This day is observed and celebrated around the world to promote the importance of kindness and ways we can share it forward.
World Kindness Day was first celebrated in 1998 by the organisation called The World Kindness Movement (WKM). The formation of this organisation first began at a conference in Tokyo on September 20, 1997, bringing together like-minded kindness organisations around the world. Now celebrated each year on 13 November.
The mission of the WKM is to inspire individuals, connecting nations to create a kinder world.
Why practicing and celebrating kindness is important:
Not only can acts of kindness have the power to make the world a happier place, but they can also alter our perspectives on life increasing overall satisfaction.
kindness is such a fulfilling experience that it has the power to encourage and inspire people to pass on acts of kindness to others after experiencing one themselves.
Being kind to yourself and others benefits your mental health, reduces stress, increases self-esteem, and improves our emotional capabilities.
A few ways you can practice kindness on 13 November is by:
- Complimenting someone
- Volunteering
- Starting an exercise routine
- To start journaling
- Learning a new skill
- Writing positive sticky notes (you can even pass these notes on to strangers to make their day)
- Saying thank you more
- Smiling at a stranger
- Helping someone with their shopping
- Helping someone cross a road
- Passing on a good book when finished it
- Buying a coffee for the person behind you
- Going on a walk
- Holding the door open for those behind you
- Allowing someone to go in front of you in a queue
Don’t forget to carry on being kind and compassionate to yourself and others after World Kindness Day. Try and do at least one of the above a day and you’ll soon see an improvement in your overall satisfaction and enjoyment with life.
