Starting to act more kindly

The phrase "random acts of kindness" is probably one that you have heard of. But how many times do you take the opportunity to perform these random acts? This is the biggest challenge for some people looking to be more kind; they just don't see the opportunities for kindness until they have passed. In the suggestions that follow, you will read tips for how you can increase your ability to show kindness towards others. Who knows, it may surprise you just how easy it is for you to be the kind person you hope to be.

• Wear kindness on your face

  Smiling is definitely one of the easiest things that you can do to show kindness. There are no excuses not to smile. You can smile anywhere. There is always time to smile, even if you are in a rush and anyone, no matter their financial situation, can afford to share a smile.

• One thing a day

  In most cases, being kinder is going to take some time out of your day. However, a single act of kindness a day that takes only a few minutes to perform can make a huge difference to someone else. Do this kind act without expectation of repayment and even without the expectation of having your act acknowledged. Do it because you genuinely want to improve someone else's day.

• Look for opportunities

  Opportunities to show kindness present themselves all the time, the trick is to be looking and then have the courage to do something about it. Sometimes being more kind or being kind to people that we do not know is asking us to step outside of our comfort zone. See each opportunity for kindness as a once in a lifetime chance. You will never see this person in this scenario again; do not let this moment pass you by.

• Be opened to suggestions

  Performing kind acts on a daily basis can become a challenge. A regular routine and long hours at work may provide few obvious opportunities. If you find yourself in a rut when it comes to thinking of kind things to do, do some research. The internet is filled with resources on how to do kind things. You can read about ideas that range from making care packages for soldiers to volunteering to deliver meals to the elderly. There are opportunities available; you may just have to work harder to see them.

• Watch your mouth
  Few of us are guiltless when it comes to saying things that would have been better left unsaid. A quick tongue is definitely a hindrance to kindness. Start within and make sure that you are not only avoiding speaking unkindly but that you also avoid being negative. Speaking positively and being kind definitely go together. That cynical, rude, or judgmental voice in your head that dictates what you say and the body language that you show can be more of a hindrance to showing kindness than you may realize. Keep yourself in check and you will see even more positive personal side effects to being kind.

The key to being kinder consists of a series of personal goals where you commit to being kinder in your thoughts, words, and deeds.