World Kindness Day 13 November 2020

World Kindness Day 13 November 2020

World Kindness Day started in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. Originally formed at a Tokyo conference in 1997 borne out of the Japanese bringing together multiple nations to emphasize the need for global kindness. Currently, over 28 countries are a part of the World Kindness Movement group but notably not the UK. Why?! That is my question! Let’s help the day make it’s mark by celebrating it anyway on 13 November.

Purpose:

‘To highlight and encourage good deeds in your community. Simple acts of kindness have power and that together, we can all work to create a kinder world.’

Kindness has a ripple effect; one person positively affects another. Use the World Kindness Movement and World Kindness Day to inspire you and your connections.

How to celebrate:

Be kind at work, home, school or out and about. Consciously engaging in a kind act that can benefit you or others will generate happiness. Small gestures often mean more to people, so think about what you can do for free to cause a smile. If you recognise that others are kind to you then it’s important to show appreciation. ‘Thank you,’ can really make somebody’s day. Consider if you say it enough and what you are thankful for.

What to bear in mind:

I found reading the literature very much about helping others and I’m totally on board with that! I deal with mental health concerns on a daily basis and that includes assisting people in balancing out their resources. If in your life you are continually giving to others then there is less room for kindness to yourself, and this is equally important. In the spirit of celebrating the day and also in managing your capacity, please think about your energy levels. If your feeling exhausted, feeling low, sad and maybe a little lonely then it maybe that you need that kind act. When you feel a little more like yourself and rejuvenated you can do a kind act for someone else. First and foremost, you need to be ok first, before you can be ok to support others.

10 Free Ways to be kind:

• Smile when you walk by others
• Call a relative/ friend you haven’t spoken to in a while
• Tidy up around your house; less clutter will lower daily stresses and frustrations
• Make yourself your favourite meal
• Send a positive or encouraging text to five people in your contacts list
• Tell a family member or friend that you love them
• Write a ‘thank you’ note on the receipt at a café for your waiter/ server
• Notice your achievements and don’t be so quick to brush them off, acknowledge your capabilities
• Read that book or listen to that album and dig out those comfy lounge pants and learn to relax and be still
• Talk to someone new

The Inspire Kindness Website is full of excellent resources if you want further ideas or want to know more about the concept. https://inspirekindness.com/

Use the comments box below if you want to share your act of kindness with me.

If you feel you need extra support right now then it is important to reach out to friends, family or professionals to assist you. You don’t have to suffer in silence and you can live a different life with the right support.