World Kindness Day: 5 Acts of Kindness You Can Do Right Now
Have you heard of World Kindness Day? It’s the one day a year - November 13 - when everyone in the world promises to be super nice to each other. No wars, no fighting, no problems!
Alright, so maybe World Kindness Day isn’t perfect. However, it is a day for us to reflect on what it would mean to live in a kinder and more peaceful world. It is a day that we remind ourselves to be a little more empathetic, compassionate, patient, and loving to each other.
World Kindness Day shows us that just one person (you, reader!) can make a big difference. You don’t need to donate ten million dollars, build a school in a foreign country, sell all of your possessions and join a monastery, or any other grandiose gesture to impact the people around you. In fact, a simple smile really does go a long way for someone who needs it.
If you’re ready to be a part of World Kindness Day, try these 5 simple Acts of Kindness:
Send an encouraging text or email to tell someone you appreciate them.
If you’re like me, you probably spend the majority of your day near your phone or computer. Take just 2 minutes to send a genuine, heartfelt message to someone you care about. This can be a family member, close friend, coworker, or even someone you’ve lost touch with but would like to reconnect with. Gratitude is one of the most beautiful and simple gifts we can give to spread kindness - and it often feels amazing not only for the recipient, but for the giver, too!
Leave a positive review for a local business you enjoy.
Who doesn’t love supporting small businesses? Hop on Yelp, Facebook, or another platform to give kudos to your favorite local restaurant, clothing boutique, or auto body shop. Even your childhood dentist or hairstylist would be thrilled to have your support, and others who are searching for quality products or services will appreciate your kindness, too.
Give someone a genuine compliment.
This one might be a bit out of your comfort zone, which makes the act even more meaningful! When you see someone today, whether at the coffee shop or in the work elevator, find something that you truly like about them and compliment them on it. It can be about their personality, energy, or appearance, and it doesn’t have to be weird (or creepy)! A quick compliment can surely make their day brighter.
Donate to your favorite charity or cause.
Have you seen ads that beg for donations with the line, “every bit helps?” Well, they’re not wrong. Consider donating just $5 to a cause that’s close to your heart. There are endless possibilities! And if you want double points for this act of kindness, make your donation in memory or honor of someone you love.
Change a negative thought about yourself into an act of self-love.
The hardest people to be kind to are often ourselves. On World Kindness Day, show yourself the love and compassion that you so willingly give to others. Any thought today - about your body, your abilities, your quirks or mistakes - let it go. Then, do an act of self-love in its place, like watching your favorite TV show or cooking your favorite meal without any guilt. Kindness begins within.
What I wish for you on World Kindness Day is all of the happiness, joy, compassion, positivity, and KINDNESS imaginable! Happy World Kindness Day 2021!