Savvy Talks: Small, Simple Acts of Kindness (Inspired by Reddit, Approved by the Universe)
Marianne shares a few ways you can spread kindness and create more positivity in our world...you might even make someone's day!
We all feel it: the tension in the air, the headlines, the heated conversations. When everything feels a little meaner, colder, and just… ugh—that’s exactly when kindness matters most.
There’s a popular thread on Reddit right now where people are sharing everyday ways to be kinder. Real stuff. Small stuff. The kind that doesn’t cost a thing but might just change someone’s whole day.
I sorted through it, picked my favorites, and added a few of my own. Because honestly? The world could use a little more of this energy right now.
🧡 Small Acts That Make a Big Impact
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Say the nice thing out loud.
If you think someone looks great in that shirt or you appreciate how helpful they were—tell them. Out loud. Compliment their choices, not their genetics. (“That color looks amazing on you” > “You lost weight!”) -
Assume people are having a hard day.
That cranky person at the coffee shop? Maybe their dog just died. Extend grace. -
Make eye contact.
It’s one of the simplest ways to say, “I see you.” -
Hold the door.
Classic. Still undefeated. -
Leave things better than you found them.
Pick up that one piece of trash. Fix the floor mat at the store. Return someone else’s runaway cart. -
Make a stranger’s birthday.
One Redditor suggested making a video of random people wishing someone a happy birthday. That’s the internet at its best. -
Don’t pass on gossip.
Either it’s not true—or it’s not your story to tell. -
Buy coffee for the person behind you.
Especially if they look like they really need it. -
Volunteer your time.
Even once a month can make a difference. -
Learn first aid.
A lifesaving skill is the most generous kind of knowledge. -
Donate blood.
You could literally save a life during your lunch break. -
Tip extra when you can.
That pizza guy deserves a win. -
Look out for the loners.
Inclusion is an act of love. -
Cover your mouth.
Yep, kindness can be as simple as not sharing your cold.
🌱 Do It Without Expecting Anything Back
That’s the magic of it. Kindness without a scoreboard. Just imagine what would happen if even 1% of the world did one of these each day.
Let’s make that 1% us.
🍲 Oh, and Speaking of Nourishment…
If you want to nourish your soul and your belly, check out my favorite soup this week: Garbanzo Bean Soup—a cozy, nostalgic Cuban recipe that always takes me home.
You’ll find it here, along with more weekly recipes and ideas to make your everyday more intentional:
👉 Savvy Planet Recipes + Newsletter
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And let me know—what’s your favorite act of kindness to give or receive? 💫
Originally aired on 10/7/22 for WGN Radio 720.