Following the devastating Sandy Hook shootings, an incredibly powerful movement emerged. No, I’m not talking about any kind of political movement or the ever lasting feud over gun laws, but something much more inspiring. People from all different corners of the country, different backgrounds, and different perspectives, have come together to prove that there’s still hope.
Then I got to thinking; why not make “Random Acts of Kindness Week” here at the University of Oregon, a permanent aspiration?
After all, according to recent research, bringing joy to others’ actually makes you a happier person yourself.
So, here’s some inspiration.
1. Smile at a stranger.
2. Pay for customer behind you in line (think Starbucks, or while in a drive-thru).
3. Put a coin in an expired meter.
4. Carry small care packages with you for the homeless.
5. Buy a meal for a homeless person.
6. Bring a friend or stranger coffee to an early class.
7. Leave a quarter in the gumball machine.
8. Say thank you – and really mean it.
9. Write handwritten letters to loved ones.
10. Write a handwritten thank you note to an influential professor.
11. Give someone flowers, just because.
12. For every new item of clothing you buy, donate an item.
13. Offer to help someone carrying a heavy load.
14. Merge for a driver. Give ’em a wave while you’re at it.
15. Write a genuine compliment on your restaurant receipt (and a generous tip to go along with it).
Whether it’s just a smile or something more, it is some of the smallest things in life that bring the most happiness. Spread it.