“Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

This is a post I update every month. Many of the ideas come from your comments and suggestions.

But, I almost didn’t update the post this month. There has been so much conflict and tragedy in the world that I didn’t know if highlighting acts so small made light of the massive needs. Then I was reminded of the quote above. Every act of service matters.

I’m not suggesting that these quick ideas are where your efforts should stop. I’m just offering a place to start (or restart) your path to service. And some great ways to practice love in a world that desperately needs it.

50 simple acts of service

1. Act! Move beyond sympathetic thoughts. Vow to do one small thing (donate, advocate, etc.) to address a problem that seems hopeless.
2. Cut a neighbors grass.
3. Donate school supplies.
4. Offer support to a grieving soul.
5. Share a piece wisdom that only comes with age.
6. Make a call and check on an elderly family member.
7. Laugh long and hard. Laugh loud enough for others to hear you.
8. Give someone a gift you made yourself.
9. Say no. Knowing you can set limits will give you the confidence to serve more.
10. Take a walk with a loved one. It serves the body and soul.
11. Admit you’re biased. We all are. Facing that we have biases (racial, class, religion, etc) helps us to better address our issues and to serve more sincerely.
12. Loan someone a book you love.
13. Don’t let it sit in a drawer. Give your old cell phone and chargers away or donate them to a charity.
14. Treat a pet with kindness and respect.
15. Share public service information (traffic detours, power outages, flood warnings etc.) via social media.
16. Turn off and unplug electronics you aren’t using.
17. Pick up trash that wasn’t properly discarded.
18. Give someone more credit than they deserve.
19. Hear gossip and refuse to spread it.
20. Believe someone’s dream is possible. And tell them. They need the support.
21. Fight indifference. Let yourself feel sadness when you see a homeless person.
22. Tell someone you forgive them. And mean it.
23. Put a Band-Aid in your wallet to give away when needed.
24. Contact an elected official via social media to quickly advocate for a cause you believe in.
25. Call someone you usually text and tell them you just wanted to hear their voice.
26. Pick up an extra item or two from the grocery store to donate to your local food bank.
27. Make a small online donation to a charity you support.
28. Practice empathy. Take a few minutes and imagine the struggles of someone you know.
29. Listen carefully. Many people yearn to be heard.
30. Thank a teacher for their service.
31. Tell someone a joke.
32. Save someone from a work conversation they aren’t enjoying. “I hate to interrupt, but can I borrow you for two minutes.”
33. Actually take your reusable bags into the store with you.
34. Actually take your reusable cup into Starbucks with you.
35. Pray for someone.
36. Teach someone something. Anything.
37. Text someone a specific compliment. (e.g. “I admire how much patience you have with me.”)
38. Give someone you love your undivided attention.
39. Hold a door open and wait while multiple people pass through.
40. Take time to write a supportive comment to someone on Facebook.
41. Hug someone.
42. Share any online article that raises awareness of a service need.
43. Let that busy person behind you go ahead of you in line.
44. Leave change in a vending machine.
45. Pay the toll for the person behind you.
46. Thank a solider for their service.
47. Discuss with a younger relative a piece of your family history.
48. Cheer loudly for someone else’s kid.
49. Give away an extra umbrella on a rainy day.
50. If you love them, tell them.

 What are some others?