You are probably finalizing your plans for Thanksgiving and perhaps even the upcoming holidays, but have you put much thought into World Kindness Day? This international observance – which is on November 13th – may not be as well-known as other special days, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pause, observe, and celebrate by spreading a little kindness!
It might seem like a silly thing to celebrate, but it is beneficial to be reminded of the importance of kindness. It’s also important to remember that it is just as essential to be kind to ourselves as it is to others. At bkty, we are centered around the idea that self-love is a crucial part of our wellbeing. After all, when we fill up our own cup first, we are better prepared to give kindness to those around us.
This year, to celebrate World Kindness Day, try out some (or all!) of these ideas to practice both self-love and kindness to others. You may even be inspired to implement a few of these kindness habits into your regular everyday life!
“Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
Reach out to someone you haven’t connected with in a while
How often do you think “I should really reach out to that person…?” Life gets hectic, and we are all guilty of forgetting to check-in with friends – especially those who don’t live nearby. Take a moment to send a text or give a call to a friend who you’d like to reconnect with. You’ll both surely appreciate having this time to catch up with each other, and it’ll feel great to make that connection again!
Give yourself extra time to make a nutritious meal
Part of being kind to yourself is being kind to your body. In this busy world, it is easy to lose track of nutrition and opt for quicker (but less healthy) meal choices. Be kind to yourself by finding a delicious and healthy recipe, and allot some extra time in your day to make the meal for yourself.
You have heard about paying for a drink for the person behind you at your coffee shop but how about “Petal It Forward?”
If going to a local coffee shop is a part of your typical routine, you have probably heard about (or even participated in) paying for the drink of a fellow customer. We love that idea at bkty, but have you heard of “Petal It Forward?” It's a campaign within the floral industry used to raise awareness about the benefits of "flower power!" Seeing and/or smelling flowers can, by itself, be a mood booster and one way to show kindness to others is to buy flowers for someone you know or perhaps someone you don’t know. Picking up two bunches of flowers at your local Trader Joe’s and leaving one for the next shopper will surely have a big impact on their day. Perhaps you can add a note (even just a post-it note) or print out our card to explain that it’s World Kindness Day. What a beautiful way to share kindness with your corner of the world.
Have a discussion with your kids about what kindness means to them
If you are a parent, World Kindness Day gives you a great opportunity to talk about kindness with your kids. Discuss the importance of being kind to both others and to yourself, and ask them what they think kindness looks like. Who knows, you might be inspired by their answers!
Make a donation to your favorite charity
One small act of kindness that can make a huge impact is donating to your favorite charity. Even if you can only spare a few dollars, you’ll be confident in knowing that your money is going towards helping others. Whether it is a small local non-profit serving your community or a larger organization, you can make an impact on the world around you with this gesture.
Work with your kids to put together money for a charity donation
If you are a parent (or a teacher), you can have your kids pick out a charity and work to collect money to donate. Consider encouraging your kids to set up a lemonade stand to earn money to donate or offer to do chores for neighbors. You can also begin a tradition of a Charity Allowance – learn more here!
Lift up a friend by sending a kind text or email
It is always nice to look at your phone or laptop and see a kind text from a friend or family member. Pay it forward by letting someone special in your life know that you are thinking of them!
Write out a list of your strengths
We can all be hard on ourselves from time to time. Use World Kindness Day as an opportunity to self-reflect on all the good things you have to offer to the world. Write out a physical list so that you can look at it whenever you are feeling down on yourself. This is a great activity for kids as well so you can make this a family activity around the dinner table tonight.
Write letters to family and friends describing what you love about them
Everyone loves being appreciated. Take some time to sit down and write letters to family and friends outlining what you love about them. They’ll surely cherish these sweet notes for years to come!
Give thanks to everyone you come into contact with
Sometimes we forget the simple lesson of saying “please and thank you.” Make sure the people around you are appreciated for their work and contributions: the cashier at the restaurant where you’re picking up lunch, the custodian at your office, the law enforcement officer you pass while walking down the street, your partner...the list of people who deserve thanks is endless!
Give a generous tip
Are you planning on ordering food or eating out? Consider giving a larger tip than usual to the hard-working employee. This generosity will make your server’s day, and could even help them out more than you realize!
Put together Blessing Bags for the less fortunate
This is a great activity to do on your own, but if you are a parent, it is also perfect for kids. Gather necessities in bulk – such as socks, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes – to put together Blessing Bags. These can be taken to a local shelter to help out some of those who are less fortunate in your community. It is a wonderful lesson in giving back for your kids, and a meaningful way to serve your community.
Enjoy a self-care moment
Be kind to yourself by giving yourself some time to practice self-care. Maybe it’s making time for a luxurious bubble bath or relaxing with your favorite book. Or, maybe self-care looks like going for a run or taking a fitness class. Give yourself the opportunity to enjoy your version of self-care! You are worth it!
Don’t think that acts of kindness should only occur on World Kindness Day. If you want to continue learning about self-compassion and self-care, check out our BKTY philosophy, shop our cards, and follow us on Instagram for more reminders, tips, insights, and inspiration!
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