Kindness is...
November 13th is a special day. Some may think it's a regular autumn Sunday. But think again! Sunday is a global 24-hour celebration dedicated to paying-it-forward, focusing on the good and being kind to yourself and others!
World Kindness Day, here we come!
Oh, but wait. What is kindness?
Technically speaking, it is the quality of "having or showing a gentle nature and a desire to help others: wanting and liking to do good things and to bring happiness to others".
It is even considered a Knightly Virtue.
To me, kindness takes on so many different faces. And it's the little things in the day that remind me that kindness, really and truly, is everywhere.
Kindness is when you roll yourself out of the warm, snug bed in the morning to prepare that special cup of tea for your loved ones.
It is the time you give to yourself at the beginning of the day to focus, gather your thoughts and energy and head out into the world on your mission, to make it a better place.
Kindness is when you are good to your body and celebrate it for what it is; When you appreciate every last bite, but also every stretch, breath and stride. And yes, it is OK to have that extra piece of chocolate - the more of you, the better the world will be! ;)
Kindness is that smile on the bus to a stranger.
It's the high five with dirty hands from your 4 year-old student.
It's the boogers you wipe away that innocent, smiley face (yup, we teachers have to intervene there too...).
It's the laughter you trigger and the story you tell to a child that brightens up their day and awakens that hungry curiosity.
It's the wisdom you pass on and the enthusiasm you inject in others.
It's every 'thank you', 'goodbye' and 'you're welcome'.
It's the REcycling and BIcycling you commit to.
It's the message you send to someone letting them know you are thinking of them.
And at the end of the day it's the moment when you consider all the good that you shared and all the good that came back to you.
It's nothing spectacular, as you can see. It's little pebbles that you use to pave your way to happiness.
One of my favourite acts of kindness, that I love to indulge myself in, is writing down - on a daily basis - 3 things I am grateful for/ that went well/ that made me happy.
It's not new, and I am sure you have heard a million other people tell you about it, but it's great to help you get the right perspective on your life and notice the beauty in it.
And every day, I am able to find different things that put a massive smile on my face!
Below are a couple of great ideas that you can consider on World Kindness Day to celebrate the incredible virtue of kindness!
1. Take care of yourself - you can't save the world unless you take care of yourself first! Take a moment to breathe, be in the moment, be thoughtful to yourself, see how much you have achieved and how blessed you are. Notice your own beauty. Fall in love with yourself!
2. Drop someone a quick line.
It can be as easy as:
Just know you have a fan out there in this crazy world and I appreciate you so much!
3. Ask if you can do someone a favour:
4. Volunteer with or donate to a charity.
I guess there is nothing more rewarding than philanthropy and giving to those that need it most.
But wait. What does kindness mean to you personally? I am curious :)
I hope you have a wonderful World Kindness Day and don't forget, that even a simple smile can lighten another persons day!
