15 Unique and Unconventional Ideas to Help You Through Life’s Challenges

Introduction

Imagine this: you’re in the midst of packing up your life, surrounded by mountains of boxes, immobilised by heart-wrenching memories, when through the window, you see your elderly next-door neighbour struggling to carry her groceries into her house. You jump up and rush out to help her. A strange thing happens. You suddenly feel much lighter and less and despondent. This simple act of kindness lightens both your loads and brightens your day.

Kindness is the ULTIMATE superpower. It not only benefits the receiver but in equal measure benefits the giver.

When we are going through turbulent life transitions, our focus often shifts inward as we try to cope with the challenges of a new chapter. I have discovered, going through one major life change after another, that transitions, no matter how unsettled we feel, can be a unique opportunity to connect with others in unexpected, meaningful ways. Not only does it take your mind off your own troubles, but impacting someone else’s life can become a source of light as you forge your own path forward.

Acts of kindness don’t always have to follow conventional paths. They can be small but powerful gestures woven into your daily routine, reshaping not only how others feel but also how you experience this transformative period. Whether you’re moving to a new city, starting a new job, making a career change or even just reassessing your life’s direction, kindness as a practice can add purpose to your transition.

Instead of focusing on what you need to get through your own change, consider what you can give, even as you navigate the unknown yourself. This isn’t about grand gestures or acts that require extensive planning and funds; rather, it’s about finding unconventional ways to connect, empathise, and uplift—ways that might surprise both you and those around you. From lending a listening ear to someone struggling, to anonymously supporting a cause you believe in, kindness can be profoundly impactful for others.

I did not want this article to be just another random-acts-of-kindness list, so how about exploring creative, often unexpected methods for spreading kindness that don’t require major investments of time, money, or effort, but that do leave lasting impressions on others—and often surprisingly, on yourself. By embracing these unique opportunities for connection, you’ll not only make your transition easier but transform it into a period of genuine human connection.

Suzi Makes a Life-altering Discovery

Suzi had hit what the self-help books cheerily referred to as “rock bottom.” And not the cute, garden-variety kind where you bounce right. No, this was the kind of rock bottom where you’re certain someone tied an anvil to your ankles and dumped you into a bottomless lake.

Suzi was single again, thanks to the biggest narcissist since Greek mythology. She was also a week away from leaving her job after being “restructured” (read: fired with a side of meaningless HR platitudes). Her cat wasn’t even looking her in the eyes anymore, and her supposedly resilient houseplant had given up entirely and keeled over.

So there she was, eating cereal out of a mug? when she got a text from her neighbour Donna. Donna, who usually can’t stop talking about her spiritual journey and her vegan gluten-free, dairy-free and possibly taste-free lifestyle. Donna needed a FAVOUR.

“Can you help me with my groceries?” Donna texted. “My back is just killing me today.”

Suzi rolled her eyes so hard she practically saw the future. Groceries? Donna was fully capable of squatting more weight than a CrossFit instructor. Mired in her swamp of self-pity, Suzi nevertheless thought, Why not? Maybe someone else’s life is actually worse? Cereal-mug in hand, she dragged herself over to Donna’s place.

Donna’s idea of “groceries” included some very specific “healing foods.” We’re talking mushrooms that only grew on cliffsides in New Zealand, and nuts that probably required a passport. Suzi loaded up her car with two carts’ worth of fermented… things, super-seeds, and what appeared to be bark dust. Her car smelled like a cross between a farmer’s market and a witch’s pantry.

Somewhere between lugging an impossibly heavy bag of organic, gluten-free sand and navigating Donna’s three-story walk-up, Suzi found herself laughing. Here she was, drenched in sweat and humiliated by chia seeds, actually laughing for the first time in days. Donna was going on about this nut powder that cured joint pain and boosted immunity—“just five scoops a day!”—and it was so absurd that Suzi couldn’t help herself.

When they finally got the last bag inside, Donna hugged her and said, “Suzi, you’re a gem. I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me.” Donna then handed her a paper bag with a small gift, insisting, “A little something for you.”

Inside was a tiny cactus in a bright blue pot. “I thought it looked like you,” Donna said.

It was prickly. It was small. And, well, yeah, it wasn’t particularly cute. But it was alive. And it could supposedly survive any neglect, any storm—just like Suzi.

Something shifted that day. Suzi started making small changes. She joined a kickboxing class. She got a job interview. She even went to therapy—not the bargain-bin kind, but the full-fledged “we’ll unearth all your demons” kind. And every morning, she talked to Bob, her cactus, because somehow it reminded her of the absurd discovery she made, one grocery bag at a time. Just like I did.

Turns out, rock bottom is easier to climb out of when you’re hauling up someone else’s fermented seaweed chips along with you.

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15 Powerful Suggestions to Make Coping with Life Transitions Easier

1. Create a “Just-Because” Gift Basket/Box

• How: Gather small, comforting items such as tea bags, candles, snacks, or a short note. Arrange them in a basket or box and deliver them to a friend or family member who could use some encouragement.
• Why: Putting together this gift can help you focus on someone else’s needs, offering a mental break from your own worries. Seeing their appreciation can also boost your sense of connectedness.

2. Leave Encouraging Notes in Public Spaces

• How: Write messages like “You are enough,” “Keep going,” or “Today is a new day.” Place them in coffee shops, on park benches, in the pockets of clothes in shops, or in library books for people to find.
• Why: Brightening a stranger’s day with these simple messages reinforces your own optimism and reminds you that everyone faces challenges, which can give you perspective on your own.

3. Offer “Gratitude Calls” Instead of Texts

• How: Pick two or three people to call, and let them know why you’re grateful for their support, friendship, or advice. Mention specific memories or qualities to make it personal.
• Why: Expressing gratitude aloud deepens your connection to others and strengthens your support network. This helps you remember you’re not alone and have people you can lean on.

4. Cook Extra Portions and Share with Neighbours

• How: Prepare a meal and pack portions in small containers to give to neighbours or friends. Attach a note explaining that it’s just a “just-because” gift.
• Why: The act of cooking for others can be deeply satisfying, and sharing food fosters community bonds. Helping others in this way reminds you that you have something valuable to give, even when things feel uncertain.

5. Organise a “Pay It Forward” Challenge

• How: Start by paying for a stranger’s coffee or bus fare, then share the idea on social media or with friends. Encourage them to pay it forward in their own ways.
• Why: Small acts of generosity create a chain of positivity that reflects back to you, especially if you start seeing others participate. This ripple effect helps you feel part of a larger, kinder community.

6. Be a Listener for a Day

• How: Let people around you know that you’re there to listen without interrupting or offering advice. It can be as simple as saying, “I’m here if you want to talk.”
• Why: Listening with intention helps you connect with others on a deeper level and can provide perspective on your own transition. Sometimes, hearing about others’ experiences can inspire solutions or coping strategies for your own.

7. Send Out Personalised Book Recommendations

• How: Think of books that could bring comfort or inspiration to friends or family members. Write a short note about why you’re recommending each one and send the list, or even a copy of the book, to them.
• Why: Giving a book recommendation lets you share the wisdom that has helped you, reinforcing its lessons for you as well. Seeing the book’s positive impact on others can renew your own sense of strength and resourcefulness.

8. Create a “Community Kindness Jar”

• How: Set up a jar in your neighbourhood or workplace where people can leave small notes, quotes, or gifts for each other. Add a few kind notes to get it started.
• Why: Building a space for kindness creates a sense of belonging and gives you an uplifting project to focus on. This type of collective kindness can remind you that we’re all in this together, easing feelings of isolation.

9. Leave Flowers or Small Gifts in Unexpected Places

• How: Buy or pick small bouquets and place them in elevators, bathrooms, or break rooms with a note that says “For whoever needs a smile today.”
• Why: Spreading unexpected joy like this is a simple way to lift others up and remind yourself of the joy you can still create. Acts like this keep you grounded in a positive perspective, even amid personal challenges.

10. Volunteer to Write or Send Letters to Those in Need

• How: Contact organisations that connect volunteers with elderly individuals, hospital patients, or deployed military personnel. Write letters offering kind words, encouragement, or even a bit about your own experiences.
• Why: Writing letters to those in need reminds you of your strengths. Helping others through tough times can boost your confidence in your own ability to manage your transition.

11. Give a “Mystery Day” Gift to a Friend in Need

• How: Plan an anonymous outing, gift, or day of relaxation for a friend who’s going through a tough time. It could be as simple as a movie day, a picnic, or a hand-written itinerary for a self-care day.
• Why: Surprising someone with an unexpected gift day reinforces the bonds of friendship and support that are critical during transitions. This act of kindness reminds you of the power of support and joy in difficult times.

12. Offer Your Time as a “Transition Buddy”

• How: Find someone who’s also going through a life change (or post on social media to find someone) and volunteer to check in with them weekly. Share advice, listen, or simply offer encouragement.
• Why: Being a transition buddy offers mutual accountability and empathy, which are deeply valuable in difficult times. As you help someone else navigate their transition, you’re likely to gain insights and inspiration for your own journey.

13. Offer “No-Strings” Help on a Local Community Board

• How: Post on a community board or local online group (like Nextdoor) offering free assistance, such as pet-sitting, running errands, or helping someone with groceries. Keep it simple, saying something like, “Going through a life change and have some time—happy to help out if anyone needs a hand.”
• Why: Offering your time with no expectations in return can help you feel useful and needed, reminding you of the impact you can still make on others’ lives. It creates positive connections within your community, grounding you with a sense of purpose and gratitude.

14. Gift “Encouragement Jars” to Friends or Family

• How: Fill small jars with slips of paper where you’ve written encouraging quotes, kind words, or positive memories you’ve shared with the person. Give these jars to friends or family so they can pull out a little piece of encouragement whenever they need it.
• Why: Taking time to create something meaningful helps you reflect on positive relationships and memories. Knowing that your words can uplift those you care about also boosts your own spirit and reminds you of the support you’ve given and received.

15. Host an “Open House” Tea or Coffee Morning for Neighbours

• How: Set up a casual coffee or tea morning and invite neighbours to drop by. Post a simple invitation on a community board or leave notes on neighbours’ doors, welcoming them to join for friendly conversation and refreshments.
• Why: Hosting a low-key gathering fosters connection without pressure, and casual interactions with neighbours can offer fresh perspectives on life’s transitions. This sense of camaraderie can make you feel more supported and connected to your local community.

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Each of these acts not only spreads kindness but also offers you a constructive outlet during a life transition.

5 Books that can Inspire You to do more Acts of Kindness during a Life Transition

1. Your Hidden Superpower: The Kindness That Makes You Unbeatable at Work and Connects You with Anyone by Adrienne Bankert
   This book emphasises the transformative power of kindness, particularly in professional settings. Bankert, a Good Morning America correspondent, illustrates how cultivating kindness can enhance relationships, boost morale, and foster a positive work environment. She provides practical strategies for integrating kindness into daily interactions, making it a powerful tool for personal and professional success.
2. Deep Kindness: A Revolutionary Guide for the Way We Think, Talk, and Act in Kindness by Houston Kraft
   In this book, Kraft goes beyond surface-level concepts of kindness to explore its deeper implications in our lives. He combines narratives with actionable steps to demonstrate how kindness can create meaningful connections and foster healing in a world often marked by anxiety and depression. The book serves as a guide to inspire readers to incorporate authentic acts of kindness into their everyday lives, highlighting its ripple effect on communities.
3. The Negativity Remedy: Unlocking More Joy, Less Stress, and Better Relationships Through Kindness by Nicole Phillips
   This book combines personal anecdotes with scientific research to illustrate how shifting our perspective toward kindness can significantly improve our lives. Phillips offers practical strategies for responding to negativity with kindness, ultimately helping readers cultivate better relationships and a more positive mindset.
4. HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time by Brad Aronson
   In this heartfelt book, Aronson shares stories of kindness that he experienced while caring for his ill wife. He compiles inspiring anecdotes from various individuals who have made a difference through small acts of kindness. The book serves as a reminder of the profound impact that even the simplest gestures can have on others and encourages readers to embrace kindness in their daily lives.
5. Kindness and Wonder: Why Mr. Rogers Matters Now by Gavin Edwards
   This book reflects on the legacy of Fred Rogers and the enduring relevance of his message about kindness and compassion. Edwards explores how Mr. Rogers’ teachings can guide us in today’s world, emphasising the importance of being kind to ourselves and others. The book serves as both a tribute to Mr. Rogers and a call to action for readers to embody his principles in their own lives.

Final Thoughts

In their 2010 study, Acts of Kindness and Acts of Novelty Affect Life Satisfaction, published in the Journal of Social Psychology, Kathryn E. Buchanan and Anat Bardi examined the impact of performing acts of kindness on individuals’ life satisfaction. The researchers conducted an experiment where participants were asked to engage in acts of kindness every day for ten days. These acts included simple gestures like helping a friend or complimenting a stranger. The findings revealed that participants who consistently performed these kind acts reported a significant increase in their overall life satisfaction compared to those who did not engage in such behaviors. This suggests that engaging in kindness not only benefits the recipient but also enhances the giver’s sense of happiness and fulfilment. The study highlights the importance of kindness as a simple yet effective way to improve well-being and foster positive emotions in everyday life.

There are many more studies confirming the findings of the study above, so why not give it a go and see if it works for you? You might, just like Suzi, be pleasantly surprised at how much more bearable kindness towards others makes your own life transition.

And if you feel you need a break, away from all the hustle and bustle, come and recharge your batteries here in the sun-drenched southwest of France. Walk part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and spend a few days in the presence of my patient, understanding and supportive Friesian and Falabella horses – even if you don’t interact with them at all, just having them around is calming and comforting – on a From Troubled to Triumphant transformational retreat to reinvent yourself, rewrite your story and start your sensational next chapter.