This Sunday, November 13th is World Kindness Day and Macaroni KID Skagit-Stanwood-Arlington has gathered 50 ways to express kindness! The international holiday was first introduced by the World Kindness Movement in 1998 “to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.”
This year's theme is “Be Kind Whenever Possible” and according to the Dalai Lama, "It's always possible". There isn't an official color for National Kindness Day. In past years some have worn yellow because it symbolizes happiness and gratitude. Others have worn cardigans in honor of Fred Rogers.
But we all know that kindness goes beyond a single act or day; it's a lifestyle and mindset that allows us to foster true connections. I'm sure that we would all agree that everyone could use a bit more kindness.
Start by Watching this short video to learn about the scientifically proven benefits of being kind. Then look over the list of 50 acts of kindness and pick a few that you would like to do in the near future.
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1. Donate your services for free.
2. Leave a positive review for a local business.
3. Write your child's teacher a thank you note.
4. Donate items to your local food bank.
5. Compliment a stranger.
6. Be like Mr. Rogers and look for the helpers (and become a helper).
7. Donate your hair.
8. Offer to return someone's cart for them.
9. Send an encouraging text to a friend.
10. Donate blood.
11. Be sure to say "I love you" or give someone an extra hug.
12. Participate in Meatless Monday to reduce your carbon footprint and impact on animals.
13. Mow your neighbor's lawn or rake their leaves.
14. Learn CPR.
15. Go out of your way to post good news on social media.
16. Keep an extra coat in your vehicle to give to someone in need.
17. Learn about holidays that you aren't familiar with.
18. Register as an organ donor.
19. Volunteer with a small local nonprofit.
20. Give someone the gift card that you won't get around to using.
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21. Call an old friend out of the blue.
22. Help the kids make special cards for loved ones.
23. Support local farmers by shopping at your local farmers market, CSA, or farm.
24. Volunteer at your child's school.
25. Cook an extra portion or meal and offer it to a friend or neighbor.
26. Forgive someone.
27. Donate an old cell phone, computer, or other electronic to a nonprofit that could use it.
28. Shop with small local businesses.
29. Pick up litter in a local park (or your neighborhood).
30. Write a thank you note to someone who has inspired you.
31. Simply say "Hi" and smile when you meet people.
32. Help people feel included by asking if they have food allergies (before bringing treats).
33. Send an anonymous encouraging postcard.
34. Write thank you cards to first responders.
35. Pay for someone's coffee.
36. Donate school supplies to a local school.
37. Drop Christmas cards off at a nursing home.
38. Give someone a surprise thoughtful gift.
39. Bring cat/dog food to the shelter.
40. Leave a coloring book and crayons in a waiting room.
41. Help promote a friend's business.
42. Tell your parents that you appreciate them.
43. Volunteer to read to the elderly.
44. Compliment a coworker or supervisor.
45. Attend local events to support your city.
46. Stop a negative conversation by changing the subject.
47. Donate toys to children in need.
48. Visit the animal shelter to play with the animals (consider adopting one).
49. Help an overwhelmed friend with errands.
50. Invite a friend to coffee.
Remember that kindness is contagious and one random act can begin a chain reaction of events! Macaroni KID Skagit-Stanwood-Arlington would love to hear about your random acts of kindness! Email us at mackidskagit@macaronikid.com
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