There’s something about the spring sunshine, colorful flowers blooming and bright blue skies that just puts a big smile on my face – and pretty much everyone else’s too. After a long winter, it’s simply human nature! A small moment that brings a simple smile does so much more for the soul than we realize. While the sun may not shine every single day, there are so many easy things we can do for others to generate this same effect.
Today, I’m thrilled to be partnering with Stage to share 5 Simple Acts of Kindness to Brighten Anyone’s Day in support of the awareness of heart health with The American Heart Association. Heart disease hits close to home as there have been a number of my family member’s affected by this devasting disease. Becoming heart healthy can be the key to prevention and being mindful about one’s heart health can be done in so many different ways.
We all know exercise and healthy eating habits can make a world of a difference in someone’s health. But so can much simpler activities such as everyday self-care routines, choosing to live in a space that brings you harmony and peace and even the joy one receives when thinking of others. Stage’s Bring Heart Home campaign is focusing on these easy-to-do activities to raise awareness and funds to go toward The American Heart Association in the hopes to make a difference in people’s health, homes and communities too.
1. Pass Along a Book to Someone New
As an avid reader, I have shelves & shelves full of books on an array of subjects. There are a fair few that I know without a doubt I will pick up and read again. Many of the rest; however, are just collecting dust while showing off their colorful spines. I am constantly passing along the books I’ve read to friends & family but with the amount that I read, I still have so much more to give.
Little Free Library is the world’s largest book-sharing movement with pop-up libraries dotting neighborhoods almost each and every city. (You can use the map on their website to find the closest library near you.) Their mantra is “Leave a book, take a book.” The little free library by my house constantly offers up new reads and I have such fun filling it with some of my most loved novels too.
When we were shooting these photos, in fact, a young woman came up to me and asked me what I was donating that day. I found an opportunity to connect with someone new while dishing plot details on a recent read. It was a sweet moment that brought a smile to both of our faces and made me realize how much of an impact these already read books can have on others.
2. Give a Compliment
This one is my FAVORITE. If I ever see somebody with cute shoes, a darling top or interesting hairstyle that strikes me fancy – I make a point to tell them. Compliments can only work when they’re genuine – and it isn’t always easy to remember to pause and deliver a genuine compliment out of the blue – especially if you’re more introverted. I consider myself very outgoing but oh my goodness I also have quite the introverted quite side too. No matter the mood I’m in, I try to go out of my way as often as I can to compliment others. It makes me swell with pride and puts a smile on my face whenever I’m complimented out & about and is an easy thing to give back to others too.
3. Show Up with Flowers
Simply seeing or smelling a flower can instantly elevate your mood. That’s the reason flowers have always been a part of our more special occasions. This past year, I’ve made a point to not only reserve flowers for the special days but to bring out my own bouquets or gift them to others as much as possible. A beautiful bushel of flowers can be found at your local grocery store from $5-$20 and makes an impression that money just can’t buy. If I’m off to a friend’s birthday lunch or heading out to a dinner party at another friend’s house I try to always remember to pick up some flowers for the guest of honor or whoever is hosting. Flowers are also a great way to cheer somebody up who may just be down or going through something difficult. They make a simple, beautiful and special way to acknowledge any moment.
4. Buy the Person’s Coffee Behind You in Line
I’m always so flabbergasted whenever my local coffee shop barista tells me my coffee was paid for by the driver in front of me! Deciding to treat the driver in line behind you can sometimes set off a chain of events were 20+ coffee connoisseurs are taking care of the next in line in one span. We are all going in so many different directions in this crazy thing we call life and this small act of acknowledgment to the stranger behind you is a simple way to just bring on all the warm & fuzzies.
5. Volunteer for Others
For me, getting out and volunteering gives me the greatest joy when it comes to giving back to others. Most of the time you can see a direct result of your volunteer efforts while in the moment too. I hear so often from girlfriends, “I want to volunteer but I just don’t know where or when!” It can be daunting with so many different agencies needing volunteers at random times with specific skill sets needed too.
There are organizations that can place with you volunteer agencies, such as the Junior League, and many times you can just cold call what interests you the most and I’m sure whoever answers would be more than happy to help. A few organizations I’ve had a tremendous experience volunteering for are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House, Houston Food Bank and the Mission of Yahweh Woman’s Shelter. Assisted living and nursing homes also just appreciate anyone who is willing to come by, talk and share stories with their residents. An ordinary conversation is something that can be taken for granted but could mean so much to someone who would love to be listened to.
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And now circling back to a more fashionable front, I couldn’t leave y’all hanging without sharing the details on the outfit I’m styling above. I found every piece pictured online at Stage. This spacious black bucket bag holds everything I need and more while these espadrilles are just as comfortable as they are chic. And if you’ve followed along for a while now, you probably know that I can’t resist a blue & white sundress!! This one is from Stage too and linked here.
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Big thank you to Stage for sponsoring this post and letting me be a part of your Bring Heart Home initiative. I’m thrilled to share the simple acts of kindness in the hopes to raise awareness on heart health this month. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you to my readers for supporting the brands that make Lone Star Looking Glass possible.
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xo, alice
