How to leave a legacy of kindness.

A legacy can be defined by the contribution a person makes to the world. It means to outlive oneself. There are many influential people that have a legacy of kindness. Princess Diana was known for the contributions she made to society and she will be remembered for her acts of kindness.

But what about ordinary people who are living day-to-day? How can they leave behind a legacy that will make them extraordinary in the people’s lives that they touch on a daily basis? Wouldn’t you like to be remembered as an extraordinary, kind person?

Kindness is a legacy where we can out live ourselves. Everyday we come into contact with family, friends, strangers and even animals. We have a choice as to how we will treat everyone and everything that crosses our daily path. If we practice being kind in every aspect of our lives, we will leave a legacy that touches the hearts of those we leave behind.

Each one of us has the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of our planet. The small acts of kindness generate a ripple effect that creates positive change in our world.

Some acts of kindness can be well thought out, whist others can be purely spontaneous. Could you plan to do an act of kindness everyday?

Here are 10 ways you can leave a legacy of kindness that will contribute to the well being of our world.

1. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee.
2. Buy a chocolate for the person who is at the checkout till in the grocery store.
3. Send a postcard to a child that is ill. (www.sendkidstheworld.com)
4. Write a letter to someone who is depressed. (www.moreloveletters.com)
5. Keep a extra umbrella at work, so you can lend it out when it rains.
6. Bring snacks for your work mates.
7. Volunteer at www.musiciansoncall.org.
8. Write a letter to the elderly. (www.lovefortheelderly.org)
9. Sign up for the You Matter Marathon. (www.youmattermarathon.com)
10. Give a box of hearts to someone special with kind words written on them.
11. Take flowers or treats to the nurses’ station at your nearest hospital.
12. Run an errand for a family member who is busy.
13. Leave a box of goodies in your mailbox for your mail carrier.
14. Tape coins around a playground for kids to find.
15. Put your phone away while in the company of others.
16. Email or write to a former teacher who made a difference in your life.
17. When you hear that discouraging voice in your head, tell yourself something positive — you deserve kindness too!
18. Write your partner a list of things you love about them.
19. Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.
20. Have a clean up party at a beach or park.

If we can choose to be anything in this world,….. let us choose to be kind to one another.