I love hearts – I collect hearts and of course a red heart is part of my book logo! So I love February with all its heart-related celebrations – Valentine’s Day, Heart Health Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Day.
As we move forward to March and the rest of 2025, I encourage everyone to commit to practicing random acts of kindness each and every day of the year.
Of course, saying this to the occupational therapy community – or any health care provider – is a little redundant because I know you practice intentional acts of kindness all day, every day, with your patients.
But consider committing that wonderful quality that makes you a great OT to your world outside of work by being kind to everyone around you.
I have enjoyed the many suggestions I have seen across social media this month and bring you my top ten for inspiration!
- Instead of paying for the coffee for the next customer in line, call your local school and pay a child’s lunch account that is overdue.
- Buy something from a kid. Scouts are selling popcorn and cookies this time of year or my favorite is a neighborhood lemonade stand.
- Let a fellow driver into traffic – slow down, flash your lights, let them merge and then give them a wave.
- Reach an item from a high shelf for someone struggling at the store.
- Pay someone a genuine compliment – once you start watching for ways to compliment people, it is amazing what you will notice.
- Be kind to yourself – start the day with a high five and review of your best qualities.
- Call someone’s boss with kudos for one of their staff.
- Leave your server an unexpectedly large tip. I read a story of a group of friends that plan an annual lunch, each person takes a $100 bill, and all the extra goes to the server.
- Smile or wave to someone – coworkers, fellow drivers, neighbors or just someone walking down the street.
- Send a card or letter to someone you haven’t contacted recently.
I hope this list inspires you to bring kindness into your day-to day-interactions. Being kind costs you absolutely nothing and can bring as much grace into your life as the person receiving your kindness.
