40 Random Acts of Kindness in 40 days
“How do we change the world? One Random Act of Kindness at a time.” – Morgan Freeman
Random Acts of Kindness Day is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference. While this list of 40 Random Acts of Kindness was originally inspired by my Lent practice of charity and reflection, the ideas are simple, meaningful, and meant to be shared any day of the year.
I have always believed in the power of kindness and being of service to others. The notion that in the process of giving to others, we receive so much more is something I’ve experienced first-hand. And more, imagine if one simple act of kindness was paid forward, sprinkling light and love to others in unexpected ways. 40 Acts in 40 Days…a perfect place to start!
Having been raised Catholic (uniformed plaid skirts, Peter Pan collared blouses and all), Lent was a big deal. If you’re unfamiliar, Lent is the Christian season of spiritual preparation for Easter. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent is the 40-day period before Easter (technically 46, as Sundays aren’t included) and is a time of reflection through prayer, fasting and charity.
The biggest question is always, “What are you giving up for Lent?” As a kid, candy was always a biggie. My friend was more creative and specified chocolate therefore not having to give up all sweets. (Clever…not the point…but clever.) But the idea is typically giving up something you enjoy—be it coffee, social media or even alcohol—and use this as a way to foster self-control and remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice.
“Don’t just give up chocolate for Lent. Make it your best Lent ever.” – Matthew Kelly
And so, eight years ago I decided to celebrate the season differently, and devoted myself to accomplishing 40 Random Acts of Kindness in 40 days…and I’ve never looked back.
I have had a blast getting creative over the years, though they all don’t have to be grand gestures. The beauty in kindness is that it truly can take so little effort to be kind. And if you think about how it feels when someone does something as simple as holding a door for you or allowing you to merge over to the next lane on the freeway when no one will let you over…there are simple yet easy and lovely ways to spread kindness.
During Lent, I keep a daily journal and list three things I am grateful for and list any Random Acts of Kindness I was able to accomplish that day. It’s a terrific way to reflect and end the day— with an “attitude of gratitude” and to remember in what small way I have sprinkled some happiness into the world. Here are some of the ways I’ve come up with to spread light and love one small Random Act of Kindness at a time…40 in 40!
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- Picked up neighbors’ morning newspapers and left them at their front door.
- Sent handwritten notes to friends I haven’t seen in awhile just letting them know how much they mean to me.
- Made blessing bags for the homeless and handed them out if I saw someone in need.
- Went through my bookshelves and donated books to the local library.
- Gathered shopping carts in the parking lot and put them away.
6. Donated to a Funeral Fund to some kids fundraising on the street corner.
7. Cooked a meal and took it over to a friend who was undergoing cancer treatment.
8. Sent out texts to friends wishing them a great day.
9. Made “Busy Bags” full of fun activities and treats & delivered to local children’s hospital.
10. Donated old towels, dog toys and food to local animal shelter.
11. Donated money to little girl in lieu of buying the candy she was selling outside the store
12.Took my husband’s car to be washed and gassed.
13. Pulled weeds in the center median in our neighborhood.
14. Sent my kidlet a Domino’s Pizza gift card, his favorite, while he was away at college
15. Left coupons I didn’t need on top of the item in the grocery store for someone else to use
16. Purchased a Starbucks gift card for a free cup of coffee for someone of the barista’s choosing – told her whatever was leftover was a tip for her.
17. Painted rocks with inspirational sayings and left them all over the neighborhood like Easter eggs.
18. Left inspirational sticky notes on mirrors for my family members (they deserve kindness too).
19. Bought daffodils from Trader Joe’s and attached “Let Love Bloom” note and delivered bundles to the doorsteps of friends’ and neighbors’ houses.
20. Handmade cards and delivered them to convalescent homes for their patients.
About halfway through the challenge, I noticed something unexpected—kindness becomes easier the more you look for it. Once you slow down, opportunities are everywhere.
21. Helped a friend who’s a single mom clean out her garage.
22. Baked cookies and took them into my office to share.
23. Took flowers and a card to a neighbor on the birthday of her mom who had recently passed away.
24. Let the person behind me go in front of me at the grocery store when I learned she was in a hurry.
25. Picked up “dog deposits” left behind from someone else’s dog when out walking my own dog.
26. Sent old pictures I had duplicates of to friends I thought would enjoy.
27. Made little notes of encouragement and placed them on the window of cars in parking lot.
28. Put together a travel care package to a friend heading out on a family vacation.
29. Wrapped up a dog toy and delivered it to a friend who’d gotten a new puppy.
30. Went to watch a friend’s kidlet at their soccer game.
31. Left ziplock bags with a little note and $1.40 all around the Dollar Tree for people to find.
32. Fed the parking meter for cars whose meters had expired.
33. Gave extra tickets to our parish fair to a young family with lots of kiddos.
34. Brought in the neighbors’ trash cans after the trash truck had already been by.
35. Surprised my mom with a zoom call and invited an old and dear friend to join us as we live far away from one another and she hadn’t seen her in a long while.
36. Treated another family at a restaurant by paying their bill.
37. Filled ziplock bags with coins and a note & left them on the machines at the laundromat.
38. Bought some books that inspired me, wrapped them up & gave away to friends “just cuz”.
39. Went grocery shopping for a family who’d just lost a family member.
40. Picked up trash in the neighborhood while out on my walks.
Beyond 40: More Ways to Sprinkle Kindness
Since completing my 40 in 40 challenge, I’ve kept finding ways to sprinkle love—and I’ve also heard from so many wonderful people who took the challenge themselves! Here are a few inspiring ideas, both from me and from others:
- Donated Blood .
- Bought a candy bar at the grocery store & gifted it to someone in the parking lot.
- Took flowers to the local senior center & spent time handing them out.
- Made sandwiches at church to hand out to the homeless.
- Wrote inspirational messages on the sidewalk in their neighborhood.
- Donated books to local libraries.
- Purchased mini-Jesus figurines and placed them in random places for people to find.
There are so many wonderful ways to share Random Acts of Kindness. How are YOU helping sprinkle kindness wherever you go? Share what ways you’re doing your little bit of good in the world in the comments below. 🙂
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
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I love it!! thanks for sharing so many great acts of kindness ideas of which have inspired me to sprinkle little bits of my own as well!! Em❤️
Sprinkle away!! Spread that kindness like confetti! Thank you~
So many great and creative ways to do something kind Shelley. I’ve already committed myself to a couple of them! Thanks for putting your list out there.
Oh, so glad to hear the ripple effect will be out into the world spreading kindness! Thank you for sharing~
So awesome Shelley. Great reminder of RAK’s to do during Lent especially!
There’s still time…we’ve got a ways to go before the Easter Bunny arrives 😉
Great inspiration! Love the ideas!
Hope your inspired to go try out a couple…it’s such a “feel good” when ya do~
Awesome fun being kind! Love the idea and actual kindness you’ve shared. Makes me wonder what kindness would could do.
Good examples to inspire.
The world can and will be a better place…one small random act of kindness at a time.
Some of those acts of kindness are creative in ways I never would have thought up myself. Thank you for the inspiration, your speciality.
Glad you enjoyed! Hope you’re inspired to do a little sprinkling 😉
What a wonderful idea. Bringing sunshine sprinkles to our parish community and beyond. You are a very beautiful person (inside and out)!! Honored to have you as my sister in Christ! Thank you for sharing!!❤️❤️
Thank you for your kind words! God bless~
Hey Fun-Size! Thank you for the joy you share with those of us lucky enough to be near you on a regular basis. We appreciate you! Love the idea of 40 acts of kindness (and not giving up sweets) 😎❤️
Awww…thank you! Hope you tackled a few “Acts” on your own. You’re a ray of light and I appreciate your kindness~