Five kindnesses that take under a minute
You do not need a free afternoon to be kind. Here are five things that fit inside sixty seconds.
"I would do more if I had the time" is one of the most honest things people say about kindness. Days are full. Energy runs out.
So here are five acts that do not ask for time you do not have. Each one fits inside a minute.
1. Name the good thing
When you notice something good about someone, say it out loud. Be specific.
"Great job" is nice. "The way you explained that made it easy for everyone to follow" is something a person remembers for weeks.
2. Send the two-line message
You thought of someone today. Tell them.
"Saw something that reminded me of you. Hope this week is treating you well."
That is the whole message. It does not need a reason, and it does not need a reply.
3. Give your full attention
For the next conversation, put the phone face down and turn toward the person. Full attention has become rare enough that people feel it right away.
4. Let someone go first
In traffic, in line, at the door. It costs you about ten seconds, and it tells a stranger that they were seen.
5. Say thank you with a reason
Add the word "for" to your next thank you.
- Thank you for staying late to help.
- Thank you for always remembering my order.
- Thank you for checking in last week. It mattered.
Why small counts
A small act will not fix someone's whole day. It can change the direction of it. People who are treated kindly tend to pass it along, often without noticing they are doing it.
Try this today: pick one of the five and do it before your next meal.
If this helped, pass it on to someone who could use it today.