World Kindness Day

“In a world where you can be anything… be kind.” – Caroline Flack

What is the purpose of world kindness day?

World Kindness Day is November 13th… the purpose of this day is to go out of your way to show kindness to others. Of course, there is a magnitude of ways to be kind. We hope you participate and show some kindness to others in a purposeful way. This year, more than ever we are seeing scary statistics and we need kindness so badly.

Sometimes the smallest gesture can go the furthest. Sometimes saying “Thank you” to a stranger, or holding a door can really change their day. A few kind words can make someone’s entire day.. with so much negativity in the world right now, it may be needed. If you see someone at work doing a great job, tell them so. Maybe your colleague got new shoes… let them know how great they are.

Encouraging your kids to participate in World Kindness Day is a tradition everyone can get behind. Let your kids know why this day started and why they should get behind it. Encourage kids to hold doors open for others, pick up garbage if they see it outside, give compliments to their peers, and include everyone they may not always hang out with to participate.

As we all know, small businesses are struggling due to Covid shutdowns.. what better time than to show your local vendors kindness by tossing that extra toonie in the tip jar at your local coffee shop.. share your favourite clothing store’s Instagram story… compliment your delivery driver and letting them know how awesome they are. This is such a great opportunity to spread kindness to others.. I bet you it will catch on. This is one thing we want you to spread!

Here are some suggestions on how YOU can spread kindness.

• Send an encouraging text to a friend/family member you haven’t spoken to lately
• Pay for the person’s coffee behind you in line
• Compliment your neighbours lawn
• Smile at the stranger on the sidewalk
• Offer to pick up dinner for a friend
• Volunteer your time to a local nursing home, homeless shelter, or other local organization
• Donate your gently used clothing to a family in need
• Send a close friend flowers
• Hold the door open for a stranger (yes, it can be this simple)
• Bring in donuts for your office
• Try not to complain for an entire day (this one might be hard)
• Offer to take photos for a touristy-looking group

I want to end this post by adding, sometimes you need to be more kind to yourself. We constantly worry about our kids, partners, employees and friends but what about you? Show yourself some kindness this weekend by giving yourself a compliment. Grab that drink from Starbucks you’ve been wanting to try… give yourself an extra 10 minutes in bed this morning. You have to be kind to yourself, in order to be kind to others. You are great, let yourself know that!

“The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one.” – Unknown