World Kindness Week
World Kindness Week
One little act can go a long way; make it more than a week, make it a habit!
There probably isn’t a soul reading this who would not disagree that social media is both a blessing and a curse. Much as we love the convenience and the speed at which we can communicate with SM, there are times we suffer from overload from all the bad news we are exposed to daily. Thankfully, many of us use it is a respite from the chaos and divisiveness of everyday life when we click over to stories about cuddly babies, funny animals and good people doing wonderful and kind things on this planet. Nothing can be more welcome than celebrating a week dedicated to kindness. Timing couldn’t be more perfect!
Scrolling through my emails today, October 30th, I find at Nice News that today is National UpLift Someone Day (upliftsomeoneday.com). The link is filled with ideas and stories about how people can truly uplift others by the simplest of gestures of kindness. So you see, you don’t need to wait for International Kindness Week, which starts November 11th. You can start today and get in training for that special Kindness Week by going out of your way to do kind things, good works, and generous acts now. Even the tiniest act of kindness will affect a life, so never pass up on an opportunity to show kindness by helping someone in need.
Kindness Week aims to create a society where everyone can live a dignified life. Dignity. Ahh, there’s the rub. Some things to consider doing can be quite simple, like donating books, food, toys, housewares, or clothing to local community agency and churches. But often those in greatest need don’t have the transportation to get to those places, or are, quite honestly, embarrassed to ask for help. Perhaps these are the folks who wake up to find bags of food, diapers, and formula for babies or even a bouquet of flowers or freshly baked muffins on their doorstep. We have a dear friend who feeds us lavishly at her dining table and sends home homemade soups, meals, wine, or gifts. This is kindness to the next degree, seeking no reward. I have another who cannot stop by, even for a moment without some form of Watson’s in her hand. Or another bringing flowers, food, and books to keep me sane while I rehab. Denn, Rae, Judy, Anna, and John, you’re the best!
You know, as the sands of time flow downward in the hourglass, it is these small but meaningful gestures that will stay with me. So, you see, if you give it some thought you will find many ways to spread kindness.
I often wonder if kindness is innate or learned. You know, the old, nature or nurture? An article in January 2013 (Tucker) Smithsonian Magazine shares this with us, “Children can tell, to an extent, what is good and bad, and often act in an altruistic fashion.” - ‘Giving Leads to Happiness in Young Children', a study of under-2-year-olds concluded. ‘Babies Know What’s Fair’ was the upshot of another study, of 19 to 21-month-olds. Toddlers, the new literature suggests, are particularly equitable. “They are natural helpers, aiding distressed others at a cost to themselves, growing concerned if someone shreds another person’s artwork and divvying up earnings after a shared task, whether the spoils take the form of detested rye bread or precious Gummy Bears.” Furthermore, “Kindness is most often taught from parents to children and is learned through observation and some direct teaching. Studies have shown that through programs and interventions, kindness can be taught and encouraged during the first 20 years of life. Twenty years, readers. It’s never too late!
Even animals practice kindness, empathy, and compassion. At livescience.com you can find a story about elephants which have some of the most elaborate group rituals of any animals. They mourn their dead by burying them in leaves and grasses; they keep vigil over the remains for a week and visit their gravesites for years to come. Even lab rats have empathy for each other, refusing to pull shock levers if it will harm their cage-mates. And who hasn’t read stories about dolphins rescuing swimmers when sharks are present.
So, the sole purpose of this week is to focus on the positivity that surrounds us every day. It’s a week to learn, teach, and share our kindness with others. Here are some easy-peasy ways to participate in this very important week (or perhaps create a habit for your very important lifetime): Give compliments, do a random (or secret) act of kindness, donate to help America’s flood victims - they are still locally accepting donations to help hurricane victims, send cards and handwritten notes in the mail, send a note of appreciation to a family member, coworker or leave a note and a tip for coffee for your faithful trash collectors or delivery persons, offer to do an errand (walk a dog, do a store run, and before we know it, shovel sidewalks) or cook a meal or bake a desert for a friend, neighbor or especially someone you know who is shut in, treat a young family with limited financial means to pizza and wings. Always, always, be prepared to dispense hugs when required (ask first). Who remembers Reverend Mary Martin who lived among us in the 80’s? She was, by far, the best hugger, and it didn’t cost her a dime!
This is the also the perfect time to contribute locally. The Great Valley and Ellicottville Food Pantries can always use donations, and with the holidays coming up, be on the lookout for Secret Santas, Project Christmas etc. Community Action could always use help with blankets, warm clothes and jackets. ERA Team VP Real Estate typically has a donation box for Toys for Tots - just one little gift could make a family’s holiday. Helping out our Alley Katz by making sure to pick up around town and keep our sidewalks and surrounding areas clean would definitely be appreciated. And showing a happy face in our local shops, cafes and restaurants never goes unnoticed. There are so many opportunities, so many little gestures that can go a long way in helping keep our community kind.
Finally, what’s great about performing acts of kindness is the payback! Studies show you have a 44% less chance of dying young if you are kind; kindness stimulates the production of serotonin; kindness is contagious so witnessing it improves our mood, making us more likely to pay it forward; kindness even has anti-aging effects by reducing inflammation. Perpetually kind people have 23% less stress hormone and age slower than the average population. Try it, you might like it!