In a world filled with anger and anguish, one of the most important characteristics you can exemplify is kindness. Mistakes abound, misdeeds surround you, and there are people who just flat out drive you nuts. Still there is no need to return badness with worse actions; why not seize this rough moment to prove that you are a good, caring individual.

Let's start easy. The neighbor's garbage has tipped over for the twenty-second time. Always in the past you have re-gathered it from all over your front yard, mumbling as nasty diapers, half-filled bottles of chew spit, or food waste spilled down your shirt and sullied your hands as grumbles resonated from your mouth. You then stuffed into their can and huffed into the house. This time, take a large bag and don a pair of plastic gloves. Now lovingly (and with a smile) place each horrendous item in the bag, tie it firmly, and then (still smiling) tap politely on your neighbor's door. As the door creaks open, kindly say, "I realize you did not know that your garbage is constantly tipping over and blowing into my yard. I appreciate the exercise but please, secure the lid." Hand over your parcel and exit with no further comment. (A smile as you turn your back is all right).

This could have been an ugly scene causing your neighbors to add even more dreadful substances to their can. After 22 times of having it cover your yard like a contaminated explosion, you can be assured that garbage non-retrieval has been no accident. I can bet the garbage problem will improve although some overzealous people may need an encore performance of your bearing of gifts.

You have heard of people purchasing coffee for the car behind them, how about trying this with anxious moms buying school supplies. As you complete your order and notice notebooks and pencils rolling up the conveyor belt, hand the clerk a $10 bill with the words, "Please apply this to the next customer's bill." And exit. Kindness is about caring, not about accolades. You know the right store, the perfect moment for this act. Do it now. So many people juggle cash each August as they work to send their children off to school with needed materials, what a gift!

There are leaves to be raked, gardens that need weeding, porches that could use a brush from a broom. Walk down your block and see the difference you can make. If you have children (or can borrow a niece or a cousin), have them join in. Most jobs are more enjoyable with a partner along for laughs and entertainment.

This evening as the dust of the day settles into the sinking rays of the sun, glance around your home and discover acts of kindness that will make someone you love happy. Often in our kindness acts, we forget those who mean the most to us. How about an evening under the stars with a soft drink in hand and a loved one at your side? Watch the stars, count the satellites and airplanes, and if the schedule is right, determine the coordinates of the space shuttle and stare in awe as it zooms brightly across the night sky. Your kids loved the amusement park, adored the water slides, rejoiced at the beach. But I imagine that years down the line, quiet evenings under the canopy of night with you will be memories that are most cherished.

Kindness has the elastic power to return to you at the instant that you need it most. Kindness is gum: when you toss it out on the sidewalk, it is guaranteed to come back (usually on the bottom of your shoe). It sticks, it stretches, it leaves marks in its wake, and always, as long as you own those shoes - that kindness - its imprint is stamped on you. In a time of financial struggles and worrisome woes, kindness is essential to help you tackle the toughest events. Know that within each act is the hidden mystery that will repay you again and again with contentment and the internal drive to let goodness fill your life.

Educational consultant; free lance writer; life coach; professional development presenter http://www.energizedlearning.com.