Let’s face it, the world could use a little more kindness and a little less judgement! We might not be able to reach everyone on the planet, but we definitely can spread some love towards our community and school! Although “Random Acts of Kindness Day” already came and went (it was February 17), keep the happiness spreading! If you want to bring some light to someone’s day but you’re not quite sure how, here is a list of simple things that you can do to make someone’s day. You never know, it could mean the world to someone, if you just let them know that they’re in your thoughts and that you care about them!  

• Send “checking-up-on-you” messages ~ This is one of the best and least complicated ways to make your friend or loved one feel wanted and loved. Just a simple “Hey, I hope you’re having an amazing day so far! I just wanted to see how you were doing and to let you know how much I value our friendship and that I find so much joy in being your friend,” message will do just fine. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but everyone needs a little dose of encouragement, even a short text can completely make their day. A little tip: try and send your message in the morning (preferably before your friend wakes up) so that they can wake up to the sweet text and see how their mood changes for the better!

• Mail a care package~ I mean come on, who DOESN’T love them? Care packages are a great way to show a pen pal, friend, or family member who lives further away from you some love! Don’t wait until a special occasion to send the package, gather your things now! This is supposed to be a “random” act of kindness, remember? Go get some items that you think that person will love, such as a sweet handwritten card, their favorite food and a framed picture of you both together! This will be sure to warm your bud’s heart and remind them that distance won’t get in the way of your special bond!

• Bake cookies for your neighbors~ Be the neighbor everyone wishes they had! This is an awesome way for you to get to know your next door neighbors a little better, and to spread some happiness and love throughout your development. You never know if one of your neighbors is having a rough day and are in serious need of a positivity boost. This could be exactly what they need. Your neighbors could be little kiddos or an elderly lady, age doesn’t matter! Everyone loves baked goods! Actions always speak louder than words!

• Pay for someone’s drink/meal~ Pay. It. Forward! My friends and I try and do this as often as we can, and we like to call it the “drive-thru difference” (thanks to our favorite radio station – WGTS 91.9) and it honestly is so much fun and such an easy way to spread some kindness. All you do is after you’re finished ordering at a cafe/eatery, tell the cashier that you would like to pay for the person behind you! It’s that simple. If you want to make someone’s day but don’t have much money, I suggest that you go to a fast food place or a starbucks because most likely, the order won’t be higher than $10, unless there’s a bus load of kids in the car!

• Put letters of encouragement on or in students lockers ~ This one is by far my favorite! This is such a fun and unique way to spread some positivity throughout the school! Get some pieces of paper and write a simple “you got this” or “you rock!” on it and either tape them or slide them inside students lockers. Bonus points if they’re students who you’ve never met before! I love this idea because when a student goes to his or her locker before, after, or during school, they can see the letter and feel a lot more motivated, which can be easily lacked in school. Sometimes even the smallest gestures can make people feel so loved and remind them how special they are. Don’t take credit or sign your name, make it a mystery!