Oprah's 24 Acts of Kindness

--by Jesse, posted Nov 8, 2007

January:
Adopt your new coworker, take her to lunch and make yourself available for any little question she has.

If someone says flattering things about your friends, don't hesitate to let them know they have fans.

February:
On Valentine's Day, call your single friends just to say, "Hello."

If a waiter or a manicurist or plumber does an especially good job, let them know. Even better, let their boss know.

March:
Honk your horn only to prevent a car accident.

Resist the temptation to lash out when you're in a bad mood.

April:
Get back in touch with someone who once meant something to you, if only to tell her she made an impact.

Offer to share your cab from the train station on a rainy evening.

May:
If you come across a funny childhood picture of you and your brother, send him a framed copy.

If you're out of gift ideas for a friend's birthday, making her favorite dessert will always trump a gift certificate.

June:
Spend an afternoon with an elderly family member doing whatever makes her happiest.

Forgive loud teenagers.

July:
Help a friend move.

At a wedding, never ask a single woman how her love life is going.

August:
Asking for help is never easy. If someone you love needs a favor, agree if at all possible.

Be generous with sincere compliments.

September:
At your child's soccer game cheer whenever a goal is scored -- even if it's by the other team.

When someone is speaking, offer her 100% of your attention.

October:
If the gym is crowded, switch machines after each set when you're lifting weights.

Introduce yourself to the grocery checkout cleark, and start calling him by name.

November:
Patronize local businesses instead of jam-packed megastores.

Forward funny emails, but refrain from sending chain messages.

December:
Tip very well.

Release the grudge. It irks you beyond words, we know. But it's a tiny thing. Let it go.

[ Do you have any ideas of your own to add? If so, please leave a comment so we can build a great list for this holiday season! ]

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Posted by Jesse
Nov 8, 2007
Comments (13)

Readers Comments

akbj wrote: Love these ideas. I just realized that almost all of them are a version of "Treat others as you would want to be treated". Thank you

loretta wrote: Great kindness acts!

Lovebug wrote: I might have a problem, I don't remember reading your comments before, they all are so very true, the smallest kindness is never lost. It is only now at this late date, I am able to remember how small kindnesses young in life helped to shape who I am today, and I ask God to bless all of their prayers.

mdadlaza wrote: Sometimes its difficult to do such simple things. I remember my brother cutting off a part of the family picture where he had featured in a funny way.

JuneBug wrote: These are great ideas and simple ones at that...I like simple!

keshavarao wrote: simple great ideas, practicing them is a wonderful experience which gives immence happiness to both giver and taker. thankyou very much sharing such simple yet great ideas with us!

Luana wrote: Mow a neighbors lawn. You never know what is detaining them from doing it themselves and the act itself just might let the neighbor know that someone cares.

MisteMay wrote: There is so much to be said for random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.

katlampi wrote: I am so glad you posted this! I love Oprah, and I think these are very important acts of kindness to implement into our daily lives! :)

Vicki wrote: Those are some of the best acts of kindness Ive seen.
I always make a point of smiling and saying Hi to anyone I happen to see when im outside. And the Clerks at any store I always Say Hi, how are you today. And make some idle talk the whole time they are checking me out. I think my act of kindness will make up for some customers whom are not so nice. Thanks for your ideas also.

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