Today is World Kindness Day. This annual observance of compassion was first introduced in 1998 by a global coalition of kindness non-governmental organizations (NGOs) known as the World Kindness Movement. Recognized in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, UK, Singapore, Italy, India and United Arab Emirates,
World Kindness Day is a reminder that there is always something thoughtful we can do to help out and brighten someone’s day. While you certainly don’t have to only practice random acts of kindness on November 13, we thought we might provide you with some inspiration today to go out and pay it forward. You never know where it might end up.
Here are some kindness ideas from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation:
Make a new friend today: Introduce yourself to a stranger and strike up a conversation. Perhaps if there is someone you've seen occasionally on the bus or in the neighborhood, ask them how they're doing.
Mentor a child or teen: Volunteering just a few hours a month with a child can start something amazing. Have you considered becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister? Learn about mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters today.
Pay the tab for the person behind you: I personally had this happen to me at a drive through window last year. I paid it forward the next time I went through. It’s not something I’m likely to ever forget. These small kindnesses go a long way.
Write a letter to someone who made a difference in your life: With the internet today there are so many ways to find that person in your past so you can say “thank you, you made a difference to me.”
Listen: Sometimes the best thing you can do is to stop and really listen to the people around you.
Feed a meter: The change in your pocket could make this day a little brighter for a random stranger.
Cook a meal for someone: We all have friends, family and neighbors going through a hard or busy time in their life. Cook a little extra tonight.
Donate: Give a dollar when you’re asked in the checkout line, stop by your local blood bank, take some clothes to your local shelter, food to the food bank or help those in the Philippines dealing from the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.
Practice a random act of kindness today. Tell us about it.
