It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for the new Friday Five 2.0. The theme this week is “5 Activities I Wish I Had Time For Instead of [your sport/activity.] I’m going to go off topic. After this week, I need to focus on something positive. I’m recycling/updating a post from last year. I bring you “Five Free Ways to Do Good.”
1. Practice small acts of kindness – lots of them. Kindness is free. Spread good news. Hold the door. Help a friend. Help a stranger. Listen to someone’s story. Run an errand for a neighbor or friend. Babysit. Make a meal for a friend or person in need. Give a bigger tip than usual to someone who does a great job – and tell their boss, too. Bring treats to the office or to the people who help you in your life. Buy a homeless person a warm meal. Pay it forward. Pay it back. Need some great ideas? Check out this guest post with Caitlin’s 31 Random Acts.
2. Volunteer your time. Find things you love and share them… tutor kids, teach someone to knit, work at a soup kitchen or at a race or event. You get the picture on this one. As the season gets busy, many organizations need substitutes to accommodate vacation schedules. Look for ways to help in your community.
3. Donate items that you no longer use to people who can. If you’re like me, you have a ton of barely used coats and sweaters that could be put to great use. It is also a great time to donate books, toys and other household items that you are not using. It could make a big difference to someone. If you are here in Chicago, check out Finds’ fave Zealous Good. Zealous Good is like Craigslist for donated goods. You list your donations and charitable organizations send messages (via the website) about who will benefit from your donations if you select them. Many charities will pick up goods from your home or office. Could it be any easier?? Look online for great organizations who take donations in your area.
4. Call or visit some friends or family members and give them your undivided attention. I’m guilty of letting way too much time go by before I reach out to some friends or family members. Carve out some time to call or meet to catch up with special people in your life. Then, challenge yourself to give your people your undivided attention.
5. Smile, show appreciation and give lavish compliments. Life is stressful (and it will get more stressful, it seems.) It’s amazing what a smile or compliment can do. Be grateful, show appreciation and when you see something awesome, give props!
What other ideas to you have? Please leave them in the comments.
Have a good weekend, friends!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways!
PS2. If you’re from the Friday 5 2.0, the 5 things I wish I had time for instead of running and blogging are yoga, spinning, knitting, sleeping (!) and volunteering. I am going to make more time for cross-training and volunteering this winter!