13: World Kindness Day

I am doing NaBloPoMo this month. 30 blog posts in 30 days. Come join me. #nablopomo2021

credit: inspiredkindness.com

Did you know that today is World Kindness Day? It’s an unofficial, international holiday that is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. It is observed in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the U.A.E.

I don’t know – it just feels appropriate, in this day and time, to direct our attention to a day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world.

It’s been another tough year again for all of us. We all had high expectations for 2021 and it feels like the year all but disappeared without much progress being made. Well, that’s not entirely true. We got a new president here in the US (thank goodness!), we got Covid vaccines, for a little while the world seemed a little safer… until it didn’t.

There’s a lot of frustration, even anger, going around. People have been on edge regarding continuing masking rules, Covid restrictions, and vaccine mandates. I get it. People are divided and we often feel powerless to resolve these situations. Let’s not even talk about the politics around all of it. However, I try to remind myself that even if we’re frustrated with people during these unprecedented times, we need to remain kind. Kindness doesn’t need much effort, but it has a significant impact on the people around us.

Change starts with each and every one of us, so while I alone may not be able to end the pandemic or stop climate change, I can be kind. I can purposefully decide to lead a life of love, kindness, and generosity.

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”

— Bob Kerrey

World Kindness Day is meant to inspire us to believe that we can make a difference — one act of kindness at a time.

“Treat others the way you want to be treated”, is what they say. Sometimes that is easier said than done, but simple acts of kindness have power. Even the smallest act of kindness creates a ripple effect. I am sure we can all remember a situation where a simple smile from a stranger or a kind word has turned our day around? Every one of us can have that same impact, too. It’s a choice.

Did you know that it’s scientifically proven that kind people are also happier people?

You can easily work kindness into your day by spotting small opportunities to be kind to others. And the good news is, it gets easier with practice. Kindness is something you can learn. Try to be kind daily and it will begin to feel natural and bring you a sense of calm and happiness. I feel that this is something we not only want, but need right now!

Simple ways to be kind every day

• Smile at strangers or even say hello
• Give someone a compliment
• Leave nice and uplifting comments on the posts on social media (stop scrolling, engage!)
• Offer help to someone
• Make a donation
• Leave a positive online review for a local business
• Run for a cause (looking at you, Turkey Trot!)
• Treat someone to coffee
• Call a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Thank your partner for things (s)he does around the house
• Send someone a small gift, just because
• Leave a generous tip
• Tell someone how awesome they are
• Pick up trash at the park and throw it in a garbage can
• Send a card in the mail to a friend
• Let someone merge in traffic without honking at them (they might have an emergency you’re not aware of!)
• Acknowledge and thank someone else for their kindness

We can probably all think of more ways to be kind in our daily lives and the possibilities are virtually limitless. Let’s make kindness a choice and bring it to the forefront of everything that we do. I believe every day should be World Kindness Day, so let’s commit to being kind to the people we meet every single day.

Oh, and don’t forget to also always be kind to yourself while you’re at it.

Last but not least, I’d like to give a shoutout to the people who have signed up for this year’s Secret Santa (Mug) Swap. I am thrilled to report that we have 13 participants this year! I am glad I was able to open it up to people from Canada and Germany this time, and I think you’re all wonderful for wanting to spread some holiday cheer this year – that is a big act of kindness, too!

How are you planning to be kind in your life today?