World Kindness Day: Perform a random act of kindess today and pass it on!

Let’s face it. Many people today are overworked, stressed out and downright tired. Rude service, road rage and angry gestures seem to occur far too often nowadays.

In an effort to promote kindness, empathy, peace and compassion around the world, November 13th is World Kindness Day. World Kindness Day began in the 1990s on the first day of the Japan World Kindness Movement conference, November 13th.

In a harried and rushed society, it is easy to forget to take a moment out of our busy lives to stop-and-smell the roses. A small gesture can often make a great big difference in person’s life. Whether it is a hug, sincere compliment or a small gift, the world would be a happier and less stressful place if we all remembered to be kind to one another.

World Kindness Day is also a great opportunity for educators to encourage kindness and compassion in the classroom and school. If someone is having a bad day or an elderly neighbor needs a helping hand, why not join in on the worldwide movement and perform a random act of kindness today?

Despite a bad economy, being kind doesn’t cost a thing. But the end result - priceless!

World Kindness Day Ideas:

• Bake up a big batch of cookies and take them into work.
• Pick some fresh flowers, from your yard of course, and deliver them to a lonely person in a retirement home.
• Offer to wash your neighbor’s car.
• Step outside that comfortable comfort zone and do something nice for a perfect stranger today.
• When you are waiting in line to pay for your favorite cup of Joe, surprise the stranger waiting in line behind you and pay for his or hers!
• Let someone “cut” in front of you while you are waiting in line at the checkout counter.
• If you see a grocery cart in the parking lot, push it back into the corral. Remember, a real live person has to go out and gather up all those carts.
• Don't forget our four-legged friends on World Kindness Day.  Adopt a pet or volunteer at your local animal shelter!
• Free Kindness Day Electronic Greetings – Send a free e-card to a friend or loved one from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
• Join the World Kindness Bloggers Unite Movement

   

World Kindness Day for Children and Teachers:

• World Kindness Day Activities for Children – The creative folks at Crayola have numerous crafts, coloring projects and greeting cards for youngsters. Lesson plans for teachers are also available on the site.
• Random Acts of Kindness Foundation Lessons and Activities for Educators – What a wonderful classroom activity! Kindness ideas, activities, lesson plans and calendars are all included on this website.
• Kind Acts Foundation -  Ok teachers - this website provides certificates and pins for children who have performed random acts of kindness. Free flyers and press releases are available. Let’s honor those children who are kind to others.

Happy World Kindness Day!