on April 2, 2023, emphasizes the importance of practicing kindness through simple, everyday actions. It suggests three specific acts: giving $5 to someone struggling at a checkout counter, paying for the next person's toll, and creating blessing bags with essential items for those in need. These acts are not only meant to alleviate immediate burdens but also to inspire a chain of generosity. The author shares personal experiences and the joy these acts have brought to both the giver and the receiver. The article also stresses the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed, advocating for a community-oriented approach to overcoming personal challenges. It encourages readers to start with small changes, such as shopping locally or volunteering time and talents, to contribute positively to their communities.

Opinions

Kindness is described as contagious and a powerful tool for improving the lives of others and one's own spirits.
The author believes that even small monetary contributions or gestures, like letting someone cut in line at a grocery store, can significantly impact someone's day.
Acts of kindness such as being a "toll angel" or helping someone at a gas station are seen as potentially life-changing for the recipient.
The creation and distribution of blessing bags are recommended

Practice Kindness: 3 Things You Can Do Today To Help Your Fellow Man

Small acts, make big changes from a smile to blessing bags we can all do better

Updated: April 2, 2023

Spring is here and I’m embracing an attitude of gratitude and kindness! A lot of people are under pressure and stretched thin at work and home. I’ve compiled a list of three little things you can do today to help others and lift your spirits. These tips are little gifts that were given to me over the years. Kindness is contagious! My family practices them and now I’m passing it on. You’ll be surprised at how such a small act of kindness can make a big impact on someone’s life! Try to start each day with a smile and being grateful for 3 things and then:

1. Put $5 On It — Or Let Them Pass & Pay

I know a lot of people don’t carry cash, but I keep $5 on me in case someone is struggling at the checkout counter. Most recently, if someone has 1 or 2 items I let the person scan their items and add them to my bill. I overheard a woman calling to check on her mother. She said she had just got off work (at 9:00 pm) and her feet and back were hurting. I told her to go in front of me. When she scanned her items, I told her she could leave, I would pay for them. It was only 2 things. She looked shocked, almost cried, and thanked me.

Time and money are so precious — saving someone a few dollars & time in line when they’re exhausted can be a major relief. I try to be mindful of that especially if I have a lot of things in my cart and I see someone with a child, stressed with a few items.

This is a common practice for me because I have been that person in need and someone looked out for me…I’m not in the same place I was financially, but when I had a little more money, I use to carry $10 grocery store gift cards and give them out if someone asked me for food.

2. Be A Toll or Gas Station Angel

The toll angel is self-explanatory. The next time you go through a toll, pay for the next person. Once again, I’ve been at a toll booth without cash or simply didn’t have any money. Those few dollars could be the miracle someone needs to make it to a job interview or see a loved one in the hospital. That small gesture could bring some peace of mind and spare someone the humiliation (and future headache and added expense) of not being able to pay the toll.

One day, I was with my son and I had just enough to pay my toll, but didn’t have the cash to pay the next person’s. He knew the “tradition” and he paid the next person’s toll out of his allowance and he lit up. He got such a kick out of the person beeping and waving thank you. See even teenagers can be charitable.

The gas station can be a little tricky, but if you see someone struggling, I give the gas station attendant $5 to help the person out. Once again, I’ve run out of gas trying to get home after work and it’s super embarrassing.

3. Make Blessing Bags or care packages and keep them on you

I drive a lot and often see homeless people at traffic lights and I want to give them something, but I strongly advise against money. My local shelter suggests you have blessing bags (a ziplock or small eco-friendly bag) stocked with a bottle of water, crackers, baby wipes, Band-Aids or a mini first aid kit, and a pair of socks. They say socks, personal care, and first aid items are the most requested. Most people donate canned goods and clothes. However, individually wrapped snack items, undergarments, and toiletries are equally needed.

Other things — Charity begins at home

If your life is a mess or you’re extremely stressed, start with YOU… You can’t or you shouldn’t pour from a broken or empty cup. If you live alone, ask for help from your friends. If you have a family, have a meeting -see what you can do collectively to get back on track. If you’re a parent of school-age children, I have an after-school plan to help you get started.

If money is an issue, don’t let pride cloud your judgment. Seek help and don’t forget you can always donate your time and talents to the agencies that help you. Your local schools and community-based organizations are great resources and always need help. Ask your child’s teacher if they need help calling parents with reminders or volunteer for school events. Better yet, reach out to a sick or elderly family member or friend. They might enjoy your company, need a care package or an errand run.

We just had a water scare, if you have a surplus ask your disabled, sick or elderly friends and family if they need water and drop in and drop some off.

You can start with small changes like shopping at small, local businesses or donating to a community refrigerator or charity that’s near and dear to your heart.

Meals On Wheels is a great organization that doesn’t just feed the elderly, but they provide essential check-ins with our aging population. Local nursing homes always need people who are willing to teach or lead an activity like dancing, music, games, or arts and crafts.

I hope you use at least one of these tips. Helping others — also helps you and I hope it helps you smile and shine today and in days to come.

And remember…

With Love — Your friends at GFC