November is a great month for new beginnings. Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and Christmas is almost here. Before we know it, a new year has begun. But as we count the days to our favorite season, let’s not forget what today is.

It’s November 13, 2020 – World Kindness Day.

World Kindness Day happened as an observation by The World Kindness Movement back in 1998. It’s an organization formed back in 1997 at a Tokyo conference with like-minded kindness organizations from all over the world. The mission of the movement and the day itself is to build a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations to be kinder.

No, we shouldn’t only be kind during this day. This day is simply a reminder that kindness can make someone feel special, make their day, or even have a big impact on their life!

Kindness can manifest in different forms. But the first one that you should never forget is to be kind to yourself. Accept that you make mistakes, believe in your own potential, and trust yourself that you’re doing okay! Being kind to yourself includes days of simply taking care of yourself. Taking the time to lie low and relax. Let go of all your stress and worries.

Another act of kindness is to simply live life with gratitude in your heart. If you are thankful for everything, even the smallest things then you are already kind to the Universe.

Other acts of kindness:

• Plant a tree
• Give someone a compliment
• Call your love ones and tell them you love them
• Smile at strangers
• Offer assistance to someone who needs it

But what’s that one act of kindness that keeps on giving?

Pay It Forward

This notion is all about giving kindness to someone else as a response to someone who has been kind to you. Let’s say, you are out to get coffee and someone in the line says:

“Please go ahead. I don’t want to take too long, making you wait as I think about my order.”

You gratefully accept his offer and do your thing. Order your drink and all. Now, as you walk out of the coffee shop, you bump into someone because you were both reaching for the door. What do you do? You decide to open the door for this person and let them go first – this act of kindness goes a long way.

The stranger you just opened the door for, then starts to be kind to someone else and it just keeps going and keeps giving. Pay it forward is now happening. It started with you and it will never end because kindness is contagious. If everyone knows kindness, then the world will become a better and brighter place.

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand acts; it doesn’t even need to take a lot of your time. You can help your husband or wife with chores, help strangers with their groceries, or even help in making the environment clean – by watering plants, not throwing garbage anywhere, or picking garbage whenever you see one. Kindness not only makes both parties happy and feel good, it also reduces stress and anxiety.

Kindness is the best thing we can offer to people who need us. Because we rise not by lifting ourselves but by lifting others.

So what’s your random act of kindness for today? No matter what it is, I’m sure it will make someone’s day because kindness costs nothing, but it can mean everything.

Affirm