Have you ever had your whole day transformed by a simple act of kindness? Perhaps a coworker surprised you with a treat from the bakery, or a stranger paid for your coffee in the drive-thru. We often think generosity has to come in big sweeping gestures, but in reality, little acts of appreciation and delight make a big impact in uplifting people’s spirits. It puts our faith into action and connects us to our greater purpose.
At Up Entertainment, we strive to bring you feel-good movies and shows with uplifting stories and characters. We believe in the power of this so much that to celebrate our 20-year anniversary, we’ve established National Uplift Someone Day on October 30th as a way of inspiring people to use this day to brighten the spirits of others in their families and communities.
The great poet Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Indeed, uplifting acts need not be eloquent, elaborate or expensive; it truly is the thought that counts when performing a kind gesture. So whether you want to be creative and indulgent, or simple and economical, we’re sharing tons of ways to spread joy and peace on this special day.
SURPRISE & DELIGHT
Image Suggestion: People volunteering
● Compliment a stranger. Any compliment can be uplifting, but getting specific really makes people feel seen: “Those shoes are amazing! I love your boldness and individuality with fashion.”
● Buy a coffee or meal for the person behind you in line at the cafe, or just leave an extra big tip for the often-underpaid service workers making that pumpkin spice treat.
● Offer comfort by baking something for your neighbors, friends, or co-worker. To go the extra mile, make a special recipe for someone you know is dairy or gluten intolerant.
● Check in with family members or friends you haven’t seen recently through a “just saying hello” email or text. It doesn’t have to be long or detailed – think of it as a digital hug.
● Good news can be really difficult to come by these days. Spend the day sharing positive stories from Nice News to your social media account. Encourage others to share your post. Visit Uplift Someone for more shareable stories of kindness and generosity!
● Embody compassion by volunteering at a local shelter to help those experiencing homelessness. Visit this site to find a center in your neighborhood.
● Create a basket with sealed packaged snacks and/or drinks for your local delivery drivers. If it’s cold in your area, include some instant hand warming packets that can help make those chilly routes more comfortable.
● Send a care package of simple pleasures to a family or friend who may be missing home. We love these Back to School Care Package ideas.
● Be a positive voice online by “love-bombing” people with friendly or encouraging comments on social media posts.
● Give an educator, school administrator, or anyone who works with our kids a verbal or written thank you. They truly can’t get enough thank yous from all of us.
● Donate non-perishable food and supplies to a local food bank. Visit Feeding America to find one near you.
● Offer to babysit for a busy parent who could use a break. Be specific with your offer: “I’d like to come over one Saturday next month so you can have a date night. Let me know which date works best.”
● Befriend someone new to your neighborhood, school, or work by inviting them to an activity to help meet people.
● The next time you leave a tip at a restaurant, include a kind note on the receipt for your server. Children can even add a cute drawing.
● It’s a tried but true way to put a smile on someone’s face: send flowers! 1-800-Flowers has plenty of “just because” flower and plant options at every budget level.
● Write a letter or simply say thank you to first responders and service workers you know or see in your community (police officers, firefighters, nurses, trash collectors, military service members).
● Offer to do yard work, get mail, or move the trash can to the curb for an older person in your neighborhood.
● Everyone loves to be recognized. Nominate that extraordinary someone in your life or community who elevates others at http://upliftsomeone.com/.
RANDOM ACTS OF KID-NESS
Image Suggestion: Child painting rocks
Teach children that thoughtfulness is a practice by encouraging them to regularly think of ways to show love and appreciation. Print out this list for some fun and simple ideas your kids can do with their siblings or friends.
● Mail a grandparent or older relative a postcard with a funny or inspiring message. Personal notes in the mail are so rare these days – it’s a sure way to delight someone.
● Put smiles on faces and earn badges? Win win! Making the world a better place is all in a day’s work for a Girl Scout, with so many ways to uplift and serve. Visit https://www.girlscouts.org/ to find a troop near you.
● Hide little notes with positive messages in places where your parents, grandparents or siblings might find them – tucked in their wallet or a book they’re reading.
● Instead of a lemonade stand, why not set up an “Inspiration & Encouragement” stand where visitors take an uplifting message from a jar, then write one to leave behind for the next person.
● What was popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic lives on as a wonderful way to uplift: paint a collection of rocks with colorful designs and positive messages and leave them around your community – they’ll surprise and inspire!
● Invite a new student to sit with you and a group of friends at lunch. Have everyone share a silly fact about themselves to break the ice and encourage connection.
● Do you have a pal or loved one going through a difficult time? Create a “Good Vibes” book by compiling a small journal of uplifting quotes, jokes, messages, drawings and fun stickers that they can flip through whenever they need a boost.
JOIN IN THE CELEBRATION
Loving gestures and acknowledging those who make a positive difference can have a profound impact, fostering connection and a sense of value in others. Plus, witnessing an uplifting act or being its recipient inspires us to pay it forward and keep the good going. So, let’s walk in our faith that each small act can contribute to a more loving and connected world. For more ways to celebrate, visit UPliftSomeoneDay.com
SPREAD THE WORD
We’d love to see your uplifting acts! Tag us @up_tv and join the conversation by adding #UpliftSomeone to your posts.
Melanie Gilbert owns Choral Communications and resides in Atlanta with her husband, daughter and two cats.
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