Every year on November 13, the world celebrates World Kindness Day. On this day, participants strive to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either individually or as part of an organization. Sadly, we live in a world filled with stress, stigma in relation to mental health and substance abuse, violence, and a great deal of unhappiness. World Kindness Day is the one day a year when individuals can go out of their way to practice kindness and spread good deeds to others.
It may not always be feasible to carry your neighbor’s groceries or purchase a cup of coffee for the man waiting in line behind you, but practicing kindness with your words and actions can become a daily habit.
Why spread kindness?
Both psychologically and spiritually, kindness has been shown to be closely related to happiness and contentment. Being kind promotes gratitude, empathy, compassion, and connection. Those on the receiving end can return the kindness by being kind to others, like a ripple effect. As a result of practicing kindness, you can also build friendships and relationships, as well as realize your own good fortune. In addition to reducing stress and boosting our immune systems, kindness can also reduce negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and depression.
The act of kindness does not require you to spend money or go out of your way to help. Simple acts of kindness can ease the burden of others without taking up a lot of time.
How do you celebrate?
This day is aimed at highlighting and celebrating good deeds in our community. The act also serves as a reminder that all of us can work together on creating a kinder world by doing small acts of kindness. You may wonder how compassion from one person can make a difference, whether permitting someone to merge in front of you in traffic, taking time to chat with your neighbor, greeting strangers and neighbors alike, picking up litter you see as you walk, or just
by giving a compliment to someone you know is already an act of kindness. It can be as straightforward or as involved as you like. No matter what you decide to do, your act of kindness will unite you with others dedicated to changing the world one kind act at a time.
Random acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day
There are times when it is nice to surprise someone by buying them a gift, running an errand for them, or even taking time out of your busy day to do something nice. Sometimes the simplest things make the most significant difference such as volunteering at an animal shelter, buying a cup of coffee for a friend, baking a treat for your colleagues, sending a card to a friend, donating at a local charity, taking part in a cleanup, or offering to assist a coworker. The list is endless.
Look for opportunities while you go through your day to infuse kindness into someone’s life. It’ll change their day and yours for the better.
We each have the potential to improve each others’ lives through understanding and kindness. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or stranger, our ability to show our humanity should have no limit.
World Kindness Day happens tomorrow, but more than a day to celebrate, it’s a reminder to choose to be kind—no matter what day.
As the saying goes, “The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one.” Get creative and make your list of kind acts for World Kindness Day!