November is the second last month of the year, as you all know. This means it is the second last month to make a difference in 2018. The second last month to be kind, and make those around you happy. And after all, it is the month of giving thanks! So why not give back? If you’re not sure where to start, here are 30 different ways to be kind in the month of November! Challenge yourself to a daily act of kindness, see how many you can accomplish in the next 30 days!
DAY 1
Since acts of kindness are a lost art and many people have stopped doing them, we’ll start with an easy one. On November 1st, call your mom and tell her you love her. If you live with her, buy her some flowers. If you live in a different city, she’ll love the call. Just call and say “Mom I love you, thank you” and it will make her day. And remember, a mother figure can be any woman of influence in your life that deserves to know how much you appreciate her.
DAY 2
On November 2nd, let someone go in front of you in line. Nobody likes lines, and it will make them happier. It’s simple and small, so why not?
DAY 3
On November 3rd, compliment a friend. If they did their hair up nice, say something. If they have been working hard, acknowledge their accomplishment. You never know how wonderful a simple “you look nice today” can make someone feel.
DAY 4
On November 4th, call up an old friend. See if they want to grab coffee. Ask them what is going on in their life. Spend the time to listen, laugh and love.
DAY 5
On November 5th, write a letter to your family. Explaining everything you are thankful for that they have done for you. This one might be hard if you aren’t close to your family, but anything counts. You can write about any small moment that made you smile. You don’t have to actually deliver it unless you want to. This letter is to appreciate where you came from. You can use this to spread the joy within.
DAY 6
On November 6th, bring some toiletries to a homeless shelter. Even spare soap will help. Giving back to those in need is essential. We often forget how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and soap in our showers. Just a simple spare toiletry you bring in could change someone’s month. Spread the hope and joy.
DAY 7
On November 7th, donate food to a local food bank. Many grocery stores have donation bins by the cash register that are never full. Buy something, a can of soup or a loaf of bread. It will again change someone’s month.
DAY 8
On November 8th, give away old gift cards. If you have gift cards that you haven’t used that you keep holding onto because you “may need it one day,” give them away. Hand them out on the streets, leave them in a coffee shop, give them to a friend. This will declutter your life and makes someone’s day all in one!
DAY 9
On November 9th, offer to rake your neighbors’ leaves. Once those beautiful colors start falling from the trees, the nightmare begins. It just becomes another item on the never-ending to-do list. Offering to take care of this chore will remove some stress for them, more than you think!
DAY 10
On November 10th go out for dinner, enjoy yourself! Bring friends and family and have some wholesome quality time. When it comes time to pay for the meal, take the check. Fight for it if you have to. Then leave your server a generous tip. If you usually tip 15% try 20% this time. Even if the service was horrible, tip them well. Give them a tip that they will brag about to their co-workers – trust me, I would know as a server myself. It will make their life a little brighter.
DAY 11
November 11th is Remembrance Day. On this day, go to a Remembrance Day ceremony, and take time to remember why we are where we are. Pray for those who are still in active service to our country, protecting our rights and freedoms, and for those who have lost a loved one in that same act of service.
DAY 12
On November 12th, really challenge yourself. Only say positive things, both to yourself and in conversation with others. Avoid all negativity. You’ll be surprised at how hard it is, and again by how big of a difference it makes.
DAY 13
Make November 13th extra special. Buy a homeless person something to eat. If they are sitting outside a Tim Horton’s or McDonald’s, ask them what they would like to eat. If they are on a bench outside the mall, bring them a meal from the food court with a big bottle of water.
DAY 14
On November 14th, volunteer at a soup kitchen. Even if it’s just a one-time thing, it will make you value what you have. If you love it, go back.
DAY 15
On November 15th, give up your seat on the bus. There’s always someone who needs it more than you do. Whether it’s a pregnant woman, an elderly man, or a small child, they will truly appreciate this gesture.
DAY 16
On November 16th, lend your favorite book to a friend. Let them keep it as long as they need, and when they’re done, get together to discuss the plot and what you love most about it. This is also a great way to go screen free for a day.
DAY 17
On the 17th, donate coloring books or toys to a children’s hospital. This is another one that could be a one time thing, but once you visit you’ll probably want to make it a regular thing.
DAY 18
On the 18th take the time to call a good friend. Practice listening more and speaking less. Ask about their week or what’s been going on in their life. Even a 10 minute chat is worth the call.
DAY 19
On November 19th, buy someone a coffee. Go to your favorite coffee shop and pay for a strangers’ drink. You can buy the coffee for the person behind you in line. Alternatively, give the cashier some money so they can hand out “free” drinks.
DAY 20
On November 20th, buy a homeless person a blanket. By this time in the month it can be pretty cold outside and many suffer from low body temperature. It is terrible for their health and could kill them if severe. Buy them a big warm blanket, or a thick and heavy sweater/coat. You can give the blanket/coat to a homeless shelter or to them directly. Share warmth for the winter!
DAY 21
On November 21st compliment a stranger on anything. Cute shoes? Bright smile? Infectious laugh? Anything.
DAY 22
On November 22nd, post an inspiring quote on a social media platform. Instagram, Facebook, or even on a community bulletin board. You never know who’s looking for a sign.
DAY 23
On November 23rd, offer to read books for children in your local library. Many libraries have programs looking for volunteers, but if your local library doesn’t, you can start the trend!
DAY 24
November 24th: bring donuts to work. Need I say more? You might get employee of the month for this alone.
DAY 25
November 25th gives you five more days to make a difference. To make it special, donate money to your favorite charity. Choose an organization that means something to you and make a difference in the world. For me, it would be to a medical research foundation. Since it’s November you could follow the “Movember” trend and donate to prostate cancer. It can be any amount for any reason, you choose.
DAY 26
On November 26th, leave happy notes on people’s car. Happy little notes with smiley faces, cheesy puns, or any words of kindness.
DAY 27
On November 27th buy mittens, hats, and scarves and donate them to a homeless shelter, or give them to homeless families you pass on the street.
DAY 28
On November 28th hand out flowers on the street. Flowers are one of the worlds most universal ways of saying “I love you,” or in this case, “hey, you matter, someone cares about you, and you are important.”
DAY 29
On November 29th buy Christmas gifts for foster children. Foster families often have multiple children living in their homes, which makes it hard to supply Christmas presents. Angel Tree is also a wonderful organization that provides specific info about children in need of someone willing to support their Christmas this year!
DAY 30
And lastly, on November 30th, wrap up the month by calling your dad. We started the month by calling our mom’s or an influential mother figure in our lives, and we’re rounding it out by doing the same for our dad’s or influential father figures. Let the people you care about know they are loved this holiday season!
However, the journey of kindness does not have to end after a month! Let’s make this apart of our daily routines. Spread the love, give back, and enjoy life, vinas!
Are you inspired? Get the Hey! VINA app now and challenge your vinas to the 30 day kind-a-thon!
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