Kindness On A Budget

--by Spoonerism, posted Dec 5, 2011

It never ceases to amaze me how generous people who post on this site are. From those who are fortunate enough to be able to use some of their money to help others, people making things for others, or just giving up a moment of their time to someone in need.

But what I would like to do here is offer some ideas on how to bring kindness into other people’s lives without needing to spend money.

So here I offer some ideas for acts of kindness that only need you, your hands, your knowledge or your ears.

1. Help strangers find their way

This is one I try to do every day if I can. Here in London we have some useful information panels scattered around with maps of the local area on them. If ever I see someone looking at the panel, or just looking at a map anywhere near where I work, I’ll go up and offer to help them find their way.

2. Make something for a stranger or a child

I love making mandalas using a compass and coloured pens, but I don’t always have them with me and each mandala can take a while to complete. So I needed something quicker and easier and I found instructions for making origami jumping frogs!! (http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-jumping-frog.html). After a little practice I can now make them on the bus, or anywhere I find myself (there are eight lined up on my desk right now!) to have ready to give away.

My friend and I were out for dinner a couple of weeks ago and we had a lovely family sitting behind us. We helped take a photo for them at the table and I realized they were the perfect recipients for the frogs (two kids of 6-10). It only took me a few minutes and as we were leaving I was able to give them to them and show them how to make them jump. The kids were thrilled and the parents happy too! In fact I have not come across anyone who doesn’t love them, even my 90 year old Grandmother!

3. Do something kind for a relative or loved one

I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I know a lot of us do not often think of our relatives or loved ones when it comes to doing acts of kindness. And these are the people who are the dearest to us of all!! So what can you do? Spend some time listening to one of your relations, one who maybe doesn’t get listened to as much as they would like. Take someone out for the afternoon, someone who might not get out as much as they used to or who just needs a little break from it all. Write a card/letter/e-mail to one of your relatives and tell them how much they mean to you and why you appreciate some of the things they have done for you down the years. Take some time out from your day and tell your loved one why they mean the world to you and how happy you are to have them in your life!

6779 Reads

Posted by Spoonerism
Dec 5, 2011
Comments (22)

Readers Comments

Bluebell wrote: You and PeaPod a box of beautiful surprises, your creativity is truly amazing. I used to make origami frogs a 1000 years ago lol when I was at primary school. Thank you for keeping the Londoners and the turists happy. Love, Light and Endless Blessings, Bluebell

Spoonerism wrote: By the way, I followed up on my own point iii) last night. While waiting for peapod to finish her exercise class I found a lovely card and told her how much I love and appreciate her! :-)

Bluebell wrote: You truly are special, you are both very blessed, true twin flames. May you carry on sharing your fantastic Light with all of us. It's truly a gift and a blessing to have you around. Love, Light and Endless Blessings, Bluebell

unknown wrote: I always admire your stand on the loved ones ... You came into my life to let me constantly remind myself and do a moment of service to my loved ones at home and extended. Thank you Spoonerism. God bless :)

unknown wrote: I know a woman who, on her walk every morning, picks up the newspapers on the driveways of the elderly people on her block, and puts them on a window ledge where it is easy for them to reach it. It costs nothing, but is a HUGE kindness to elderly people who find it hard to get down to reach the paper on the driveway (or worse yet, in the bushes). I love your suggestions, Spoonerism.....just adding another per your request.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Those are all great ways to spread kindness, thanks for sharing! :)

smilingdaisy wrote: I love all of your ideas Spoonerism! It is always nice to remember our loved ones, because they are the ones that should really come first. It's nice to remember others too! Keep spreading your kindness and thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!

rlincoln wrote: Good ideas, thanks! Although any help is good help, I find it harder to think of Budget-friendly ways to help people. It is easier to just donate money then it is to think of what they could really need and talk with them about it. Thanks for the ideas.

ecoenergygirl wrote: Sometimes a mere smile can change someone's day.
So can giving up a seat on a crowded bus or train.
Take the neighbor's dustbin out (recycling, etc).

Yasmin wrote: People are always happy to have someone listen to them and show that they care. We all need to know that we matter, and this is a free gift that goes a million miles toward reminding others that they are valuable members of the human race. Children in particular love to know that we are listening to them. Elders, too. And a third group that is often overlooked is shop clerks. What a difference it can make to ask them how their day is going, or compliment them on their smile or helpful attitude. When I go out in the world, I love to seek out these little, free opportunities to brighten someone's day. It's become one of my favorite parts of life!

Stories of Kindness from Around the World