On November 13 as part of World Kindness Day, we are encouraged to spread kindness like an infectious cold. We want to share it more than usual because studies show when others observe kindness in action they are more likely to carry out an act of kindness, too.
So, imagine if you head out for the day and your neighbor’s garbage can has tipped over. Instead of ignoring it and letting the wind make a mess, you pick it up and return it to the corner. Three other neighbors notice and give you a smile and a nod on their way to work.
One of those neighbors notices a stranded driver on the side of the road on his commute to work. He remembers your thoughtfulness and offers assistance to the stranded driver. Several passersby take notice.
At a business office, a woman struggles with a paper jam. She’s had a horrible day. The customer has been waiting, but she remembers the stranded driver she passed earlier in the day. The customer lets the office worker know to take her time. Everyone has a bad day.
We each have the potential to improve each others lives through understanding and kindness. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker or stranger, our ability to show our humanity should have no limit.
HOW TO OBSERVE
On World Kindness Day, let your compassion shine brightly. Get caught showing as much kindness as possible.
For inspiration on leading a life of kindness, Orly Wahba has written a book and her organization Life Vest Inside produced a short film called Kindness Boomerang.
HISTORY
The World Kindness Movement started World Kindness Day in 1998 and has spread to 28 countries.
- Five acts of kindness in a week will increase your happiness for up to three months. {source}
- The effects of kindness can be so great you don’t have to be directly linked to a giving chain to get in on the act. By simply witnessing generosity you may be inspired to do something generous of your own, according to new research study. {source}
- Kindness can be taught. A researcher from the University of Wisconsin says, “It’s kind of like weight training. We found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” {source}
- Helping others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease! {source}
- People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying. That’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week. {source}
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