40 days ago I announced that on August 2nd, 2010(today) I would be launching a new blog dedicated to providing followers with 365 worthwhile ways to spend their time, the idea being that I would post one unique way every day for an entire year.  Having consulted ~40 of the most creative people I know, I am pleased to report that a superb list has been compiled for your reading pleasure.  However, it has since occurred to me that the more logical way to share these ideas is in a series of categorized ND posts.  I think doing it this way will be much simpler for you, the reader, as well as significantly less stressful for me.  So, on that note, I present you A Way a Day Part 1- Compassion, Kindness, and Generosity…

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A Way a Day Part 1- Compassion, Kindness, and Generosity

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.- Seneca

Always be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.- Plato

Of all the joys we human beings have the opportunity to experience, I can think of none greater than the feeling that arises when we are genuinely kind and helpful to others.  Benevolent acts that seem small and insignificant are often a catalyst for the spread of goodness far and wide.  There is simply no better way to spend your time than in search of ways to improve the lives of fellow human beings.

1. Pick a person you know well and write down all of the ways they are making a positive impact on the world around them.  Then, when you are finished, recognize the person for a job well-done by presenting the list to them in your own unique way.

2. Search “elementary school talent show”(or something similar) on youtube.com and leave an encouraging comment on a few of the lesser viewed videos that come up

3. Birthday calendar- Create a calendar that marks the birthdays of each one of your friends and family.  Then, take the time to call or visit each of these people when their day comes around.

4. PBJ giveaway- Make five or six peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and give them as unexpected gifts- family, friends, coworkers, gas station attendants, complete strangers, etc… everyone loves a surprise PBJ!

5. Write a letter to a soldier thanking them for their bravery and service to your country.

6. Locate expired parking meters and put quarters in them. (thanks Nyein)

7. Smile at people as you pass them on the street.  Simple as it is, this can have a profound impact on someone’s day.

8. Spend five or ten minutes meditating on how to love another person well.  Carefully consider new ways that you can bring happiness and joy into their lives.  (thanks Anthony)

9. Write inspiring quotes pertaining to the value of kindness(such as the two above) on $1 bills and hide them in public places for strangers to find.

10. Buy a smoothie and give it to a person who is working outside on a hot day

11. Have lunch and a conversation with a homeless person.

12. Pay for the next person in line at the drive through coffee shop.

13. Offer a ride home to a person walking on the street.

14. Write a thank you letter to a person who has had a profound impact on your life (thanks Angelica)

15. Pick a person you admire and find a way to give them an anonymous note of acknowledgement

16. Be a local super hero- Spend an entire day walking around  in search of ways to help the people in your community

17. Keep an elderly person company- Seek out an older person in your community who may be feeling lonely or in need of a good conversation.  Sit down with them and ask questions about their life and the lessons they have learned from it.

18. Offer an evening of free childcare to parents who may not have the money to hire a babysitter

19. Surprise a friend by treating them to coffee and a movie

20. Leave a treat for the mailman

21. Find a new small-time blog that you enjoy and leave a meaningful comment on one of the posts

22. When you get an excellent server at a restaurant- tell the manager that they have done a wonderful job and leave a thank-you note with the tip.

23. Buy a bag of candy at Costco and give it out to children playing at a park

24. Make a point of giving 10 genuine compliments in one day

25. Leave a copy of your favorite book somewhere in public for a stranger to find.  Include a note on the inside cover describing why it has been so important to you.

26. Provide a micro-loan to an entrepreneur in need at Kiva.org

27. Leave change in vending machines

28. Invite a few people over and cook dinner for them

29. Buy a few toys and leave them at a low-end apartment complex with a sign that reads “free”

30. Buy a $5 Starbucks gift card and leave it on a random car windshield in a parking lot

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