How Random Acts of Kindness Benefits Everyone

Be Respectful Throughout our entire lives, we will be meeting people who are different than us. Showing respect goes a long way and leaves a great impact. Ways to Show Respect: Think before you say it or type it Don’t judge others before you get to know them Make eye contact with another person Use the basics- Please & Thank you

Be Thankful Having gratitude and a thankful attitude is infectious. If you start to count your blessings, big or small, you’ll realize how much in this life there is to be thankful for. Challenge: Spend the day writing out what you’re thankful for. You’ll be surprised how long your list gets! Ways to be Thankful: Let someone know you appreciate them Be thankful for the people who support you Be thankful that your basic needs are met Give back to those in need with your extra

Be Kind Being kind to someone has a snowball effect…if you’re kind to someone, they are more likely to do something kind for someone else. You never know what others are going through and they may just need a smile or a hug. Ways to be Kind: Give someone a compliment Say Hi to someone you know or don’t know Pay for the car behind you in the drive- through Practice forgiveness

Be Culturally Diverse It is also safe to assume diversity, meaning never assume everyone is the same because of a certain background or upbringing. Staying culturally diverse helps you learn about yourself and work with others who are different. Ways to be Culturally Diverse Ask someone about their family traditions Learn about your own background Put yourself in a situation where you are the minority Study a culture that is different than yours

Step Up! Be the first to respond and show that you care. Stepping up and doing something shows action and shows that you believe in a cause. Ways to Step Up: Call 911 if someone needs help Have compassion Stand up for someone being mistreated Make the right choice- even when the decision seems hard

CHALLENGE: Accept one of these challenges today and try one for a week: Talk to someone new in class Volunteer for a cause in the Charleston community Write someone you love a letter Call an old friend and catch up Say hi to a stranger Forgive others and yourself- there is no weakness in forgiveness