When did you last buy a stranger's coffee, volunteer at your local shelter, or compliment a stranger on their hairstyle?
You don't have to feel guilty if you haven't done these things in a long time. We live in a harsh world that doesn't always reward kindness. So, it is understandable if you've overlooked these little acts of kindness or assumed they don't matter.
But kindness does matter.
Even random acts of kindness can create big ripples, and that's why we have World Kindness Day — to remind you of the importance of kindness and hopefully encourage you to show kindness to others in your own little way.
What Is World Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day is an international observance (just shy of a holiday) celebrated annually on the 13th of November to promote kindness worldwide. 28-plus nations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan, recognize World Kindness Day.
The idea of World Kindness Day is that irrespective of race, religion, gender, or background, we are all human, and kindness is the common thread that binds us. With kindness, we can overcome our differences and pursue peaceful resolutions to conflicts. We can lend a helping hand to those in need, and we can help others feel better about themselves.
This World Kindness Day, you can start the day with an act of kindness and continue with it all year long. Later, we'll give you some practical tips on showing kindness to people around you.
But first, let's learn a little more about World Kindness Day.
How Did World Kindness Day Start? The History of World Kindness Day
The history of World Kindness Day dates back to a 1997 Tokyo conference, where kindness organizations from different nations worldwide declared to establish the World Kindness Movement (WKM) — an international NGO with no political or religious affiliations dedicated to creating a kinder world.
Their declaration included a pledge to "join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world." To realize this aim, they created World Kindness Day.
The inaugural launch of the World Kindness Day happened on November 13, 1998. Since then, the event has grown massively in importance. Influential countries like the US, UK, France, and Australia have joined the World Kindness Movement and now celebrate Kindness Day. Even the UN has recognized the movement.
Although it is not an official holiday yet, the World Kindness Movement is heading towards official recognition status. Judging by the strides they've made in recent years, we won't be waiting long.
Why Do We Celebrate World Kindness Day?
The aim of celebrating World Kindness Day is threefold.
First, it is an opportunity to recognize and highlight good deeds and the individuals who do them.
You may know someone around you who fits this description. That person who always has a kind word when you're feeling down and doesn't mind sacrificing their time or money to see you succeed. It might not be someone you're intimately familiar with, but their kindness touched you deeply. Kindness Day is an opportunity to show gratitude to them for all they do.
Secondly, it is a reminder to do your best to project kindness into your sphere of influence.
Considering all the violence, hate, and distrust currently in the world, kindness is sorely needed. With just a little kindness, you can positively impact people, whether that's by taking five seconds to ask the doorman about his well-being, helping someone on the street with their luggage, or giving positive feedback to your co-workers.
Lastly, World Kindness Day is a reminder to be kind to yourself.
It's easy to get anxious or fall into depression when you feel like you aren't reaching the goals you've set out to achieve. Take a breather and be kind to yourself. Try loving-kindness meditation and positive affirmations to increase your capacity for self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, and understanding.
Remember, everyone falls short sometimes. That's what makes us human. Be kind enough to allow yourself to fail and then get up and try again.
What Are the Benefits of Being Kind?
You may have heard stories of how a little kindness sparked a huge response, sometimes even saving the lives of people who wanted to end them. That's the positive power of kindness. A random act of kindness can have a big ripple effect you could never imagine.
Some more advantages of being kind are:
- Kindness makes people feel seen, special, and loved
- Kindness makes you happy
- It reduces anxiety and makes you feel better about yourself
- Kindness makes the world a better place
- Being kind to others encourages them to be kind in turn
- It creates a feeling of community and helps reduce loneliness
Celebrating World Kindness Day 2023: 5 Things You Can Do to Show Kindness
The great thing about World Kindness Day is that everyone — and we mean everyone — can participate. Whether you're elderly and retired or barely out of high school, rich or poor, everyone can celebrate World Kindness Day. Even children can be part of it with kindness activities and projects.
People who want to show that they are part of the kindness movement are encouraged to wear blue — the color designated to symbolize peace and serenity — on November 13.
You don't need to do anything big or flashy. Kindness is in the details, and the small things count.
So, here are some ultra-specific ideas for how you can mark World Kindness Day 2023.
1. Buy Someone a Coffee
A cup of coffee prepared just right can feel like a life jacket in stormy waters for someone yet to have their caffeine fix for the day. It may look like a small thing to you, but don't underestimate the impact a little serotonin and caffeine (from your kindness and coffee, respectively) can have on a person.
It doesn't even need to be a coffee specifically. It could be a cupcake from their favorite bakery or a coupon for their favorite store. The point is to let them know that you see them and are willing to go out of your way to make them happy.
2. Donate to a Worthy Cause
Giving money is a great way to show kindness. So many people have been dealt a bad hand, and sometimes disasters devastate entire communities. Giving — even if it's just 1 dollar — can significantly impact their lives. If you do not know where to give, you can check out GoFundMe's giving hub to find genuine fundraisers to help people in need. Alternatively, you can pick a cause, research to find genuine charities, and see how you can contribute.
3. Pass Out Kindness Cards
This one is mainly for the kids, but adults are welcome to join in. For this project, you and your kids can design and fill out cards with positive messages and pass them on to people. This activity is great because it helps uncover your child's love language and teaches them how to show gratitude and kindness.
4. Get Physical
Kindness and physical touch go hand in hand, so if your love language is physical touch, you can express kindness to someone through physical contact with them. It could be a hand on the arm to show your support, a pat on the back to comfort them in difficult times, or a big hug to show your happiness. Physical touch can show that you care. Just make sure that it's welcome first.
5. Hang Out With a Friend
Call a friend you haven't hung out with in a while, take them to dinner, and catch up on everything you've missed. Be attentive, listen to their life updates and concerns, and be there if they need support. Let them know you love and care for them and value their presence. It is not only kind but a core memory that will endear you to that friend for life.
Join the World Kindness Movement: Resolve to Be Kind Every Day
A little kindness goes a long way. A small smile, a quick greeting, or an earnest apology can make a positive difference and have impacts that you can't anticipate. So, today, make up your mind to be kind whenever possible.
We encourage you to read our free member's Kindness series to learn more about topics such as how helping others can help you, ways to be more selfless, how altruism and humanism can help you find meaning and change the world, the power of self-forgiveness, and a whole lot more!
We'll leave you with this quote by Amelia Earhart, which goes:
"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees."
