Share kindness in honor of World Kindness Day 2021.
World Kindness Day is November 13, 2021. This is an international day in which people celebrate the value of kindness and compassion. According to Inspire Kindness, "World Kindness Day is a holiday that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. The purpose of this day is to help everyone understand that kindness is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations. With kindness, we can overcome the divides of politics, race, religion, gender, and so much more. What began as an effort from the World Kindness Movement at a Tokyo conference 24 years ago is now a global movement reminding everyone of the power of kindness."
One of the reasons that I fell in love with my partner is that he is the kindest person that I know. Not only is he kind to me, but to children, animals and strangers. I remember early on in our relationship, there was a little boy who lived next door to him and had his outdoor toys stolen during the night. My boyfriend went and bought him new toys that were as close as possible to what had been taken to give to the little boy. It is acts of kindness like that which make the world a bit brighter. Plus, it made me start to fall in love with someone who was so kind to people that he barely knew.
Anyone can be kind to the people in their immediate sphere, like friends and family, but it takes special souls to be kind to everyone.
Kindness Brings us Together.
When we are kind to others, it helps to overcome trouble and strife in the world. Random acts of kindness, from one person to another, can help to shift emotions so that someone who is sad or alone can have a better day. When we are kind to others, it can help to make us happier, and our lives more fulfilled.
Kindness is one of the best qualities that humanity posesses. It is a quality that can transcend so many others in the world, by showing others that we truly do care. When one person is kind to another, it can inspire people to "play it forward" by inspiring future kindness. An example of this is to pay for someone's coffee in line behind you, or their groceries.
Every day, there are opportunities for simple acts of kindness. Small kindnesses can be as simple as smiling at someone you pass on the street, holding open a door, or saying "thank you." You can offer someone a compliment, make them a card, or cook them a meal. Even small children can do these things for others, so they can be involved in World Kindness Day too.
We can also show kindness by participating in charitable work or volunteering. There are many worthy organizations in most communities that accept or encourange volunteers. These can include organizations for tutoring children, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food pantries, animal rescue organizations, and many others. Sometimes volunteers will clean up trash on the highway, provide pro bono legal or financial services, or provide advocacy in a variety of roles.
Volunteering in the community can also bring you into contact with like minded people. It is great to meet other people that care about others, and care about helping the community. Making connections with others in the community can help to enrich the lives of all involved, not only those that you are serving. It is possible to make friends from serving in charity and civic organizations, through volunteering. Plus, you get the good feeling of knowing that you have helped a worthy cause.
All these forms of kindness can be provided on a daily basis, not just on World Kindness Day.
Kindness Lifts People Up.
You probably hear that saying that "people are fighting battles we know nothing about," well those people really need our kindness. And the thing of it is, we never know who is struggling. It could be anyone that you come into contact with; your friend, family member, coworker, of the checker at the supermarket. When we are kind to everyone, it can help lift them up.
There are so many people that are depressed, suicidal, going through a break up, or unsure how they will pay their bills. When we are kind to people even in small ways, it can give them hope that the world still has good people. People who are very sad may be on the verge of giving up the hope that there are good people out there, and having even a small act of kindness can bring them hope.
For many years of my life, I was lonely and unhappy, and starved for just a little bit of kindness from anyone. When people are in an unhappy life, without a circle of friends or family that is giving them a loving interaction, the kindness of strangers can mean a great deal more. We all share a common humanity, and by showing kindness to everyone, we help to make the world a better place.
Lots of times, you may see homeless standing on the corner with a sign asking for money, and it can really turn their day around to get even a few coins. Other times, you may see a friend's Go Fund Me on Facebook, asking for help with medical bills, an injured pet, trouble paying for food, or a broken down car. All of these are times that you can show your kindness through donating. If you feel like doing more, you can scroll through Go Fund Me and donate to strangers too.
By giving in any of these ways, you can make a huge difference in someone's life. A hug, a smile, a kind word, a donation of your time or money can all really work to turn around someone's life. A lot of people are balancing on a precipice where their life is falling apart, and even a little bit of help can make a huge difference. Anything you can give will mean a lot.
Kindness Makes You Happier.
Kindness can make you feel more open, grateful, and connected to others in your community. According to Live Happy, "Research shows that strong, engaging communities are safer, healthier and happier. Making positive connections with our neighbors makes us feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves and we are less likely to live in isolation, which can have adverse effects on our mental and physical well-being."
According to the University of Berkley, "Two recent studies suggest that giving to others makes us happy, even happier than spending on ourselves. What’s more, our kindness might create a virtuous cycle that promotes lasting happiness and altruism." Meaning, that when people are kind, it makes them happier. Then, being happier makes them more kind.
Kindness and altruism can create a positive mindset that makes people happier and more helpful. Happiness, gratitude and kindness all work together hand in hand.
Also, it is important to Be Kind to Yourself. For some of us, it is easy to be kind to others, but never even occurs to us to be kind to ourselves. By showing the same kindness and compassion to ourselves, we can overcome our own struggles and learn to be gentle with ourselves. Sometimes we can be our own worst critics, and when we start to get self critical, that is a time where some kindness is needed. It is important to help yourself, love yourself, and forgive yourself in the same way that you do for others.
Conclusion.
Being kind to others can make the world a better place. Kindness improves the lives of others, and can enrich our own lives too. Helping other people even in small ways can make a huge difference in ther lives, and can give you a good feeling too.
When we are kind to others, oftentimes it gives them hope in the world. It can lead them to play it forward and be more kind to others too. Kindness is the gift that just keeps on giving!
For your complete guide to World Kindness Day, click here.
Let me know in the comments what you think. Is there a time that an act of kindness made a difference in your life? What do you do to show kindness?
