Make a resolution to be kinder this year

With the onset of a new year, people are setting their New Year's Resolutions. Some may have already broken them! This year, set a resolution you can actually keep by resolving to be a little kinder.

Throughout the upcoming year, take every opportunity to brighten someone's day, be unselfish, think of others, and show kindness. No matter how small the deed, kindness has a rippling effect of positivity and we all can use more of that in our lives.

Here are 10 ideas to get you inspired:

Pay it forward: Pay for the person behind you at the drive-thru or counter. This can spark a chain of pay it forwards lasting for hours! Also, if you have not seen the movie, Pay It Forward, make an effort to watch it. It is very moving!

Volunteer in your community. Whether it is a one-time project or an ongoing commitment, volunteering is giving something that you can never get back-your time. Visit our website for some volunteer opportunities in your community.

Leave a generous tip when you go out to eat. Most waiters/waitresses are earning minimum wage or even less and relying on tips to make up the difference. Remind your waiter/waitress that they are important and that you appreciate the hard work they are doing at their jobs.

Just smile. Smiling is contagious! Even though you may not be aware, people are responding to your facial expressions. Be conscious of the vibe you are putting out and aim to smile more often.

Compliment someone. It feels good to get noticed and recognized and an unexpected comment may be just what someone needs to hear at that moment.

Do something without being asked. Do something just because. Why not?

Bake cookies and give some to your neighbor. We aren't as "neighborly" a society as we used to be. Do you know your neighbors? Make an effort to visit your neighbors and get to know them. They may not get many visitors and your visit may lift their spirits.

Offer to return the cart of a stranger who is unloading his/her car. Simple acts like this remind people that there is still good in the world. And, if you are going in, you will need a cart anyway!

Donate food to a local pantry. With more and more people relying on pantries to ensure their families are fed, food pantries have a tough time keeping up with the demand. Adding a few extra cans to your cart when you do your shopping will be greatly appreciated by those in need. Remember, it's okay to include some yummy items too. Most donations do not include these "extra" items, but we all deserve a treat every once in a while.

Ask someone you wouldn't normally ask how their day is going and genuinely mean it. With our busy lives it is easy to go about our business and overlook people. Think about some people you see throughout their day, that you may know very little about, except for their names, and have a conversation with them. Give them your full attention for that time and show them they do matter.

Do not wait for Random Acts of Kindness Week to come around to be kind, and rather than be random, resolve to BE INTENTIONAL!