World Kindness Day – November 13th

Today, November 13th, is World Kindness Day. And after a year like 2020, we could all use a little more kindness in our lives.

World Kindness Day promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself and to the world. This day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap within and between nations.

Now more than ever it seems as though society might need a refresher on all things kindness. Here’s a list of some simple ways you can incorporate more kindness towards others into your life.

1. Use manners.
2. Smile at strangers as they pass by (or wave if you’re wearing a mask).
3. Create a care package for someone you love that is struggling.
4. Send a hand-written card to someone.
5. Make time for others and give them your full attention when you are together, even if it’s virtual.
6. Thank someone that made an impact on your life, large or small.
7. Have dinner delivered to new parents or friends or family in need.
8. Let someone that’s in a hurry cut in front of you in line at the store.
9. Offer your mail carrier or courier bottled water on a hot day.
10. Compliment someone!
11. Donate clothes you no longer wear. Animal shelters can use your old towels and blankets.
12. Pass along a great book you’ve finished reading.
13. Share a movie or TV show recommendation with someone you know would enjoy it.
14. Tell people you appreciate them when they show you kindness.
15. Call your friends and family sometimes instead of texting them.

Being kind isn’t just about showing kindness to others. It’s also about being kind to yourself. This can be a challenge for many people, especially when we’re feeling stressed or uneasy, aka all of 2020. Here are a few ways you can show yourself a little kindness:

1. Give yourself grace. We all have tough moments or days sometimes. The way we talk to ourselves internally – our inner monologue – is so important to our mental well-being. In times of stress, be as understanding with yourself as you would be with your best friend.
2. Make time for self-care. This can be as simple as a 10-minute facial, a 20-minute yoga session or a quick breathing meditation. Regularly take time for yourself and make it a priority. A calm mind will help you stay on track and deal with challenges more effectively.
3. Embrace the unknown. This year has been full of unknowns. The old adage of “Worry about what you can control and don’t worry about what you cannot,” truly applies here.
4. Celebrate your accomplishments. Growth and success take hard work. Don’t forget to take time to recognize your accomplishments along the way.
5. Stop judging yourself. As humans we compare ourselves to others all the time. Just because someone else seems smarter, fitter, better dressed, etc., doesn’t mean their lives are perfect. Instead of comparing yourself to others, try recognizing strengths in yourself. You are smart, strong and sharp. Don’t ever forget it.

I hope these ideas can help bring a little more kindness to your life. Remember, even a small act of kindness can make an impact in someone’s life.

Written by Lynda Walz, Sales Executive