Celebrate World Kindness!

World Kindness Day 2021 (11/13/21) is celebrated all year long despite having one week dedicated to it. 

1. What is it? According to Inspire Kindness, “World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world”
2. Why do we celebrate it? According to Inspire Kindness, “[T]o help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations.”
3. How do we celebrate it? Spread kindness wherever you go! Make it a goal to perform a random act of kindness and make a difference in someone’s day. Whether it’s a coworker, classmate, significant other, or family member, be a proactive spreader of kindness and do something meaningful to make others feel appreciated, cared for, and loved. 

According to Inspire Kindness, here are 15 ideas exploring the many ways to be kind!

1. Smile when you walk by others
2. Write positive messages on post-it notes and leave them for people to find
3. Call a relative or friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
4. Tidy up around the house 
5. Pick up trash you see on the ground outside and throw it in a garbage can 
6. Hold the door open for someone
7. Chat with a stranger and ask them about their day
8. Pay for a stranger’s coffee or meal 
9. Complement someone 
10. Send a positive or encouraging text to five people in your contacts
11. Surprise someone with flowers
12. Tell a family member or friend you love them
13. Write a note on the receipt at a restaurant for your server
14. Offer to help with someone’s errands
15. Give a surprise gift to someone you care about 

And some honorable mentions!

1. Plant a tree!
2. Volunteer
3. Talk to someone new
4. Practice gratitude

The wonderful part about kindness is that as long as the acts are coming from a genuine place of thought, there is no “wrong way” of being kind. Any random act of kindness is greatly appreciated by those receiving it and can even inspire those witnessing it. Be the reason someone feels loved and appreciated! Be the reason people feel safe, seen, and heard.

Edited by TLC Intern Maria Abreu.