Saturday 13th November will be World Kindness Day. On this recurrence, we would like to share the importance of caring for others as a practice to cultivate all year round.
Why a World Kindness Day?
From the World Day website, the anniversary was created “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us” and “It also serves as a reminder to all that simple acts of kindness have power and that together, we can all work to create a kinder world. “
Therefore, the anniversary is a reminder that we all have the opportunity to make a difference in our community, even starting from small daily activities. We must keep in mind that however small, an act of kindness can make all the difference in the world.
What is an act of kindness?
The first question we must ask ourselves is what is meant by kindness. How can we tell if an action is kind?
First of all, it is a disinterested act and requires nothing in return. Kindness does not ask for rewards or gifts.
Second, kindness is about something we do for others. Genuinely, and without ulterior motives. We are kind to others to make them feel better, to support them, and to show that we care.
Last but not least, kindness is about the thought behind it. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if we do something extremely generous or we just offer a smile or a hug. It’s the thought that counts.
Be an example
This awareness day is an occasion to experience on your own how kindness works. You don’t even have to go out of your house, just do something! You can be the first ring of a chain that can spread worldwide, a long sequence of generosity and happiness. Smile at someone, hug a friend, help a classmate, be grateful to someone. Use kindness cards (https://www.spreadkindness.org/kindness-cards), they are very helpful! Let people know they can join you in this challenge.
Kindness can make a change
Everyone has bad days. Some more, some less, we experienced a moment like that. And probably we didn’t share it with anyone. And what if that day, a person came to you with a smile, or a hug, or just a funny joke? Can you imagine how it would have changed your day? Well, you can be that person. It is not even necessary to see a person struggling. Just reach your classmate, your colleague, a member of your family, a friend, or why not a complete stranger. And do your act of kindness. You never know if it is a good or a bad day. But for sure you will make their day!
Kindness can change the world
John Lennon, in the late 60s, sang “imagine, all the people”. I would like to invite you to do the same. Imagine a world where all the people, without looking at gender, race, nationality, status, begin to randomly share acts of kindness. Now, what kind of world are you seeing? To me, it looks like a much better world.
And in the end, remember to be kind to yourself. Do not forget that the first rule of a rescuer is to be able to rescue. Therefore, sometimes treat yourself to something nice too. Eat something good, enjoy a moment with a person you like, have a nice drink, relax with some activities. I know this can sound trivial and banal, but trust me, it can also make a difference. We can be very harsh with ourselves sometimes… be your own helper!
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldKindnessDay (https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-kindness-week-week-of-november-13/)
Here are some ways to participate:
Why don’t you share with us some other ideas to celebrate this day, and all the days after it? Write them in the comment section below.
For more sources:
https://www.theworldkindnessmovement.org/
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-kindness-day-2021/
https://inspirekindness.com/blog/world-kindness-day-2021-your-complete-guide
