Giving Grace, Showing Compassion, And Spreading Kindness On World Kindness Day And Beyond

Key Takeaways

World Kindness Day is globally observed each year on November 13th. This celebration was first launched in 1998, an initiative of The World Kindness Movement whose mission is “to see a kinder world realized in our lifetime.” 

The holiday season can be filled with stresses, leading to impatience and unkindness, but World Kindness Day reminds us to take a breath, consider others, connect, and show kindness. 

Key Takeaways

• Nations around the world celebrate this day by encouraging random acts of kindness. 
  
• Some nations emphasize practicing kindness and promoting human connection on this day and all throughout the year. 
  
• Schools commonly participate in celebrations on this day to emphasize the importance of kindness beginning at a young age. 
  
• You can participate by donating to charities, organizing events, performing individual random acts of kindness, giving compliments, smiling, sending cards, and so much more.
  

This time of year, is often associated with peace, calm, and coziness. 

Cooling fall temps, warm hues, hot drinks (coffee, anyone?), holiday vibes, gathering with friends and family…sounds relaxing, right? 

The thing is, while these scenes and commonalities are true, this is also typically the most stressful time of the year. 

Some folks even dread the holidays due to the overwhelming emotions and sheer stress of it all. 

Forget troubling world events, polarizing politics, and any tenseness we may feel on a global scale, even our immediate, local, everyday lives can be ripe with angst and tension this time of year. 

More to-dos, more places to go, not a lot of time to do it all, work deadlines, stress mounts…wait…this isn’t even necessarily solely true of the holiday season anymore, is it? 

The truth of the matter is, so many of us can relate to days, weeks, or seasons of stress and tension in our lives. 

And, we can also relate to the need for a little more grace, compassion, and kindness within these days, weeks, and seasons. 

It makes me sad to say this, but I often witness a lot of impatience, rudeness, and a general lack of kindness both online and when I’m out in public - from customers who belittle or berate grocery cashiers, to rude or insensitive comments spread online, even my own short-tempered impatience towards my family members when stresses pile up at home. 

Do we mean to lash out? 

Do we actually realize we’re acting in unkind ways? 

Personally, I believe most of us don’t even realize the tenor of our tone or the shortness of our fuse, especially amidst the stresses of the holiday season. 

Thankfully, the remedy here is quite simple! 

No, there’s no pill to take, no routine to shuffle, and no fee to pay for the cure to this commonality. 

Instead, we need only to act in kindness!

We all know this to be true, but we often need to be reminded that kindness is curing! 

And, when we all come together, seeking to be kind to one another, we all benefit! 
Enter, World Kindness Day…

What Is World Kindness Day?

In September of 1997, a conference was held in Tokyo, Japan, an event that sought to bring together like-minded kindness-focused organizations from all around the world. 

And here, the World Kindness Movement was established. 

“The mission of the World Kindness Movement (WKM) is to inspire individuals and connect nations to create a kinder world. The World Kindness Movement encourages and supports individuals, communities, cities, and nations to establish independent kindness organizations to join the World Kindness Movement to see a kinder world realized in our lifetime.” 

Pause…I feel like the above mission statement is worth a second read-through. So, I’m asking you to please re-read the above quote before moving on.

Now that is a theme worthy of our focus each and every day, especially as we navigate the holiday season!

Whether this time of year and its typical celebrations are something you embrace or not, as the calendar year comes to an end, it’s not uncommon (throughout the world) for this season to be ripe with burdens and stresses.

So, it’s no mistake this Movement chose November 13th as the day to globally observe and celebrate World Kindness Day. 

November 13th, 1998, was the first annual observance of World Kindness Day, and since that time more and more folks from around the world are coming together to make the WKM’s mission a reality. 

To celebrate this day each year, folks are encouraged to commit to performing random acts of kindness, with some regions challenging individuals to specifically commit to performing three such acts. 

Of course, each nation or region honors this observance in a variety of ways. 

So, let’s spend a bit of time being inspired by these observances, looking at how World Kindness Day is celebrated across the globe…

Celebrating Kindness Around The World

We’re all unique, and that’s one thing that makes humanity so incredible. 

Yet, at the same time, we also love to be inspired by, seeking to mimic, how other people ‘do things.’ 

Just consider Pinterest, the entire premise of this space is for folks to share their own unique ideas and preferences so other unique individuals can be inspired to incorporate some of these practices, procedures, and prints into their own homes, wardrobes, kitchens, and lives. 

I used this example because when such an analogy is widely applied, we see that learning from others also bridges gaps, allowing us to realize that we all have something wonderful to offer to this world, and we can all benefit from what others bring to the table. 

So, I’d like us to keep this in mind as we travel around the world, looking at how other nations and cities celebrate World Kindness Day…

South Africa

I want to begin with South Africa’s World Kindness Day celebrations and focus because, personally, I find their emphasis to be incredibly powerful. 

Here, “World Kindness Day is a chance to embrace the spirit of ubuntu, an African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” It focuses on human connectedness and the importance of community.” 

“I am because we are.” 

Think about that for a moment. 

What a powerful truth and need for our world! 

There are an increasing number of people who feel alone in today’s world, isolated either through locale, role, or even belief/conviction. 

But, the truth is we were never meant to walk through this life in isolation. 

So many years ago, John Donne had it entirely correct - “no man is an island.” 

As this African philosophy rightly declares, we need to remember that we are who we are because of the love, care, and kindness of others. 

It’s a scientific fact - we need others; we need connection. And kindness is largely the key to this connection! 

So, in South Africa, on World Kindness Day: 

• Schools encourage students to perform random acts of kindness
  
• Children often create “kindness cards” to share with others
  
• Schools and others seek to donate to charities 

This emphasis on school aged children shows us the importance of starting these traditions and mindsets at a young age, empowering the next generations to live their lives with community in mind, stressing the need for patience, compassion, generosity, and kindness all throughout life.

United States

As an American company, most of our customers and readers are Americans, therefore you likely know that social media has become a stage for showcasing days like this. 

So, on World Kindness Day, Americans commonly take to these platforms to bring awareness to the need for kindness in our country and the world as a whole. 

Aside from online observances which prompt giving and inform others of city or state celebrations, etc., schools across the US typically participate in kindness challenges where students and adults are encouraged to do good deeds, donate to charities, or volunteer their time serving others. 

Inclusivity and friendship are commonly highlighted on this day as school-aged children are taught the value of kindness. 

One special note of inspiration - Americans can and should take note of one US town, Salisbury, Maryland, as this city has been our nation’s first “World Kindness USA City.” 
It is said that “kindness is everywhere" in Salisbury, and their celebrations include various community events which showcase the arts, community gardens, as well as an annual “Dance for Kindness,” and more. 

This town has even inspired other cities in Maryland to join, with some now incorporating events like Westminster’s “Kindness Stroll” and Silver Spring’s fundraisers through GoFundMe.

Australia

In Australia, World Kindness Day is celebrated through school and community events, those which incorporate acts that benefit entire communities by cleaning up public spaces, planting trees, and more. 

Showing kindness to the elderly is also prioritized on this day as folks visit senior care facilities. 

And, the talents/individuality of others are highlighted and appreciated through art contests centered on a theme of kindness. 

Each event and endeavor here highlights a common need for connection and community, something which kindness inherently facilitates.

United Kingdom

Kindness day in the UK seeks to “promote kindness in all its forms.”

This day is often celebrated in schools and communities with random acts, and each year brings new and exciting things to the celebration. 

One year 10,000 free chocolate bars were handed out at London Train Stations. 

Kindness UK also encouraged a “Text Wave” that swept across the entire nation. 

Schools are especially encouraged to take part in this day, and this reinforces, again, the common understanding that teaching the importance of kindness to children at a young age (and through adulthood) is monumentally important.

Japan

I’d like to close out our country-observance section by highlighting the country of Japan. 

It may seem ironic to find that while Japan hosted the original conference to form the World Kindness Movement, they actually have no listed country-wide celebration of World Kindness Day…that is until you realize this island nation seeks to embody the tenants of this movement and holiday each and every day! 

In Japan, “kindness is linked to courtesy and respect, and [this] is woven into everyday gestures of politeness.” 

My daughter is a college student, working part time at a restaurant a few evenings a week. 

She routinely comes home from her work shifts feeling sad, even defeated, as she regularly details the behaviors or speech of customers, those who explode over a simple request to repeat something she couldn’t hear. 

As her mother, this breaks my heart for her. As an individual, this breaks my heart for our world. 

Everyday gestures of politeness may seem insignificant, but if we only gave this a brief moment of thought, we would know how paramount this quality truly is. 

Japan has it right - infusing kindness into our everyday lives and interactions is the goal, not only on World Kindness Day, but each and every day. 

So, before we close things out, let’s take a look at some ways we can do just that, on World Kindness Day and beyond.

Kindness In Action

How can you participate in World Kindness Day? 

Simple…

• Call or text a friend to see how they’re doing, to share a compliment, or plan a time when you can share a cup of coffee. 
• Help your neighbor by lending a hand with yardwork, household chores (especially for the elderly), etc. 
• Bring a meal to your neighbor, friend, or co-worker. 
• Share a long hug (long hugs are proven health-boosters, you know) with your friend, partner, or child. 
• Make a donation to a charity you are passionate about. 
• Volunteer at a local shelter, food pantry, or community center. 
• Visit an elderly care facility. 
• If you have school-aged children, seek to implement World Kindness Day celebrations and events, or volunteer your time to serve if such events are already in place. 
• Prepare “kindness kits” to pass out throughout your neighborhood (include baked goods, fruit, notes of kindness, small items to bring cheer). 
• Send a card to a friend or loved one. 
• Pay for someone’s coffee while at a local cafe. 
• Be kind to those you encounter, sharing a smile, a wave, or a compliment to neighbors, strangers, public servants, etc. 
• Tip your server a little extra on World Kindness Day. 
• Prepare a self-care evening for a friend. 
• Leave a positive review for a business you enjoy supporting. 
• Hold the door open for someone. 
• Bring a bouquet of flowers to a co-worker. 
• Organize a cleanup in your neighborhood or town. 
• Remember to be kind to yourself as well!
  

A Cup Of Kindness In Closing…

Here in the US, competition is a fairly familiar concept. 

And, while I’m not saying that we should make kindness a true competition, I am saying this - if kindness was something we all strived for, even something we sought to be our “best” at, then can you imagine how much better this world would/could be? 
If we walked through this life with a bit more empathy, compassion, and kindness, considering others throughout each and every day, the positive implications of such a mindset and lifestyle are potentially immeasurable! 

So this World Kindness Day, and every day, I challenge you to take a deep breath through your stresses, consider others, and show kindness - to yourself, to your circle of family and friends, to your neighbors and co-workers, and to all those you encounter along your journey in this life! 

From our Lifeboost family to you…I truly hope you have an amazing day on this World Kindness Day and every day!

FAQ

1- How does kindness affect the brain/body? 

Kindness (given and received) triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters responsible for reducing cortisol (stress hormone) and making you feel good or happy. 

Such a response not only improves your mood, but it also improves your overall health by: 

• strengthening your immune system
  
• slowing down the aging process
  
• boosting heart health
  
• increasing compassion and connectivity (improving social health) 
  
• reducing overall feelings of fear and anxiety

2- My city/town doesn’t have any known World Kindness Day celebrations, what can I do to change that? 

First, you can begin by intentionally performing random acts of kindness as an individual.

But, you can also reach out to community organizations or groups to initiate the planning of events on this day to not only bring awareness to this mission, but also collectively spread kindness throughout your town. 

Contacting your city’s Chamber of Commerce is also a good way to get involved, seeing what organizations may be able to help in such endeavors. Working with your town’s Chamber of Commerce can potentially provide resources, but it also gives credibility to any event you may seek to plan. 

You could even come together with neighbors in your subdivision (for instance) to host a World Kindness Day event solely for those living on your street…then see how this event grows over time. 

In other words, start small with a spark, then see how the fires of kindness spread! 

3- Can kindness really change the world? 

I could cite studies here, and maybe some readers would appreciate such data (because research indeed supports the notion that cultures, groups, workplaces, etc. all positively respond to a greater showing of compassion, courtesy, and kindness), but let’s skip the science here and be real…

How do you feel when someone is kind to you? 

How do you feel when you show kindness to others? 

The digital world now says folks want more proof, more data, more FAQ answers.

So, for the sake of algorithms, we’re happy to oblige, but on this one friends - I know you know the answer. 

Close your eyes, think of one thing you can say or do today to show kindness to your neighbor, spouse, child(ren), co-worker, etc…

Or, close your eyes and think of a time when someone did or said something kind to you…

Now, tell me the mere thought of this didn’t (even if only slightly) improve your mood.

If the very thought of kindness can change your mood, imagine how acting in kindness on a regular basis could change the world!

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast.

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https://www.twinkl.com/blog/world-kindness-day-a-look-at-what-kindness-is-around-the-world#

https://kindnessuk.com/world_kindness_day_kindness_day_uk.php

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/kindness-day/

https://kindsby.org/

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-art-of-kindness#

References for the article to confirm data and information.