What Have You Done Today To Make You Feel Kind?

Writing prompts for kind writers

With his arm outstretched, he was just about able to fit them all into the shot. But they looked contorted. A forced selfie with equally forced smiles.

My partner turned back towards them and offered his photography services.

Mum, dad, and daughter embraced each other and beamed. Click, what a beautiful shot!

We learned they were on holiday from India and were relishing in the Irish weather.

The daughter had quite obvious health issues. She was insistent on speaking with Zac, our loveable dog. Dad was struggling to persuade her otherwise. So I stepped in.

I crouched down, to be at eye level with Zac and the little girl, “He’s friendly, if your dad says it’s ok, do you want to come and say hi to him?”

Dad looked concerned and told me he didn’t like dogs, but his daughter loved them. He courageously gave her the green light and she bolted from the blocks right up to us.

I showed her how Zac likes to be stroked. He sniffed her face and made her giggle. Joy took a hold of her as she sensitively ran her hand along Zac’s back.

Of course, we had to compare notes. We discussed their favorite hobbies. She learned Zac likes to sleep, eat, cuddle and go for walks. Whereas she likes to play with her friends and watch TV. She shrieked with happiness.

Sometimes it’s the small exchanges that serve as the best acts of kindness. Three minutes in their company nourished me for the day. I hope they felt similar.

Daily Kindness Opportunities

We are surrounded by opportunities for kindness on a daily basis.

Even a simple “hello” as you pass another person can give them a boost. Acknowledging another’s existence and sharing a passing moment in time as energies merge momentarily. An interconnected beauty of being human.

We all have stories of kindness.

• Kindness we have received from others.
• Kindness we have given to others.
• Kindness we have observed.
• Kindness we have experienced from Mother Nature.
• Kindness we have experienced from animals.
• Kindness we have given to ourselves.

Kindness knows no bounds.

Kindness Writing Prompts

Let’s get the creative juices flowing.

Spread the Ripple is introducing monthly writing prompts for the rest of 2022. It’s time to get your thinking caps on and dig deep in your memory bank.

Writing prompt best practice

I would love to read more work on kindness.

Please accept this as a formal invitation to participate in any of the writing prompts. If you feel drawn to a prompt, please share your stories. Heck, if you have any other kindness-oriented stories, this is the place for them.

Stories in answer to the writing prompt can be self-published or submitted to other publications. If you want to submit to Spread the Ripple but aren’t yet a writer, this may help.

Don’t forget to:

• Include a link to this original prompt in your story.
• Tag me — Ali Hall — so I see it.
• Tag 3 other writers to encourage them to get involved.
• Use hashtags wisely, “kindness” and “Spread the Ripple” tags are recommended.

Ok, let’s get started.

Spread the Ripple Monthly Writing Prompts

I’m not a total stickler for the rules. So, if you vibe with the prompt for December in July, then follow your energy.

Crazy! I know, I like to live life on the wild side.

July 2022

“Compliments”

Compliments hold the power to empower. Tell us about a time you have given, or received a compliment. How did this exchange make you feel?

Here’s an example:

August 2022

“Rescue”

Those of us who have rescue animals often say they rescued us. Tell us about a time you have been rescued or you have rescued. Feel free to get creative with the term “rescue”. What lessons were learned?

Here’s an example by Mukundarajan V N

September 2022

“Listen”

Sometimes, the kindest thing we can do is to listen. Listen to the universe, our body, our friend, or a stranger. Tell us about a time listening served as an act of kindness.

Here’s an example by Jill (Conquering Cognitions)

October 2022

“Forgiveness”

Forgiveness holds the key to the prison gates of our souls. Whether we free ourselves or another, forgiveness is kindness. Tell us about an experience with forgiveness. It may be forgiveness to yourself or another. Perhaps you have received forgiveness.

Here’s an example by Mukundarajan V N (again)

November 2022

“Time”

Is time our most sparse and precious commodity? Time is the greatest gift of all. Tell us a story of when time and kindness have overlapped.

Here’s an example by B.R. Shenoy

December 2022

“The Self”

If we spoke to others the way we speak to ourselves, we wouldn’t have many friends left. Are you kind to yourself? Tell us about your self-compassion. What is the kindest thing you have done for yourself?

Here’s an example:

Ready, Steady, GO

Please help me send a kindness ripple around the writing world. You can still jazz kindness stories up with drama and trauma!

• Kicked a narcissistic, cheating, boyfriend out of the house? That was kindness to yourself!
• Chased after an assailant after they tried to rob an old lady? That was kindness to a stranger.
• What made you finally ditch the alcohol and engage in therapy? Again, a kindness to the self-story.

Ok, I’m going to do something I NEVER do. Please forgive me. Honestly, I’m not a bad person. For the first — and I PROMISE — the last time EVER, I am going to tag bomb the Spread the Ripple writers.

A shameless “look at me” gesture to get eyes on the prompts. Sorry! Thank you! Please! Sorry! 🤣

Zeenat Merchant Syal, M.A, M.Sc; Elle Sommer; Rodney Brown; Alia B; Andrea María Portal Ruiz; Ashwini Rao Holla; Barb Dalton 🇺🇦; Bobbi Lynn Gibson-Educator, BCCP, RM; B.R. Shenoy; CARMEN F MICSA; Carrie; Dave Logan; Charisse Tyson; Christina; Jill (Conquering Cognitions); Irene Fassler; Judy Derby; Elizabeth Eve; EllenEastwood; Ellie Jacobson; Emilia Smith; Erika Botha; Jake Hilden; Jack Road; JM Heatherly; Klara Jane Holloway; Juana Flor; Pene Hodge; Katie Michaelson; Kim Byrne; Art Bram; Maria Garcia; Mulan; Mukundarajan V N; Mustapha El Hajj; Orla K.; Dr. Preeti Singh; Rachella Angel Page; Roger Skibowski; Rosalind Pagan; Rosaline Oh; Rose Lee; Bald Smooth and Chinese; Sally Prag; Sandra Pawula; Sarah M.; Shameem Anwar; Steven Acree Jr.; Susie Pinon; The Maverick Files; Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles; Agnes Simigh; Kalypso Skitz; Yana Bostongirl

Come and write with us at Spread the Ripple.

This story was brought to you by Spread the Ripple. We are a publication dedicated to kindness. Kindness is our superpower. Read more stories and come and write with us here: