THE QUIET KIND

Lean on me

When you're not strong

I'll be your friend

I'll help you carryyyyy on...

Ah, that's a karaoke song if ever there was one. We all need a hand every now and then, but most of us are useless at asking for help. This month's challenge is to indulge in little acts of quiet kindness for friends, family, or total strangers as many times as possible. If we're all so bad at asking for help, let's just offer it instead.

WHY?

IT COUNTERS THE HATE​

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There are so many out there who stir up hate and fear for their own benefit. It only serves to isolate and divide people which is the dumbest course of action imaginable - we all need each other. It's as easy to be kind as it is to be a jerk, and it takes very little effort to make someone's day a whole lot brighter. 

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IT FEELS GOOD​

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Helping others also releases endorphins - it's nature's way of encouraging us not to be total pricks. We feel better about ourselves when we do something nice for someone else and there's no need to feel guilty about that little perk.

IT'S A DISTRACTION​

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Doing something for someone else distracts you from your own problems. It also often makes you feel more grateful for what you have. Like if you're helping out someone with a broken arm, you'll be really glad you've got two functioning ones.

HOW?

The challenge is to spread quiet kindness.

By "quiet", I mean not playing the martyr and announcing to everyone you talk to that you've been SO generous with your charitable donation or given up ALL of your Saturday to volunteer at the bake sale.

It's not about looking for credit for your kindness, nor expecting even basic appreciation from the recipient. You may think you're being helpful but they may think you are being a pain in the ass. Be kind anyway.

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These can be large or small acts of kindness - get creative and have fun spreading a bit of warmth and cheer around. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

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1. Post an appreciative note to someone you haven't seen in ages - getting 'real' mail always feels good.

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2. Offer a friend a ride to or from the airport, particularly if you know they have an early morning or late night flight.

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3. Take the time to stop and chat to your evidently lonely neighbour.

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4. Donate anonymously to someone's fundraising efforts. Bonus points if it's a colleague who irritates you intensely.

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5. Pay for a stranger's coffee or meal.

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WHAT NEXT?

KEEP GOING​

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Once you've had your fill of this challenge, pick another! You can find lots of options here. 

TELL A FRIEND​

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Our individual efforts​ won't have much of an impact if there are only a few of us making these changes. The more people we can get involved, the bigger a difference we'll make. Tell a friend or use the buttons below to share this page.

SHARE YOUR STORY​

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Tell us about your experience with this challenge on social media. What are you finding hard or easy about it? Tell us about #thequietkind via the social media buttons below. Don't forget to tag The Kin Project when you do.