Happy World Kindness Day!
Whenever I think about kindness, I think of my dear friend, SuEllen Fried, who makes 90 look like the new 50. SuEllen is one of the kindest people I know. In all that she does, she serves as a role model for kindness. I have countless handwritten notes that SuEllen has sent to me over the years – some with newspaper clippings that she thought would be of interest to me, some with simple words of support and encouragement. When I see SuEllen, she always gives me a hug… and encourages that hug to be on our respective left sides so that “our hearts touch.” SuEllen even wears a neon green button everyday that reads, “Kindness is Contagious.”
Another dear friend, Dr. Michelle Robin, of Small Changes, Big Shifts, hosts an annual event, 31-Days of Kindness, which always culminates on World Kindness Day. Each day, starting in mid-October, Michelle publishes one simple idea for behaving in a kind manner. She doesn’t stop there – for each recommendation, she explains how that particular kind act benefits you and your health and suggests actions you can take to demonstrate kindness.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Smile or wave to a neighbor. By doing so, you develop a sense of belonging in the community and increase happiness.
- Give someone a compliment. This lights up the same parts of the brain that are activated when we get paid! It also boosts self-image and increases self-worth.
- Think positive thoughts about every person you interact with today. This activity teaches better coping skills during hardships, establishes gratitude as a regular practices, increases lifespan, builds resistance against the common cold, and improves heart health.
- Send or leave a note of appreciation. Notes help manage adversity, build strong relationships, give meaning to life, and encourage smiles!
- Tip more than you usually would. This inspires us to help people, boosts self-esteem, and increases longevity.
The good news: You don’t have to wait for a kindness campaign or World Kindness Day to demonstrate your own acts of kindness. Get started, right now… perhaps you can invite a friend or colleague to lunch or out for a coffee run. You could also write a LinkedIn recommendation for someone. All it takes is one small act of kindness to cause a positive ripple.
Whatever you do, be kind. Happy World Kindness Day. Happy Networking.