NOVEMBER 13TH IS WORLD KINDNESS DAY
The World Kindness Movement started World Kindness Day in 1998 and has spread to 28 countries. I thought that seeing today is World Kindness Day I'd share a little bit about why I think kindness is so important in our hurting world....WHY IS KINDNESS SO IMPORTANT?
I don't know what's changed in our world over the last few decades, but
it feels overall like there's
more self-interest and less caring for others these days. I wonder whether it's
because we're so focused on our phones, on the internet, on social media,
on success, on getting ahead? There are so many people showcasing
themselves and their achievements, it's everywhere....and so few mentions
of kindness.
The Oxford Dictionary defines kindness as:
the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
and I love the idea that it encompasses friendliness and consideration of
others. In this era of the "Me Generation" we can lose that all important
thoughtfulness and connection as we rush through life trying to tick all the boxes to become all that we're planning to be.
CAN WE CULTIVATE KINDNESS?
Fortunately, we can cultivate kindness through movements like
World Kindness Day,
random acts of kindness, and paying it forward, which all contribute towards
reminding us that we can do small, simple acts that bring a smile to
others. We can pause in our busy lives for a moment to smile at someone,
to lend a helping hand, to listen and offer compassion to someone who
might be hurting.
It can mean putting ourselves out a little, putting our own needs in the
backseat for a moment....but it's so worth the effort. I think that the
unexpected benefit of kindness is the sense of goodness it gives back to
us in return. Each act of kindness enriches our own spirit, each time we
step out of our own heads and away from focusing solely on our own needs
creates the sense that we live in a caring world, that humanity hasn't
lost its way, that we are all good people doing our best to invest into
the lives of others and make a difference where we can - big or
small.
PUTTING KINDNESS INTO PRACTICE EVERY DAY
Perhaps World Kindness Day can remind us to up our kindness game, to make
it a daily practice to look for opportunities to bring a little warmth and
human care into the lives of those around us. I think it's time people
looked up from their phones, slowed down their headlong rush through life,
and took a moment to truly look at those around them and to see if there's
any small way they can make someone else's life a little easier.
I know I'm inclined to be self-focused at times, to want to retreat into
my hard won quiet little world. I need to remind myself that taking an
hour here or there to help someone, or to listen, or to step up and make a
small difference - it's good for them and it's good for me. It's easy to
be insular, it's easy to put up fences (especially when I've been hurt and
had
my boundaries
disrespected), but it's also good for my heart and soul, and who I am as a
person, to care and to be kind - I want to be that person.
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| via: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-quotes |
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you naturally kind and always looking for an opportunity to give of
yourself to others, or do you find it harder in today's day and age? Any
suggestions on how to make kindness a daily practice?
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I find it rather easy to be kind and spread kindness and have taught my boys that as well.
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone has the potential for kindness Jo - and those who find it easy are great examples for the rest of us. x
DeleteThank you for this important post, Leanne, and for the reminder about WKD. Kindness has been one of my pocket WOTYs this year (shhh, you are the first to officially know). While I find it easy to be nice, being truly kind is much, much tougher. Donna Cameron's book on this was an excellent resource for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna - I think I might need to read that book because it's been mentioned several times this year. And now I'm all curious about your Secret Squirrel pocket WOTYs!
DeleteSharing this post. So much truth. Thank you.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Hi - I'm so glad you enjoyed it and also left your blog link - I'll be popping over for a visit :)
DeleteHi Leanne, I love your phrase “cultivating kindness.” We have a common phrase in our home (marriage), (paraphrased: ‘choose being kind over being right’) when we communicate. Your quote from the Virtues Project also highlights ‘to be kind to ourselves.’ I am working on this one.
ReplyDeleteI have discussed with you in the past how ‘boundaries’ have been a big issue for me throughout my life, too. A work in progress, always.
You remind me about a study from years ago, how the act of witnessing a kind gesture between others makes us feel good, even when we are not involved in the interaction.
Thank you for sharing this post. As you describe well, Leanne, and you walk the talk…kindness never grows old. xx Erica
Hi Erica - I still struggle with boundaries too - but that toxic workmate certainly gave me a boost in learning how important they are! I think you have kindness to others nailed down - you are always a shining example of it to me - but you're right in the fact that we need to remember to extend that same kindness to ourselves.
DeleteI feel like kindness is getting easier for me now I've slowed down a little and have time to be more thoughtful - I'm also working on generosity (there's a future blog post about that coming I'm sure!)
Thanks again for stopping by - I love that you stay in touch x
I didn't know it was WKD. I read Donna Cameron's book on kindness not that long ago and found it interesting. I am not "naturally" a kind person. Donna Cameron's book was helpful in giving clear examples of how to be kinder. So, I do try and be kind, intentionally, when I can. But it's easy to slip up.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat - I'm working on being kinder too - I'm finding it easier to think of others now that I have more headspace and less on my plate. I think a fast paced life leaves less time for kindness (it did for me anyway) and having a slower pace gives me time to be more intentionally kind (I loved your phrase). I'm also thinking I need to read that book!
DeleteThis is such a lovely post Leanne and I'm with you in thinking something is 'missing' these days in regards to being kind to others. It seems so much easier for people to be cruel, say awful things and not think about the impact of their words. Kindness is vital and today I've shared a cartoon quote on my Facebook page about the fact that 'Care is the Cure', I feel exactly the same as you!
ReplyDeleteHi Deb - I think we just need to keep putting kindness out into the world whenever we get a chance - whether it's by posting reminders on FB, saying something nice to another person, being generous with our time, even sharing a smile..... or whatever. Each small action helps to counter balance the not-so-good stuff in our world. x
DeleteI like to think that I am naturally kind, Leanne, but I also make a conscious effort to commit small acts of kindness. Like everyone, there are times (especially if I'm under stress) that I become more self-involved and have to remind myself to consider others more. I do think social media has had an impact on the overall kindness of the world...sometimes increasing it, but frequently allowing people to be less kind. I also think, in the US at least, the example of some of our leaders has had a negative effect on the way people in the general population treat each other. It is discouraging, but I use it as motivation to be more kind myself.
ReplyDeleteHi Christie - I think your last sentence about using the lack of kindness in our world to spur you towards being even more kind is exactly what we need more of. There are so many self-focused people on social media and in the news - we need that ground level kindness that reminds people that there's still a lot of goodness to be found in amongst the hustle. x
DeleteAs I scrolled through the comments left on this post, there are some written by women I consider very kind from their social media presence. And I am certain you are very kind, too. I don't understand people who are not as being kind doesn't cost a thing.
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie - I've just started reading the book "A Year Of Living Kindly" and she makes some great points about how much easier it is to be nice, and how much more intentional we need to be if we want to be genuinely kind. I can relate to that because it's easier to coast through than to be put in the effort sometimes - hence why I'm reading the book! :)
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