~Bailey Shawley, M.Ed, CCTS-F, Specialized Parenting & Educational Consultant
I have to be honest. I didn’t realize that World Kindness Day is a thing. But, I’m so glad that I stumbled across it last night so that I could bring it to your attention as well. The world always could use a little more kindness, but it seems like we need kindness more now than ever before.
A local Catholic School has adopted the motto, “Do good. Be kind.” People wear shirts and place stickers on their cars bearing the logo. It’s a nice sentiment, but today of all days we need to be sure that we are practicing it and not just promoting it. It’s also a great idea to involve your family in actively observing World Kindness Day. Remember, it’s important to be kind to ourselves in addition to being kind to others.
I hope the following suggestions spark some other ways for you and your family to be kind to others and yourselves today and everyday.
- Involve your kids in doing fall clean-up outside. Rake leaves into a pile to be kind to the insects and critters who rely on them to make it through cold weather, instead of putting them into plastic bags. You’ll also be kind to yourselves by spending time outside in nature.
- Send your kids down a sidewalk in town to check the parking meters while you stand in the middle and observe. If anyone’s meter is out of time, your kids can push the button for fifteen free minutes of parking time.
- Donate clothes your kids have outgrown. Take your kids along so they are included in the activity.
- Make a monetary donation to a local non-profit.
- Pay it forward at a drive-thru window by putting money toward the order placed by the person behind you in line.
- Show your kids to hold the door for people when you are out and about in public.
- Give a stranger a compliment. Look in a mirror and give yourself a compliment, too.
- Leave a kind note in a neighbor’s mailbox.
- Leave a small snack for your delivery person.
- Ask your kids to write a list of things they like about their siblings and parents and have them share their lists at dinner.
- Text a friend that you’re thinking about them.
- Gather leaves and acorns and make a small arrangement for a neighbor. Have your kids deliver it so they can see the joy on the person’s face and share a quick hello.
- Donate used blankets and towels that are in good condition to a local animal shelter.
- Email your child’s teacher and thank them for something they’ve done for your child.
- Make a purchase from a small business and then promote them on social media by sharing a photo.
- Donate books to a little local library. Take your kids along and allow them to look for a book to take home.
- Find a wish list for a local shelter or food pantry and make a donation.
- Adopt a family or child for a local holiday gift-giving operation.
- Make cards and take them to a local personal care home.
No matter how you choose to spread kindness today, I hope that it brings you joy as well. Happy World Kindness Day, all!
If you need some guidance in being kind to yourself, practicing self-care or prioritizing wellness, avoiding self-deprecating thoughts and talk, working with a trained listener to set and work toward your personal or professional goals, or using strategies to strengthen communication, enhance connection, and improve comprehension, reach out to schedule an individual consultation. The initial consultation is free of charge to ensure we are a good fit for one another and can take place either in person or online. You also can schedule a Reiki healing session or chakra reading online. All B Connecting, LLC services are confidential and judgment free.
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