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Guest columnist Robin Leach looks at the day’s origins and how to put the sentiment into action
QUINCY – Along with being Veterans Day, November 11 is also World Kindness Day, a global observance dedicated to promoting goodwill, empathy, and acts of kindness. Created in 1998, the day is celebrated in over twenty-eight countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates as part of the World Kindness Movement group.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably never heard of World Kindness Day, but if there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that the world could sure use more kindness right now.
It’s sad to think we need a special day to remind us to be caring humans, but if we can agree to do just one thing a year to show compassion, the observance is worthy of notice.
What better time to remind us of the power of being kind than in the weeks preceding Thanksgiving and Christmas?
When the family crowd gathers in your home,sometimes eager to bring up awkward topics and old stories, you may need to find kindness in your heart and grace to understand.
When the crush of shoppers begins careening around parking lots, stampeding inside stores, and grabbing gifts, it will be up to you to armor your goodwill with patience and show kindness to others.
You can’t buy kindness online or in any shop. It costsnothing but brings a wealth of joy to those who receive it…and those who give it. And once you know the blessing of kindness, you never forget its impact.
DID WE USED TO BE KINDER?
Most people will agree that we are not as kind to each other as we were 30-50 years ago. Researchers think the decrease in kindness may be a result of the changing demographics of our world.
When we were a society of smaller towns and cities, we knew our neighbors and were held accountable for our actions toward each other. Courtesy was expected; if you weren’t kind to someone, your parents (or other adults) corrected you.
Now, our environment causes us to withdraw from others. Living in crowded cities among strangers can make us hide our natural tendencies to be generous and kind to others.
People have decided it is safer to keep to themselves, because of crime rates and the rise in mental health andsocietal issues.
But there are still ways to offer kindness to friends and strangers that are thoughtful, easy, and require little or no money.
From volunteering to taking time to listen, you can make an impact that will never be forgotten.
BEING KIND IS GOOD FOR YOU
According to the American Psychology Association, being kind to others boosts happiness and is linked to physical health benefits. Research found adults who spent money on others often had lower blood pressure than those who spent money on themselves.
And performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Also, face-to-face acts of kindness—giving directly to a person or donating to a local charity in person—offers an opportunity for social connectedness that isparticularly beneficial for our souls.
SMALL GESTURES, BIG IMPACT
All of us have had times when a smile or act of kindness made all the difference in our day. One small action can change the attitude of someone…who then does the same for someone else. The cycle continues and grows.
When was the last time you…
Held a door for someone.
Let a shopper go ahead of you in line.
Gave a genuine compliment to a stranger.
It only takes a second and a minimum of effort to show care toward others. And many of the best ways to spread kindness cost nothing.
PERFORM DAILY KINDNESSES UNTIL THANKSGIVING
Consider doing just one act of kindness each day from today until Thanksgiving. In the next 14 days you can make a difference in your heart and others’ lives.
FREE KINDNESS IDEAS
1. Leave a kind note in a book at your local bookstore or library.
2. Call a family member (no text!) just to chat.
3. Assist someone struggling with their grocery bags.
4. Volunteer at a local animal shelter.
5. If you are able, donate blood.
6. Give someone a hug for no reason.
7. Teach your children to be kind by donating theirextra toys.
8. Return a shopping cart for someone.
9. Write an actual letter to someone. Imagine their smile at the mailbox.
10. Send an encouraging text message.
11. Drop off your old eyeglasses at a donation center.
12. Simply say “Thank You” more often.
13. Visit a retirement or nursing home and share the gift of time.
14. Pump someone’s gas for them when it is cold or raining.
MONETARY KINDNESS IDEAS
1. Support students and teachers by donating supplies to school classrooms.
2. Buy a meal for a first responder.
3. Leave your quarter behind in your Aldi shopping cart.
4. Honor someone you love with a charitable donation in their name.
5. Send someone flowers “just because.”
6. Buy a gift card and give it to a stranger.
7. Bring a small gift or treat to the staff at a local business you appreciate.
8. Make a doggie treat package for a local shelter or cash-strapped dog owner.
9. Leave a big tip to brighten a server’s day.
10. Surprise a friend with a pizza delivered to their house.
11. Decorate holiday ornaments and donate them to a hospice program or Meals on Wheels.
12. Donate highly requested items to a local women’s shelter.
13. Donate to a local food pantry.
14. Subscribe to a favorite magazine for an elderly neighbor.
VOLUNTEER FOR YEAR-ROUND KINDNESS
If you want to have an impact on your community, consider volunteering on an ongoing basis at one of our local services. Research groups and organizations that would love to have your help.
What better time to remind us of the power of being kind than in the weeks preceding Thanksgiving and Christmas?
When the family crowd gathers in your home,sometimes eager to bring up awkward topics and old stories, you may need to find kindness in your heart and grace to understand.
When the crush of shoppers begins careening around parking lots, stampeding inside stores, and grabbing gifts, it will be up to you to armor your goodwill with patience and show kindness to others.
You can’t buy kindness online or in any shop. It costsnothing but brings a wealth of joy to those who receive it…and those who give it. And once you know the blessing of kindness, you never forget its impact.
DID WE USED TO BE KINDER?
Most people will agree that we are not as kind to each other as we were 30-50 years ago. Researchers think the decrease in kindness may be a result of the changing demographics of our world.
When we were a society of smaller towns and cities, we knew our neighbors and were held accountable for our actions toward each other. Courtesy was expected; if you weren’t kind to someone, your parents (or other adults) corrected you.
Now, our environment causes us to withdraw from others. Living in crowded cities among strangers can make us hide our natural tendencies to be generous and kind to others.
People have decided it is safer to keep to themselves, because of crime rates and the rise in mental health andsocietal issues.
But there are still ways to offer kindness to friends and strangers that are thoughtful, easy, and require little or no money.
From volunteering to taking time to listen, you can make an impact that will never be forgotten.
BEING KIND IS GOOD FOR YOU
According to the American Psychology Association, being kind to others boosts happiness and is linked to physical health benefits. Research found adults who spent money on others often had lower blood pressure than those who spent money on themselves.
And performing acts of kindness may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Also, face-to-face acts of kindness—giving directly to a person or donating to a local charity in person—offers an opportunity for social connectedness that isparticularly beneficial for our souls.
SMALL GESTURES, BIG IMPACT
All of us have had times when a smile or act of kindness made all the difference in our day. One small action can change the attitude of someone…who then does the same for someone else. The cycle continues and grows.
When was the last time you…
Held a door for someone.
Let a shopper go ahead of you in line.
Gave a genuine compliment to a stranger.
It only takes a second and a minimum of effort to show care toward others. And many of the best ways to spread kindness cost nothing.
PERFORM DAILY KINDNESSES UNTIL THANKSGIVING
Consider doing just one act of kindness each day from today until Thanksgiving. In the next 14 days you can make a difference in your heart and others’ lives.
Robin Garrison Leach lives and writes in Quincy. Contact her at [email protected]
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