Random Acts of Kindness Week is here, and it’s a great reminder to slow down and do something nice for someone else. In a place like North Dakota—where neighbors help neighbors, and community spirit runs strong—kindness isn’t just a once-a-year event. It’s part of who we are.

The good news? You don’t need to spend money or plan anything elaborate to make a difference. Small, everyday actions can brighten someone’s day more than you might realize. A survey found that these are some of the most underrated, yet powerful, thoughtful gestures:

  • Saying “thank you” – A simple acknowledgment goes a long way. Whether it’s the barista handing you a hot coffee on a frigid morning or a neighbor helping dig out a stuck car, gratitude matters.
  • Smiling – In the dead of winter, when we’re bundled up and hurrying inside, a smile can be a rare sight. But that small gesture can warm up even the coldest day.
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  • Giving a compliment – Noticing someone’s hard work or telling them you appreciate their kindness can be an instant mood booster.
  • Congratulating someone – Big or small, celebrating others’ wins makes our communities stronger.
  • Cleaning up after someone – Whether it’s picking up a coffee cup left behind at a café or shoveling a neighbor’s sidewalk, these small acts make life better for everyone.

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand—it’s about making the world (or at least North Dakota) a little warmer, one good deed at a time. So this week, and every week, let’s keep the spirit of kindness going. You never know whose day you might make just a little bit brighter.

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Grab your go-go boots, tease that beehive sky-high, and join us on a visual journey through the highs and lows of the swingin’ ‘60s.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

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