You guys, a heads-up. Tomorrow is World Kindness Day. Tomorrow. As in Friday, November 13th.
And gosh, how timely.
And fitting. Isn’t it? The one thing we need more of. Kindness.
It’s the perfect opportunity to share a bit more love and positivity.
And yes, I realize you may be thinking, oh great, yet another made-up holiday.
If that’s you, keep it moving.
But for those of you that stand up for kindness, advocate for it, let’s join forces. And celebrate. Because the world needs kind people.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
– Jennifer Dukes Lee
A bit of background. World Kindness Day was created in 1998. 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. Celebrated on November 13 of each year, this day has the purpose to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together.
To celebrate, here are 10 simple ideas to get you (and your team and your family) started:
1. Pass along a handwritten note to someone meaningful, or to a stranger.
2. Start (or participate in) a ‘pay it forward’ chain at your local drive-thru.
Have you ever been on the receiving end of this? It is really touching. Even better, kicking it off. Simply share with the employee in the drive-thru window that you would like to cover the next car’s order. And go ahead, splurge.
3. Speaking of, share a smile (and a purchase and a positive review!) with a local business owner.
Show up to encourage a small business owner you admire. And make a purchase. After all, November is Small Business Month. And if ever there is a group of people that could use a little kindness, it’s this group of peeps.
According to a recent Alignable report, 45% of small businesses have stated that they have earned less than half of their Pre-COVID revenue. And total consumer spending at local businesses is down by 18% year-over-year (YOY).
So go on, shop at your favorite boutique, order your favorite handmade product, or grab a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop.
As you spend today, and this gifting season, keep your small business friends in mind.
Okay, okay, back to it.
4. Post a positive message in your social feed.
5. Bake something for a neighbor.
6. Wear a cardigan in honor of Mister Rogers.
"There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."
– Fred Rogers
7. Share a compliment – even if it is on a Zoom call, or in an email, or over the phone.
8. Challenge your child(ren). Explain that it is World Kindness Day, and give them the opportunity to express kindness to someone today. A few caveats, to save you a bit of stress: it must be an independent project and supplies must already be on-hand. Annnnnd go!
9. Turn up your family’s favorite music and dance together. If your kids are well beyond that, do something with them that they love. Maybe it is 10 minutes playing their favorite sport, video, or card game; maybe it is cooking dinner together. Stop the stress cycle, and share kindness with your kid(s).
“If you want to change the world, go home and love on your family.”
– Mother Theresa
10. Eat dinner together and share something you love about each family member.
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
– Lao Tzu
A note for the overachievers. Pick one thing. One thing. It will get the ball rolling in your home and in your life. We have enough on our plates.
What act of kindness are you going to do today? Share your idea in the comments. Or simply lead by example. We need more doers, more kind leaders.
Because at the end of the day...
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
– Aesop
Happy World Kindness Day!
Katie Caples is an author, coach, and copywriter. Katie writes for female thought leaders and heart-centered course creators. If you are looking to start a gratitude practice, grab one of her journals: Courage and Clarity today.
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