Don't Forget World Kindness Day

Everyone knows Thanksgiving is in November, but do you also know about World Kindness Day?

World Kindness Day is an international observance on November 13th.

It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement and is observed in many countries. The purpose of World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.

Kindness is a fundamental part of being a human which bridges the differences of race, religion, orientation, or political affiliation. It’s something so simple, yet so difficult for some. We get so wrapped up in our everyday busy lives, work, and families that the little things can be forgotten and become such a chore. Yet, we all benefit and appreciate when a small act of kindness is shown to us. Plus it feels good to be kind to others!

This month, and especially on November 13th, make an effort to perform random acts of kindness. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or cost money, but it should be genuine and authentic. It’s the little things that can mean the most to someone and brighten their day.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop

A dozen random acts of kindness:

• Smile and say hello to the people you pass by every day normally without a glance or a word.

• Send a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while a “Thinking of you” card.

• Say "Good morning" to the person standing next to you in the elevator/on the bus/etc.

• Offer to stop by the store for an elderly neighbor.

• Hold the door open for those behind you.

• Instead of just recycling your magazines, bring them to your local community center/nursing home/senior center.

• Let someone with their arms full go ahead of you in the check-out line.

• Donate some canned goods to your local food pantry.

• Compliment someone on their outfit that day.

• Offer to babysit for a friend, for free, who you know can’t afford a babysitter.

• Volunteer at your local library to read to children.

• Rake your neighbor’s yard.

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Princess Diana

~~~

Monthly Messages are brought to you by the Tompkins County Youth Services Department, a proud partner of The Community Coalition for Healthy Youth.

If you have further questions or comments about this message or would like information on how to become involved with the Community Coalition for Healthy Youth, please email ahendrix@tompkins-co.org

Thank you in advance for sharing this monthly message with your networks.

For more information on-line, go to Links – Tips for Families, Parents and Youth Workers