In 1995 a small non-profit organization started the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in one of my favorite states, Denver Colorado USA. And in 2004 my favorite country to visit, New Zealand, started observing Random Acts of Kindness Day. Today countries from all over the world observe and mark the importance of this day. RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day is celebrated on the 17th Day in February.
My sister is probably one of the best teachers around. She teaches kindergarten and all the educators at her grade level and the administration know how hard it is for her to be so good at teaching because she really is the best. It’s more likely because she’s truly a kind, very giving, and generous person when it comes to her students. What she gives the most is her time and consistently goes the extra mile to make an impact in the lives of the children she trains. She routinely gets back home sometimes way after dark just like my father when he’s working on a project. People we know and come in contact with need to be told that you appreciate them and that they do a good job WHEN they do a good job.
Seriously, do we ALL need to be told this to be kind? Also, kindness isn’t reserved for one day. If you need a day to tell yourself to be kind maybe you need to be more like Olaf from Frozen – people like warm hugs too. Hmmm? It’s important to be kind to others but it’s also important to be kind to ourselves. Do you know about the Golden Rule? It’s a reciprocal thing but when you do something kind for someone else don’t take it as if you got paid back, just do it to help out.
Acting kind and being nice helps you to be healthy; it’s good for your immune system, lowers high blood pressure, and reduces stress. Plus it’s something that can be done free of cost like smiling, giving someone a compliment, or just a warm hello or friendly goodbye. It helps your emotions by raising the feel-good hormones oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Being a nice person is good for your overall well-being and it’s good practice.
Being kind to others starts with being kind to yourself. If you can’t be kind to yourself how can you be kind to others? Learn not to be hard on yourself; instead, let others praise you for what you’re praiseworthy for. Your feelings count! Do things that are enjoyable for you. Learn to decompress. Nurture yourself, value self, and don’t compare yourself to others. Take time to rest and recharge your body.
When we’re kind to others we should be conscientious of our surroundings and the people in them. Somebody may look like they need a boost because they aren’t feeling okay. We should put away our own judgment so we can truly express empathy to someone. After all, we aren’t in that person’s shoes. Demonstrate actions of kindness with people we interact. Be friendly, act with generosity, and be considerate. Remember when we act with kindness we spread joy throughout the world.
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Remember, no act of kindness is too small. Even the smallest gesture can have a positive impact on someone’s day. And most importantly, have fun spreading kindness! Here are some activities that you can do on RANDOM ACTS of KINDNESS Day!
Send a thank you and show appreciation to loved ones. Let them know that their presence is something that makes you glad they’re around. Take a moment to express gratitude towards someone who has made a positive impact on your life. Whether it’s a mentor, a colleague, or a loved one, let one of them below know how much you appreciate their kindness and support.
Treat yourself to a day of self-care and kindness. Take a long bath, indulge in your favorite book or movie, and pamper yourself with a soothing face mask or massage. Remember, being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others.
Dedicate time to a rejuvenating workout session, whether it’s a long run, a challenging yoga class, or a sweaty gym session. Prioritize your physical health and after your workout, practice proper fitness recovery techniques such as foam rolling, stretching, and joint mobility exercises. Showing kindness to your body aids muscle recovery, promotes flexibility, and enhances stability.
Use social media posts with the hashtags #RandomActsOfKindness, #KindnessCounts, #PassItOn, #PayItForward, #BeKind, #SpecialInterestHolidays, #FebruaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ RANDOM ACT of KINDNESS Day.
English businessman best known for being the grandson of John Cadbury, founder of Cadbury Chocolates who commissioned the very first script Cadbury logo modeled after his own signature. Born 1867.
WILLIAM CADBURY Quote
“The real test of character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.”
American businessman best known for being the longtime CEO of IBM. He oversaw their growth for over 40 years and is considered the “Father of IBM”. Born 1874.
THOMAS WATSON Quote
“If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing less-than-excellent work.”
English singer-songwriter of a prolific number of hit songs both for himself and other artists best known for his catchy beats and collaborations. Recently set up a record label called Gingerbread Man Records. Born 1991.
ED SHEERAN Quote
“The main thing that you have to remember on this journey is, just be nice to everyone and always smile.”
Year | Date | Day of the Week |
---|---|---|
2023 | February 17 | Friday |
2024 | February 17 | Saturday |
2025 | February 17 | Monday |
2026 | February 17 | Tuesday |
2027 | February 17 | Wednesday |
2028 | February 17 | Thursday |
Life can be so tough some of the time. We love this day because it’s a chance to step up and give a little extra of your wonderful self to someone else who can also become wonderful. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and you may just find yourself with a Golden Opportunity to exercise kindness and make amends … even if it’s random, to begin with.
We can all act with these characteristics to avert a world that sometimes seems to be growing impatient and devoid of understanding. We are individuals but we’re still all in it together on this tiny rock we call home. Right now we may not be like-minded but we need to live our lives to be the best person we can be. The Bible teaches us that in the End it’s not God’s will that any of us perish. Stumbling blocks are put in our path.
Life is faced with choices but that doesn’t negate the fact that someone is there for us, be it a friend, family member, stranger, or angel unaware. The Lord reminds us that he’s intertwined with our life. Regardless of whether you’re a person of faith, it’s important to remember the Golden Rule.
2 PETER 1:5-7
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
And with each new random act of kindness, you might even fare well on National MAKE a FRIEND Day!
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