During the late twentieth century, organizations in various countries actively promoted the value of kindness. They united in 1998 to highlight kind acts in communities worldwide and created World Kindness Day. We are reminded every November 13th of this event. After reading this blog, you’ll understand why and how we can be doing kind acts every day.
Kindness has positive power. It’s the common thread that binds humanity. It bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender, and location. Over time, more countries have joined in promoting World Kindness Day. It’s now truly a global event encouraging people to show kindness. By emphasizing the value of compassion and generosity it encourages action, making the world a better place for all.
THE BEAUTY OF KINDNESS IS…
- Humans are naturally inclined to offer help to others. When we see, do, or are the receiver of kindness, it can be motivation to pass it along.
- Kindness builds trust. Building trust in relationships helps all of us. When we feel connected, we are more willing to cooperate.
- It can affect all participants positively. Both the person shown a kindness, and the person doing the kind act. Acts of kindness improve everyone’s mood.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTION
It doesn’t matter if you volunteer your help for a distant disaster or for a local cause. It’s not the size but the act itself and making it a lifestyle. Kind acts can also be personal: empathic listening, giving a hug or returning a smile.
DAILY OPPORTUNITIES
Every day we can practice small acts of kindness with the people that surround us. We can start by making the time to listen. Give positive feedback when asked. And show respect to all people.
WANT TO LIVE LONGER?
Studies of people who volunteer and carry out kind acts have better health. Research shows here’s 44% less chance of dying early if you are kind. It’s known that kindness releases the hormones oxytocin and serotonin.
- Benefits of oxytocin include lowering stress and anxiety. It builds trust and nurtures social connections.
- Benefits of serotonin include better sleep, improving blood flow, regulating emotional well-being, and improving memory and learning.
Is it any wonder kind people age slower than the average population? Sign me up!
THROW KINDNESS AROUND LIKE CONFETTI
Tightening the connections between people has such positive health and trust building benefits. Let your inner circle of friends and family know how much you care about them but don’t stop there.
Words can create pictures that touch our heart and open our eyes. That’s how I got into stamping originally. I’ve scattered quotes throughout that I either remembered or discovered while researching. Find the ones that touch your heart and make this a better world.
ready, set, go!
Engage in acts of kindness. If you need ideas go to https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ A wonderful site I discovered. They give practical suggestions for home, work and school. They offer quotes, printables and lots more.
Thank you for reading to the end. Be aware, show you care. Throw kindness around like confetti, help yourself and make the world a better place for others too.
Paper Crafted Bliss 