Be Kind. Pass it on!

November 13th, this Friday, is World Kindness Day. The timing of this day is truly posed to make a HUGE impact. With many people feeling the weight of today’s world, a simple act of kindness has the potential to change the trajectory of so many paths.

Each and every one of us has the power within ourselves to be kind. Yes, even in this crazy time. This week, of all weeks, I am challenging myself, my family, and you to participate in World Kindness Day. You don’t have to wait until Friday. Start Kindness Week today!

1. Complete a simple act of kindness. An action that you can send out into the world knowing you are making the world, your world a better place.
2. Add your location in a comment below. Let’s see just how far and impactful this challenge is becoming. I will be updating and adding each location to the map.
3. Pass it on! Share this challenge with as many people as possible. It is time for a positive global movement. On social media use hashtags #worldkindnessday #makekindnessthenorm

How do you define kindness? It’s a word we all know, but how would you describe what kindness means to you? When brainstorming my interpretation of kindness in order to write this post I went to the best source, my kiddos. “Claire, what is kindness? ” Without skipping a beat she responded, “To kindness and love, the things we need most. You don’t know that?” Quoting a line from her favorite Grinch movie, she nailed it! I pressed a little further, “How would you describe being kind?” Claire replied, “Kindness is being helpful without being asked.” The simplicity in which kids see and explain concepts can’t be beaten.

Looking for resources to talk to your kiddos about kindness? The Random Acts of Kindness website is full of book suggestions, games, acts of kindness ideas, and even lesson plans. The book Beautiful Hands, is one of our absolute faves!

What is World Kindness Day? According to Inspire Kindness, the purpose of World Kindness day is “to promote the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world…to help everyone understand that kindness is what binds us all together: Learn more about World Kindness Day here.

How can I participate in World Kindness Day? There are so many ideas!! I know you will think of an act of kindness right for you and your family. Some ideas we are throwing around for the week are buying coffee for the person behind us at our favorite coffee hut, mowing our neighbor’s yard, or buying a dog bone for a woman we see walk her dog by our house multiple times a day. When I think about the kindest things people have done for me they aren’t always big grandiose gestures.

For example, just a few simple words from a stranger several months ago turned around my dreary outlook. While sitting in the waiting room with baby Leah for what felt like our millionth doctor appointment a woman came over my direction, not closer than 6 feet :). She said, “Honey, you are so brave. This must be such a hard time to have a baby and you look so calm and you are doing great! ” You guys, I just lost it. She had no idea how hard my struggle had been over the last months. She was just compelled seeing me holding a newborn in a waiting room full of masked people, to reach out to me. My goodness, it was kindness at its finest.

Levi and I did a pay it forward event for our anniversary a few months ago. Check out those details here, it was beyond rewarding.

I 100% believe that we can live in a world where people are genuinely kind. A world in which we connect and support our fellow humans in kindness. That is the world I want to live in. Inspire others by sharing what you have done for World Kindness Day. How did you start a kindness ripple in your community? Don’t forget to add your location in your comment so we can add your impact on the map!