8 Easy Ways to Take Time, Be Kind

Have you heard one of the inspiring stories about someone going through a drive thru and when they pull up to the window the employee tells them, “The car in front of you paid for your order”? Oftentimes, the person who received the free meal or beverage decides to continue to pay it forward and pay for the order of the car behind them.

Those random acts of kindness are at the heart of our annual Take Time, Be Kind Campaign at The Store. The communities in which we are located are our homes and neighborhoods. It’s where we see our friends and neighbors every day. Our goal for the Take Time, Be Kind campaign is simple: to encourage you to spread kindness towards everyone you see. 

Our Take Time, Be Kind campaign runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27. Along with spreading kindness, we added our Warm-Up special: Get any size coffee and a muffin for only $2.59. But the campaign means so much more than a soft muffin and a hot drink. It’s about the feelings those comfort items bring: warmth and kindness. 

Join in on the spirit of this campaign! Here are eight easy and cost effective ways to Take Time and Be Kind:

1. Connect with a friend 

Think of someone you haven’t had a chance to catch up with in a while. Maybe a childhood friend who moved to a new city, a former coworker you used to see every day, or a loving grandparent. Take a few minutes to pick up the phone, give them a call and let them know you care! 

2. Share a compliment  

Think of a time when someone offered you a compliment and remember how great it felt. You can pass along that amazing feeling with just a few simple words. Make a point to give someone a compliment every day this month. Your praise might just make their whole day! 

3. Open a door 

Spreading kindness can be effortless! Walking into the office? Out of the grocery store? Wherever you are, be sure to take an extra second to hold the door for the person behind you. Simple, considerate gestures can really go a long way.

4. Say hello 

Maybe it’s because we live in the Midwest, but who doesn’t like to hear a friendly “Hello”? Lend a friendly greeting to the people you come across. Not only are you spreading kindness, you might just make your own day better.

5. Help someone out

Next time you see someone struggling with their grocery bags or awkwardly shuffling on an icy patch of ground, offer a helping hand. That person (and their carton of unbroken eggs) will thank you! 

6. Give a hug 

Is one of your friends going through a rough patch or having a bad day? There’s nothing quite like a hug from a loved one to help someone feel cared for. Go ahead, hold ‘em close. After all, what are friends for? 

7. Say thank you 

Hey, another easy one! Thank your mailman, hairdresser, co-workers, waitress. Basically everyone! There’s no better way to show someone you appreciate them and what they do. You can even leave a thank-you note!

8. Smile 

We can’t forget to mention one of the best ways to Take Time and Be Kind: Smile! Smiles can light up a room, brighten someone’s day, and send positive vibes to everyone around. They’re also contagious. Give a smile, we bet you’ll get one back! 

It’s easy to be a part of our campaign. Stop in, purchase two Winter Warm-Ups. Keep one for yourself and give the other to a friend, family member, or coworker. The smile on their face when you share the love.