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Spreading Joy Together Through Acts of Kindness

As we go through our daily lives, it’s important to remember the impact that small acts of kindness can have on those around us. Whether smiling at a stranger, holding the door open, or even just saying a kind word, simple actions can make someone’s day and create a ripple effect that inspires them to continue spreading that joy. But what if we could take it further and make spreading joy a family affair?

Performing acts of kindness together spreads joy to others while fostering more joy in your family. Here are some ways that families can come together to spread joy and kindness.

Ways to Spread Joy and Kindness:

1. Volunteer your time

There are countless organizations that rely on volunteers to help them carry out their mission. Whether it’s a local food bank, animal shelter, or community center, there is always a need for helping hands. As a family, choose an organization that you are passionate about and spend some time volunteering together. Not only will you be making a difference in the lives of those you are helping, but you’ll also be strengthening the bonds within your family.

2. Surprise a neighbor

Sometimes, the people who need a little extra kindness in their lives are the ones closest to us. Take some time as a family to do something special for a neighbor. It could be as simple as baking them some cookies or offering to mow their lawn. The gesture will show them that they are appreciated and loved.

3. Write thank you notes

Everyone loves to feel appreciated, and a simple thank you note can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. As a family, take some time to write notes to people who have positively impacted your lives. It could be a teacher, coach, family member, or friend. The recipient will feel appreciated, and your family will feel good knowing you’ve spread joy.

4. Pay it forward

The concept of paying it forward is simple: when someone does something kind for you, you do something kind for someone else. As a family, challenge each other to pay it forward throughout the day. It could be buying a stranger’s coffee, leaving a generous tip for a server, or even just holding the door open for someone. The impact of these small acts of kindness can be felt far and wide.

5. Make care packages

There are many people who could use a little extra love and care, whether it’s a soldier serving overseas, a person experiencing homelessness, or someone going through a difficult time. As a family, gather some items that would be useful and create care packages to give to those in need. Include things like toiletries, snacks, and handwritten notes of encouragement.

6. Spread joy through art

Art has a way of bringing joy and beauty into the world. As a family, create some art together and leave it in a public place for others to enjoy. It could be a sidewalk chalk drawing, a painted rock, or a mural. The act of creating something together as a family will bring you closer, and the joy that your art brings to others will be immeasurable.

7. Random acts of kindness

Sometimes, the most impactful acts of kindness are unexpected. As a family, challenge each other to carry out random acts of kindness throughout the day. It could be leaving a flower on someone’s windshield, paying for the person behind you in line, or leaving a note of encouragement on a stranger’s desk. These small acts of kindness will bring joy to those around you and make you feel good knowing that you’ve made a difference.

Spread Joy as a Family

Spreading joy and kindness is something we can all do, and doing it as a family can make it even more special. By volunteering, surprising neighbors, writing thank you notes, paying it forward, assembling care packages, spreading joy through art, and carrying out random acts of kindness, families can positively impact the world around them.

Find out even more about the transformational power of giving back and learn how to supercharge your life by visiting our new website and spreading joy by giving 365 days a year!

Further reading:

10 Easy At Home Projects that will Teach Kids the Meaning of Giving

Green Living Made Easy: 15 Simple Ways to Care for Our Planet from Home

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)