World Kindness Day

Constantly hearing the news around the world can sometimes be devastating and heartbreaking. It makes you wonder if there’s any good left in humanity anymore. But with World Kindness Day, there’s a moment to take a step back and acknowledge kind acts you or others have done. World Kindness Day was established in 1988 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of kindness NGOs formed in Tokyo at a 1997 conference of like-minded global kindness organizations. Not affiliated with any religion or political movement, there are currently 28 nations involved in The World Kindness Movement.

While the title is pretty self-explanatory, the day is dedicated to highlighting good deeds in the community and an attempt to make the world a better place because kindness is the common denominator of unity.

Acts of kindness come in so many different forms that you probably haven’t noticed before, but have participated in at least once throughout your day. It shows up as a greeting, holding the door for someone behind you, or even better, saving someone a headache and phone calls to the bank by returning their wallet. Good karma, right?

If you’re thinking of doing something kind in honor of today (and days to come), here are five ideas you can do:

1. First and foremost, treat yourself to something nice. Whether it’s a holiday drink you’ve been dying to try from your favorite coffee shop or trying out a hydrating facemask when you get off of work, do it!
2. Send a positive text message to your friends and/or family members, even ask how they’re doing, surely they’ll appreciate the thought.
3. Donate unwanted clothes to charities or thrift stores.
4. Treat someone to coffee or lunch.
5. Genuinely compliment someone.

Are there any acts of kindness you’re thinking of doing today? We’d love to hear them.