10 simple ideas to spread kindness in your world
hello • 13 November 2019
Being kind has been linked with releasing feel-good hormones, having reduced stress and even living longer, and it’s something we can all do to improve our mental wellbeing and the world around us.
Being kind isn’t just something we can do for other people. It’s important to be kind to ourselves and be mindful about what we personally need to be happy and healthy.
We’ve asked some R U OK? Ambassadors to share tips on how to spread kindness, so you can brighten your world and the world of others.
How can you spread kindness?
1. Bianca Dye: For me kindness is about ‘random acts of kindness’, it’s about keeping your eye out for opportunities - no matter how small - and doing something for somebody else to make them feel good about their situation.
2. Kevin Heath: Spreading kindness can be as simple as starting a conversation. It doesn’t have to be a really deep conversation - just letting people feel connected and heard can really turn someone’s day around and give them the confidence to keep connecting with others.
3. Rob Mills: It can be as small as giving a compliment to a colleague at work, or giving someone a call to say thanks.
4. Sam Mac: Life and work can move so fast that we rarely get time to properly appreciate the achievements of our colleagues. Taking the time to give someone a detailed “thank you” or “well done” can mean more than you'll ever know. Everybody wants to be loved and everybody deserves to know when they're doing a great job.
5. Rowena Saheb: Be kind to yourself. When you understand the value and impact of kindness for yourself, you will incorporate into your daily cache of goodness towards others.
6. Emilie Emond: Don't underestimate the power of a smile. Before you even say anything, a smile lets the other person know you are there for them. It's an easy way to brighten someone's day!
7. Ryan Daykin: Ask a friend out for lunch or give someone a call out of the blue and ask them how they are doing.
8. Alli Langdon: Think how our actions affect others and do one kind thing a day - it could be as simple as saying hello to a stranger.
9. Ben Burgess: Treat others how you wish to be treated - being kind is free.
10. Barry Conrad: Never withhold encouragement or pass up an opportunity to make someone’s day. If you think something positive about a person, tell them.
Collages of life’s joys, portraits of loved ones, cultural celebrations, and reflections on the barriers to connection - the Creative Legends and Finalists of the R U OK? National Art Competition expressed creativity, vulnerability and individuality through their incredible artwork.
Relationships shape our lives so when any meaningful relationship ends, the loss can be deeply personal and painful.
After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
