The Purpose of World Kindness Day
This international event introduced by The World Kindness Movement (WKM) in 1998 is celebrated annually on November 13. It includes members from over 28 nations.
Benefits of Kindness
- Feeling happier, more positive
- Fewer negative emotions
- Improved health
- More fulfilling relationships
- Increased performance at school or work
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to be feel better emotionally or physically. Today’s world is fast-paced, hectic. We spend too much time plugged in, yet not truly connected. Random acts of kindness (RAK) help us feel less alone, more involved in community around us. My mood immediately lifts when I help someone or pay it forward. It’s easy to be kind! All you need is the desire and some simple ideas to get you started.
Random Acts of Kindness
Here are three easy ways to practice random acts of kindness:
- Let someone go ahead of you in line. This is something I do all the time, especially when I notice a person with a few items behind me at the grocery store. I don’t have to rush as much to get everything out of my cart. Plus, I did a good deed. The possibilities are endless! If you can afford it, pick up the tab for the person behind you at the drive-thru.
- Check on a family member or a friend. Call, e-mail or text to see how they’re doing. You don’t even have to leave your house! Take this RAK to the next level by scheduling a time/day to meet. Face-to-face interaction is becoming extinct — resulting in higher rates of depression and loneliness among all ages — so, let’s bring it back!
- Share something you make or buy. I love to cook in my two Instant Pots. I always have leftovers, so sharing is a snap. Check out Pressure Luck’s easy, delicious recipes. You can gift your favorite foodie Jeff’s best-selling book, too. I also enjoy baking healthier versions of my favorite treats. These chocolate chip cookies by Texanerin Baking are the best EVER (seriously, you’ve been warned)! Giving them away makes me feel good. And, it saves my waistline…LOL!
Don’t cook? You can share anything that brings you joy — whether you make it or not. Some examples: a poem, something you wrote, a CD with your favorite songs, an autographed copy of my poetry book, etc. Or, you can send FREE kindness cards from artist Vicky Barone. They’re beautiful!
Happy World Kindness Day!
Let’s continue to do good deeds going all year round. Take the Do Good Week Pledge & use the hashtag #DoGoodWeek.
Share your favorite random acts of kindness in the comments below!
A woman at work recently had a birthday – she has no family, little money and many problems. She mentioned to me that her dog, Tyra, was starting to have difficulty jumping up on the couch, bed, etc. I told her about “doggie” steps . . . and a few days later, I bought them for her as a belated birthday present because I knew she couldn’t spend $45.00 for that purpose! She was so very appreciative and reminded me how little acts of kindness make a difference.
Dear Laurie,
It was very kind of you to buy doggie steps for Tyra. Little acts of kindness make a world of difference.