Kindness is powerful. It doesn’t take much to shift someone’s day from heavy to hopeful, and often, it comes back to us in ways we don’t expect. I’ve found that building one intentional act of kindness into my week makes life richer, softer, and a lot more joyful.
Here are the rituals I lean on to weave kindness into everyday life, because sometimes, the smallest gestures mean the most.
I may need this sweatshirt.
1. A Compliment That Sticks
Once a week, I make a point to give a specific compliment to someone. Not just “you look nice,” but something deeper, like noticing how they handled a situation with grace or how their laugh makes others smile.
My tip: I can be forgetful, so I write down EVERYTHING in my life, even the compliments I wish I’d given during the week. When I call (see last week’s RITUALS), I share one of them so it doesn’t go unsaid.
I have 2 people picked out for this ONE card. Better buy another!
2. A Handwritten Note or Message
Once a week, I send a note of encouragement or thanks. It might be a funny card that reminds me of them that I write in, a thoughtful text, or even a quick email. Words of kindness linger far longer than we think.
My tip: I keep silly cards that I find on my kitchen counter. That’s more my style (and my friends know that). Seeing them while I make my morning cup of coffee reminds me to write one.
What I Use: When I travel or go shopping, I like to pick up cards, notes, and stationery at small independent stores. The ones in the photo came from Temu. They have some of the funniest cards (and they’re CHEAP).
3. Pay It Forward (Small-Scale)
Once a week, I do something that costs very little but means a great deal, such as paying for the next person’s coffee, leaving a coin in a parking meter, or dropping a dollar bill into the vending machine slot. Tiny surprises like that create ripples.
My tip: I tuck a couple of singles into my wallet (and I also keep a couple in my car console) just for this purpose. Having them set aside keeps me from overthinking.
Now you know who’s in my phone.
4. A Kindness Call
Every week, I call someone who might need a little extra kindness. Maybe someone who’s lonely, stressed, or just hasn’t heard a friendly voice in a while. Ten minutes of listening can be a gift.
My tip: I keep a mental list of people I want to check in on regularly. I’ve also been known to add it to my Google Calendar (which I check daily) because again, I can get over-involved in something and forget. It makes it easier to remember who could use a call.
By the looks of these, it’s time for a new bunch….LOL
5. Extend Kindness to Yourself
Kindness isn’t just outward, it’s inward, too. Once a week, I do one gentle act of kindness for myself. Maybe that’s saying no without guilt (because my “no sugar rule” has to allow me to have chocolate every once in a while), buying myself flowers, or simply taking a nap. Self-kindness sets the tone for how we treat everyone else.
My tip: Write yourself a little note of encouragement or print something you’ve seen that makes you feel good that you saw while scrolling and tuck it into your planner. It’s amazing how powerful it feels to stumble across your own kind words.
Wrapping It Up
Kindness doesn’t have to be grand. A compliment, a note, a small gesture, a call, or a moment of self-compassion—once a week is all it takes to spread warmth outward and inward.
Because the truth is, kindness isn’t just about changing someone else’s day—it’s about changing the way we see and experience the world.
