How can you honor World Kindness Day? Created in 1998 and gaining official status as an NGO in 2019, this global observance was started by the World Kindness Movement as a way to “highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.” This year, World Kindness Day is observed on Friday, November 13. In a world and time period where even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference, consider how you can take part, whether as an individual or as part of a team of coworkers or friends. If you’re up for fostering positive murmurations, try one (or a few) of these actions to improve your environment:
Make or purchase a card, write an encouraging message inside, and send it to someone you know or haven't heard from in a while.
Call or text someone you haven’t talked to recently and check in on them. If you call someone who doesn’t pick up, leave an encouraging message.
Do an extra chore around the house for a housemate or partner without being asked.
Find a way to support an organization that upholds your values by donating your time, money, or skills.
Be kind to yourself. Modeling kindness to yourself can inspire others to act the same way toward themselves and others.
Perform an act in the community that helps someone smile (whether you can see it through someone’s mask or not).
Share an uplifting video or message on your social media platform and encourage others to act kindly whether online or in person (while exercising physical distancing).
Reshare this email/blog-post, take action yourself on one of these points (or your own), and encourage others to do the same. —Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT
Lou Lim is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.
Thank you for your interest in our Monday Mental Health Moments. Join our mailing list for a weekly newsletter on various mental health topics, and information about upcoming groups or workshops. No spam, we promise!