World Kindness Day
Posted by Christina Pistotnik
2020 has been a tough year and at times, it has probably been hard to remember to be kind to one another. Maybe because we’ve been in a constant state of uncertainty, living in survival mode and feeling like there is an impending doom looming in the air. At least that’s how it has felt for me and I am pretty sure I’m not alone.
Even though it is not the happiest of times in our world, I do think that it is especially important during these tough times to make an extra effort to be kind to others and ourselves. Having a day dedicated to kindness feels so right. So, what exactly is World Kindness Day?
What is World Kindness Day?
“World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. This day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, has the purpose of helping everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations.” (1)
World Kindness day reminds me to reflect on how I have been shown Kindness. Here are personal experiences that warm my heart and inspire me to be kind:
Big Acts Of Kindness:
6 years ago, I was going through a separation with my ex-husband. As anyone can imagine, separation is hard enough on its own, but I was also unsure as to where I was going to live.
I felt scared and alone, because I was not as financially stable at that point to live on my own.
My dearest friend who was not even living in the same city as me, knew my situation and reached out to someone she knew to see if they could possibly help me out. I only knew this person as an acquaintance at the time, but after meeting her and sharing my story, she generously offered for me to rent a room in her house. Despite having only met a handful of times before, she was taking a chance in sharing her home with me, and demonstrated such kind compassion toward me.
Without these acts of kindness from my friend and this generous woman, I may have had to face a less than ideal or even unsafe living situation. Instead, I gained a new true friend, who is now more like family to me.
I am so grateful for their kindness toward me. I truly believe that these acts of kindness created a ripple effect. Not only did they help me to survive, but they also helped me to thrive. I was able to get back on my feet and I now own my own home and I am co-owner of a beautiful business too.
Small Acts Of Kindness:
Acts of kindness do not always have to be grandiose to be impactful. At the clinic, we do small things like bring one another treats and we make sure we all have a safe way home. We cover one another’s shifts and offer one another treatments when anyone is unwell.
We care for each other’s safety and wellbeing and these small acts of kindness go a long way. Kindness is contagious and even the smallest act of kindness nourishes us and inspires kindness in others. It has a ripple effect.
What are things you can do to inspire Kindness?
- Wear a mask in public as it protects others around you.
- Think back to times when people have shown you kindness and remember the feelings that occurred when those situations happened. Consider journaling it.
- If you see garbage on the ground pick it up.
- Leave a generous tip to a server.
- Write a nice note for a co-worker. Send them an email, or place a sticky note on their desk/computer.
- Text someone, letting them know how great they are and what you appreciate about them.
- Compliment and express gratitude to a couple of people you talk to.
- Assist someone in need.
- Volunteer your time to a non-profit.
- Take time to do something for yourself or go to a spot you enjoy.
- Praise a local business online for their good work, giving them a good review.
- Shop at local businesses and eat at local restaurants.
- Conserve energy. Try adjusting your thermostat down by 1 degree, hanging your clothes to dry in summer months, walking or riding your bike, or eating vegetarian meals 1-2x/week.
- Reduce paper usage. Try switching to online bills and reusing wrapping paper or making your own.
- Use reusable containers like a water bottle or reusable shopping bag.
- Let someone into a lane they need while on the road.
- Call someone to hear about their day and to let them know you care.
References:
1.https://inspirekindness.com/world-kindness
Photo: www.thegoodtrade.com ; IG @thegoodtrade
