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What makes you smile?

What makes you smile kindness hack

We all know what it’s like to have a bad day. You wake up on the wrong side of the bed, everything seems to go wrong, and by 5 pm you want to crawl under a rock and never come out.

But then, something magical happens. A coworker brings you coffee just the way you like it. A friend texts you a funny dog meme. A stranger smiles at you and starts a conversation on the subway. Suddenly, the day seems just a bit brighter.

Those mini moments of kindness are powerful. They can shift your entire outlook. So what if you started sprinkling them around and making them happen for others?

Spread kindness by sharing what makes you smile

We all know how wonderful it feels to be on the receiving end of a kind gesture or thoughtful act. Those little moments that bring a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts stay with us, brightening our day and reminding us of the good in the world.

Have you ever considered that the things that make you feel appreciated and cared for are likely the same things that would make others feel the same?

How to spread more kindness

Think about what brings you joy, then do the same for the people around you.

Take a moment to reflect on the small acts of kindness that have lifted your spirits, made you smile and felt thankful:

  • When someone remembers a small detail about you, like your coffee order or favourite band, showing they truly pay attention and care.
  • Getting a thoughtful, handwritten letter or card in the mail from a friend or loved one, just because.
  • Having a stranger give you a genuine compliment out of the blue when you’re not feeling your best.
  • When a friend or family member cooks your favourite meal or dessert to cheer you up.
  • Receiving a care package full of your favourite snacks, books, or self-care items when you’re going through a hard time.
  • Getting an unexpected text or phone call from someone you miss, just to catch up and let you know they’re thinking of you.
  • When a coworker notices you’re overwhelmed and offers to take something off your plate.
  • Having a heart-to-heart with a loved one where you both open up, feel heard, and grow closer.
  • When someone sees a book, article or video, they think you’d love it and send it your way.
  • Getting a long, tight hug from a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while.
  • A heartfelt compliment about your outfit or a skill you’ve worked hard to develop.

Now, imagine how great it would feel to be the person initiating those moments. You have the power to make someone’s day brighter with a simple action or a few caring words. And the best part?

Knowing what gestures mean the most to you gives you a roadmap for uplifting others.

Call a friend you’ve been meaning to connect with and tell them you’re thinking of them. Give compliments to others about their outfit or a skill they’ve developed. Make a habit of noticing the awesome things about people and telling them. “I love your smile!” or “That presentation you gave was impressive!” will probably stick with the recipient all day.

When we take our cues from our own joy and consciously pay it forward, we tap into an endless cycle of giving and receiving that makes the world a bit brighter. Those little bursts of happiness we give to others echo back to us, creating ripples of kindness that spread far beyond the initial moment.

Kindness isn’t some abstract concept or feel-good buzzword.

It’s a real, tangible force you can generate daily through simple actions. And once you start, it becomes a way of life.

Think about the little things that bring a smile to your face, then go out of your way to give those same experiences to others. Leave an encouraging note for a coworker. Pay for a stranger’s coffee. Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them.

These acts may seem small, but their impact ripples out in ways you can’t even imagine. You can make the world a little brighter, one kindness at a time.

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