Juggling Kindness

Can we be kind while multi-tasking?

Absolutely! In some ways, being kind while we’re busy and distracted is the most important kind of kind! Like an alarm bell ringing, our busy-ness can call us to attention. How many times have we taken our stress out on others? Hello! If you’re human, you’ve done this. But when we’re at our busiest, it’s also probably the best opportunity to practice kindness.

When we’re in a rush but also remember to be kind, often our work becomes easier! Or at the very least, more pleasant. Here are some tips on things you can do to be kind while on the go.

In 1 minute:

• Smile at a stranger

• Hold a door open for someone

• Help someone struggling with a cart or stroller

• Retrieve something from a high or low shelf for another shopper

• Make someone laugh

• Give someone a compliment

• Let someone know you’re proud of them

• Praise someone for something they have done well

• Drop money in the bucket of a street performer

• Talk to the cashier when checking out at the store

• Let someone ahead of you in heavy traffic or the Costco line or the carpool line

• If a driver lets you in front of them in traffic, wave and smile at them

• Leave quarters on top of a vending machine or at the laundromat

• Retrieve an item from a high or low shelf for someone with limited mobility

In 5 minutes:

• Buy a candy bar for the cashier & baggers when you check out at the grocery store

• Buy protein bars or other treats and keep them in the car to hand out to those in need

• Buy extra nonperishable food & personal care items to drop off at a food pantry

• Pay for the person behind you at the drive through or coffee shop

• Return loose carts in the parking lot to the cart corral or store entrance

• Bring cut flowers from your yard and give them to someone

• Have a conversation with someone who is experiencing homelessness

In 30 minutes:

• Pick-up a few groceries for an elderly or home-bound neighbor