May 05 2021
30-Days of Caring by Giving Kindness and Compassion
30-days of caring is all about you giving one simple, thoughtful act of caring every day for the next few weeks.
Because here’s the thing. The simple act of caring can make a big difference to someone’s day. All it takes is a little bit of effort to let people know they matter to us.
What are 30-Days of Caring?
It’s straightforward and easy. For the next 30 days, just do something caring for someone else.
We have listed three lots of 10-days of different ways you can show you care. They’re divided into:
- 10-days of Appreciation
- 10-days of Encouragement
- 10-days of Support
It doesn’t matter which order you do your 30 days of care. You can follow the list or skip around or do your own thing. The important thing is just to do something every day for 30 days.
Download the 30-Days of Caring Checklist
- 10-days of Appreciation
- 10-days of Encouragement
- 10-days of Support
10-Days of Appreciation
Let someone know that what they do and who they are matters. This is one of the kindest things you can do.
So, for the first 10-days, you’ll express appreciation to different people who make life better.
Who deserves a thank-you?
There are many people in our community and people we know who make a difference every day because of who they are and what they do. Maybe it’s a health care worker, someone who serves our country, a teacher, …or someone in your community who makes life better for everyone around them. Show or tell them why you’re so grateful for who they are and what they do.
Who goes out of their way to be thoughtful?
You know, the neighbor who collects your mail when you’re away? The co-worker who lends a hand when you need it? The friend who makes great fruit cake? Recognise their thoughtful gestures with one of your own: Send a note, drop off flowers or help them do something on their to-do list.
Who is great with kids—yours or someone else’s?
They might be your Mum or mother-in-law, or the best babysitter. They know how to bring on the laughs or settle them down for bed. Tell them how much you appreciate it.
Who are you feeling personally grateful for?
Is it a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker? Send them a note saying how much you appreciate them and that you’re happy they’re part of your life.
Who makes hard times seem easier?
Maybe it’s a coworker who makes your days better or a friend who sits with you when you’re low or your partner who knows what to say to lift your spirits. Give them a card to say how much that means.
Who has inspired you to be better?
Remember the teacher, leader, or mentor who pointed you in the right direction towards your dreams? Let them know where you are today. Recall the advice they gave you to guide you on the path you’re on today. Or simply thank them for seeing your potential.
Who do you call when you need help?
Professional help or personal help. Help with tasks or tough times or talking it out. Let the person you count on know you appreciate being able to call for help whenever you need it.
Who’s a compassionate caregiver?
Caregiving is some of the toughest, most loving work a person can do, and this person does it with grace, humour, and strength. Let them know you understand and appreciate all that goes into their care.
Who is your rock?
We all need a foundation, no matter how strong we think we may be. Imagine yourself leaning on someone for support. Someone to give you a warm strong hug. Someone who’s always there for you? Express what it means to be able to be vulnerable with them.
Who gives you unconditional love?
It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, the stuff-ups you’ve made, the weirdest things you’ve done, they adore you through thick and thin. Tell them what that means to you. Thank them for their love, and maybe, send them a snapshot of the two of you together.
10-Days of Encouragement
For the second 10-days, keep an eye out for opportunities to give someone a boost. Whether it be cheering on or cheering up, be on the lookout to give words of encouragement.
Who needs a pep talk?
It’s not uncommon. Everyone experiences self-doubt once in a while. Do you know of a friend, relative, or coworker, that’s feeling discouraged? Then call them, see them, just make contact, and give them the cheering up they need.
Who’s had a big win?
Picture someone who worked hard to achieve something or a coworker who’s really on a roll. Call out their hard work and give them a big “high five”.
Who’s great at being a grown-up?
Is a relative or a friend doing some good parenting? Or excelling in a new project? Or just really on top of it during a super tough time? Tell them you’ve noticed. Tell them you’re impressed and you think they’re amazing.
Who’s making healthy life changes?
Losing weight, quitting smoking or drinking, exercising, leaving a toxic relationship… absolutely none of this easy. So congratulate them on what they’re doing, show your support, and let them know you’re happy they’re taking care of themselves.
Who might not get much mail?
Young adults in their first apartments. People in retirement homes. The hardest workers at a neighborhood business. They could all use a friendly “thinking of you” or words of encouragement. So, sign it, seal it and send it.
Who is quietly, consistently good at what they do?
People who don’t call attention to themselves don’t always get the praise they deserve. Think of someone whose attention to detail, friendliness, intuition, expertise, promptness, or professionalism, makes them shine, and tell them exactly how and why.
Who needs to hear they’re a great parent?
Maybe it’s someone with a new baby or someone who raised you? Reassure them they’re handling things just right
Who needs to know they’re an awesome kid?
Watching children experience hurt feelings and heartbreaks is awful. You can’t fix everything, but you can reassure them they’re loved very much.
Who could use a reminder of their own worth?
There are lots of reasons people struggle with self-esteem. Think of someone who puts themselves down or shrugs off compliments. Give them a written list, from the bottom of your heart, of what makes them wonderful.
Who stands up for what they believe in?
Thank someone who makes the world better by volunteering, or joining a cause. They speak up, stand up and show up. Tell them you appreciate their strength and admire their passion.
10-Days of Support
The third and final 10-days are about empathizing, giving love, acceptance, and companionship. After all, support is showing up listening, and sometimes, offering help.
Who might be feeling a little lonely these days?
Maybe it’s someone who misses their workmates, someone who’s had to quarantine, or a friend who’s lost a beloved pet. Reach out, check in and find out how they’re doing.
Who could use a virtual hug?
Get in touch with someone who’s been having a hard time and listen for what they need. It might be someone to vent to or brainstorm solutions with or role-play a hard discussion. Sometimes they might only need someone to listen. Tell them you’ll be there when they need you.
Who has been in your thoughts or prayers?
If someone has been in your thoughts or prayers, let them know.
Who’s dealing with family issues?
Problems within the family. They could be challenges raising kids, struggling with infertility, ups, and downs in marriage, emotional conflicts. These sorts of problems are some of the loneliest and hardest to talk about. If a friend or relative has trusted you enough to share these hardships, remind them of your commitment to your friendship.
Who is on a healthcare journey?
Remember a friend who’s been ill, or is recovering. See how they’re doing, send a card, or tell them they’re in your thoughts and prayers. Also, check in on their caregiver to see how they’re doing and offer to help with any errands or tasks.
Who’s going through a life change?
It may be a happy life change or a hard one. Something expected, or out of the blue. If you know someone taking a new fork in the road, see what they might need. You just might be able to lighten their load, or just provide supportive company on their journey.
Who’s carrying a heavy emotional load?
Mums take care of a million tasks that never show up on a to-do list. Reach out with a compliment, or an act of kindness. Offer to share some of the burden.
Who’s struggling with a hard choice?
People close to you have talked to you about their challenge and you’ve empathized. You don’t have to solve their dilemma. But you can let them know they’re in your heart and encourage them to trust theirs.
Who’s missing a loved one?
Grief can be a lonely journey, and many times, support for someone who’s suffered a loss is nowhere to be found. Check-in with someone who’s grieving. Give them a chance to share memories and talk about their loved one.
Who needs something only you can give?
It might be your time. Your sympathetic ear or shoulder to lean on. Your advice, or your love or praise. Think about someone you know and about what you can do to support them.
