What is World Kindness Day?

There is still a lot of good left in the world, believe it. All we have to do is to be kind to one another. World Kindness Day was formed in 1998. It is an international holiday, celebrated on November 13 of each year. It was formed to promote “kindness” throughout all nations in the entire world. The day is devoted to spreading acts of kindness, positive acts, regardless of how small. Every random act of kindness counts. Promote humanity, diffuse animosity, these are the qualities that we are looking for to bring people closer together. Learning the purpose of world kindness day and some kindness ideas might help.

Dedicated to humanity and most celebrated, but not limited to, Canada, U.S., Australia, India and Italy, World Kindness Movement introduced World Kindness Day in 2019.

World Kindness Movement was a Tokyo-based convention that became an officially registered NGO back in 2019. Further, Under Swiss law, the movement has now stretched its arms throughout the world. Institutions and associations have since assembled themselves, championing kindness throughout various nations and societies.

Showing someone kindness, whether it is a mere “hello” towards a stranger we may come across while walking on the street, or helping a person who is struggling with something, all matters. Though we may not realise it, we all have done some kind of act of kindness towards other people. Kindness is a natural thing so to speak. So, We would always know when we have shown kindness because kindness feels good. Anything that is good, “feels good.”

What is the purpose of World Kindness Day and a world of change can an act of kindness give? Well, seeking ways to provide selfless acts towards our neighbour, empathy creates awareness. Sometimes, a sporadic act of kindness can have a ripple effect. Good deeds create a positive flow in people’s consciousness. We must always find ways to pass it on.

When was the last time we did something nice for our loved ones, so much more for those we are not related to? Perhaps we have not given it much thought, but we should? While we live, we share this planet with others. One of our goals should be that of spreading and sharing kindness with people. You may ask, “how?” Well, there are some kindness ideas you can do to spread kindness on World Kindness Day and every day moving forward. Hence, Here are some kindness ideas;

• Be kind to yourself. It all starts from within.
• Be grateful.
• Have a “nonjudgmental attitude.”
• Help others.
• Pay special attention to those you’d otherwise take for granted.
• Pay kindness forward.
• When upset, breathe. This is actually an act of kindness.
• Try to encourage as opposed to being critical.
• Put yourself in someone else’s shoe.
• Make yourself available for people who try to reach out.
• Acknowledge the existence of others who are around us.
• Encourage positivism.
• Practice kindness through anonymity.
• Be kind to animals. Cruelty to animals is no near kindness.
• Give to charity.
• Be diplomatic with enemies.
• Always use magic words like, “thank you.”
• Always be cordial and courteous.
• If you can’t say anything nice, be quiet.
• Express kindness by doing things for people who can never repay you.

Some people find it difficult to appreciate the small things, but it is not necessarily their fault. At times, some people do have memories from the past that hinders them from having diplomatic relationships. Therefore, For the troubled who seem to have an underlying sadness that they feel, professional help is available. Mental telehealth services have picked up popularity since the onset of the pandemic and it has remained to be one of the best choices for those who wish to get help in the comfort of their own home or personal space.

There is so much more that we can do to celebrate life and to spread kindness to our neighbours. Let us all give humanity a chance. On World Kindness Day and every day moving forward, be kind, show favour, pay it all forward through random acts of kindness.