Today is World Kindness Day. Having just had Remembrance Day (or Veteran’s Day for our US friends), it seems very appropriate to put the two together. Remembrance Day is focused on giving our vets and Armed Forces the respect they so richly deserve for putting themselves in harm’s way. Whether you believe in the current conflicts or not, it is still a job that requires great commitment and nerve which deserves the honor of those of us who stay home safe and sound.
In conjunction with remembering war and violence and those who keep us safe, World Kindness Day is about remembering that not everyone has it as good as we do. It causes me to remember how fortunate I am to have so many great friends who would drop everything to help when I’m in need. It causes me to remember how fortunate I am to have what I do – a house, a family, food and clean water. It gives me a moment to pause and remember that even in our privileged country, not everyone has these simple things that most of us take for granted.
So today, do something for someone else. Plug an about to expire parking metre. Give to the Food Bank. Give to a shelter. Give the homeless guy your lunch. Donate to a charity. Gift someone who is down a smile and hug. You’re creative people, use your imagination. Just do SOMETHING!
And, why not do something every day. It only takes a moment to make someone else’s day brighter. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it will brighten yours as well.
You’re beautiful, spread it around!