✨ 8 Feel‑Good Deeds for the New Year (That Help Someone Else)

My own love for doing good started years ago when I began volunteering at the Union Rescue Mission. Those men changed me. They welcomed connection from people far outside their comfort zone, and they shared their stories with a kind of honesty and strength that stays with you. I loved listening to them — their growth, their grit, their hope.

My mentor Michael, who’s now in heaven, used to tell us, “Get in where you fit in,” and he lived it. He reminded us daily that we were “too blessed to be stressed,” and somehow, he made those words feel like a mission.

That season of my life sparked something in me — a commitment to spreading kindness and help someone else wherever I can. And all these years later, that spark is still burning.

1. Write a “You Probably Don’t Know This, But…” note

Tell someone the impact they’ve had on you — a teacher, a neighbor, a coworker, the barista who remembers your order. Tiny effort, huge emotional return.

2. Adopt a local small business for the month

Pick one and intentionally boost them: share their posts, leave a review, buy a gift card, or send a friend their way. It’s free marketing for them and community‑building for you.

3. Do a “quiet kindness” for a stranger

Pay for someone’s coffee, leave quarters at the laundromat, tape a few dollars to a vending machine. No credit needed — just good vibes.

4. Offer a skill instead of money

Design a flyer for a nonprofit, help a friend rewrite their résumé, or volunteer your creative brain for a community project. Your talent is currency.

5. Clean out your home with intention

Donate items people actually need — coats, blankets, toiletries, pet supplies — to local shelters. Not the “I don’t want this junk” pile, but the “this could help someone” pile.

6. Support a caregiver

Bring a meal, run an errand, or babysit for an hour. Caregivers rarely ask for help, but they always need it.

7. Pick up trash on your daily walk

It’s simple, grounding, and instantly improves your neighborhood. Bonus: you feel like a tiny superhero with a trash bag.

(And I'm talking about dog shit too).

8. Give a genuine compliment every day for a week

Not the generic “cute shirt,” but the soul‑level stuff: “You make people feel welcome.”, “You’re really good at what you do.” Or my personal favorite (which I always tell my man is it acceptable to do) "Your hair looks amazing" to a complete stranger. Watch how it changes the room.

As you step into this new year, remember that feeling good doesn't have to come from grand gestures, but sometimes the real magic is the 'smallest things that count', the ones that can brighten someone else's day.

These 8 deeds aren't about being impressive, but being PRESENT--- it's about choosing kindness on purpose and creating those small ripples that turn into something bigger.

-- Max Lucado

--Katie Mac--

(Decal Diva)