World Kindness Day: “Help Start a Ripple of Joy Around the World”
by Cheyanne Head
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? We’re having one of those days… we spilled our coffee all over our clean shirt, the car wouldn’t start, we forgot an umbrella, and we’ve written it off as “a horrible day”. And then, someone goes out of their way—with something as simple as a smile or a compliment—and it changes your whole mood! We all know how good it can feel to be on the receiving end of an act of kindness, but it feels even better to be the one giving it.
November 13 is World Kindness Day. This day was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to “highlight good deeds in the community, focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us”.
If you’re looking for inspiration, there are so many ideas online. Just google “Acts of Kindness” to get creative and motivated to continue spreading joy. Not only does World Kindness Day encourage spreading kindness to those you interact with in your daily lives, but it also emphasizes showing yourself a little extra kindness every day. Take a few minutes today to treat yourself to a special snack, a nice bath, or spend some quality time at your favourite spot.
Scientists have proven that seeing someone else smile can put people in a better mood and prompt them to be more helpful. And a study in France revealed that a smile may even lead to safer driving! It really is surprising how big of an impact something so small and effortless can have!
It’s clear that kindness is contagious, so let’s share! We’d love you to leave a comment below to share your own story: how has someone shown you kindness recently or how have you shown kindness to someone else?
Let’s all spread a little kindness this World Kindness Day and beyond! You never know what kind of ripple effect your actions can have.
Reference:
Guéguen N, Eyssartier C, Meineri S. A pedestrian's smile and drivers' behavior: When a smile increases careful driving. J Safety Res. 2016 Feb;56:83-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jsr.2015.12.005. Epub 2015 Dec 22. PMID: 26875169.