DO ONE THING
February is a good time to reflect on kindness. The official definition of the word “kind” is to be of a friendly, generous, or warm hearted nature. It is to show sympathy or understanding and to be charitable. As our thoughts turn to Valentine’s Day and those we love, we seem to come up with very creative and special ways to show kindness during this month to let our loved ones know how much we love and care about them. We send and make cards; buy flowers and candy; indulge in a special dinner. Wouldn’t it be nice if we were this focused on being friendly, generous and understanding all the time? Wouldn’t it be nice if we extended kindness every day?id you know that there is a World Kindness Movement? In 1996, The United States of America, along with six other countries met in Tokyo, Japan for the first World Kindness Movement conference. Together they signed a World Kindness Declaration which acknowledged “the fundamental importance of simple human kindness as a basic condition of a satisfying and meaningful life”. These countries, which have now grown to include seventeen countries, pledged to join together to build a kinder and more compassionate world. November 13 has been designated as “World Kindness Day”.
What if we choose this month, the month of Valentine wishes, to join in the World Kindness Movement and make every day “World Kindness Day”. What if we decide to do one thing every day to extend kindness to others as well as to ourselves? Several surveys involving thousands of volunteers have revealed that participating in regular, small acts of kindness is beneficial to your health, longevity and well being. Making the decision to be a little kinder will bring more pleasure and direction to your life than ever before. We live in a time of rapid change and uncertainty which creates stress. The practice of being kinder is a simple way to make your life more joyful and fulfilling - we have never heard anyone say there is too much joy in their lives! Relax, enjoy, be friendly, laugh, be playful, help others. Focus on the things you enjoy, rather than the things that annoy. This month make a decision to do one thing every day to show kindness to others (and yourself, too!). Here are some ideas to do one thing for others:
? Smile and acknowledge everyone you meet
? Clean someone’s car or home as a surprise
? Tell someone you love and appreciate them
? Donate Blood
? Offer your seat to someone
? Say “thank you”
And don’t forget to do one thing for yourself:
? Spend time doing your favorite activity
? Forgive yourself
? Send a love note to yourself
? Take a nap on a Sunday afternoon
? Focus on the moment
? Go for a walk in the middle of the day
These are just a few. Get creative – make a list now so that you are always prepared to do one thing for yourself and others every day. Keep a calendar handy too so that you can write down and keep up with all the kindnesses you extended as well as the kindnesses you received. Make this Valentine’s Day even more special by making it the day you do one thing and join the World Kindness Movement!
(Do you have a story or an example of a kindness that you received or a kindness you extended to someone that you would like to share? If so, send your story to Sbblifecoaching@bellsouth.net along with your permission to share it in an upcoming “Bright Spots”.)