Be a little kinder than you have to.

Happy September 1! The beginning of a new month means lot of things. First of all, the first of September means the Hogwarts Express leaves today! Yay for another year at Hogwarts. But the start of a new month always means new beginnings and a fresh start. I can't think of a better way to start fresh than to be kind. And kindness is so easy! It's probably one of the easiest things in the whole world because kindness is free. To prove that to you, I've compiled a list of random acts of kindness that don't cost a thing. I dare you to try one out today!

1. Tweet or Facebook message a genuine compliment to someone right now.
2. Hold the door for someone.
3. When everyone around you is gossiping about someone, be the one to butt in with something nice.
4. Try to find goodness in someone you aren't very fond of.
5. Put your phone away.
6. Offer a homeless person your leftovers from a restaurant.
7. Mow the lawn, rake leaves, or shovel snow for your neighbor.
8. Each time you get a new piece of clothing, donate an old one.
9. Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking.
10. Email or write an old teacher who made a difference in your life.
11. Don't complain.
12. Smile at someone on the street.
13. Keep a pen on hand and let others borrow it when they need one.
14. Let someone into your lane on the interstate.
15. Forgive someone.
16. Give directions to someone who is lost.
17. Let the person behind you in line at the supermarket with one or two items go ahead of you.
18. Write someone a letter. 
19. Make someone a playlist or mix CD.
20. Borrow someone a book you think they’d like.
21. When you go somewhere to get or do something, ask the people around you if you can pick up anything they need.
22. Give someone a hug.
23. Clean up after yourself, especially if you spill or make a mess in public.
24. Throw away paper towels others forgot to dispose of in the bathroom.
25. Comment something nice on someone's Instagram or Facebook post.
26. Try to make sure everyone in a conversation feels included.
27. Listen.
28. Hold the elevator.
29. Write someone you love a list of things you love about them.
30. Say please and thank you.
31. Text someone to say good morning or good night.
32. Give up your seat on the bus or train for someone who needs it more than you.
33. Help someone struggling with heavy bags.
34. Be kind to customer service representatives. It's not their fault.
35. Think of three things you're thankful for before you fall asleep every night.
36. Offer your friend or co-worker a ride.
37. Volunteer your time for a cause close to your heart.  
38. Have patience.
39. Leave your change as a tip at the coffee shop (Okay, so this isn't technically free, but it's super easy and doesn't cost much). 
40. Spread the word. Know someone who's really good at something? Help them out by recommending their work to others.

Free kindnesses go far beyond this list. There are so many things we can all do each day to be kind and spread the love. It doesn't take much to make someone's day or even start a chain reaction. 

What are some of your favorite ways to spread kindness?

Lots of love,

Sarah

E. Lockhart, "We Were Liars"