GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — While we shouldn't have to declare an official day to be kind to one another, today (Wednesday, Nov. 13) is celebrated across the globe as World Kindness Day.
Awareness Days describes World Kindness Day as an annual event that encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives and celebrate the human qualities of empathy, understanding and cooperation. The goal is to create "a more harmonious and caring world."
So how do you plan to celebrate? It doesn't have to be anything elaborate... rake the front yard of an elderly neighbor, cook or bake and double the batch so you have something to give away. Here are a few more ideas from Awareness Days.
- Perform small acts of kindness: Compliment a colleague, buy a cup of coffee for someone behind you in line, or donate to a charity.
- Spread Positivity: Share uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.
- Volunteer: Offer your time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.
- Teach Kindness: Educate children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.
- Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise someone with a random act of kindness, like leaving an encouraging note for a friend or contacting someone on social media and telling them how important they are to you.
KARE 11's Boyd Huppert regularly celebrates kindness and heart-tugging human acts in his popular franchise Land of 10,000 Stories. We asked him to pick out a few of his favorites (not an easy task!) and here is a short list to read, watch and use as inspiration.
- Young man with special needs played hockey alone, until 'old-timers' invited him to join their team
- Teachers surprise high school senior who's written them hundreds of thank you notes
- At 94 he built a pool for the neighborhood kids
- 5th grader builds wheelchair for his teacher's dog. And not just any 5th grader
- 12-year-old buys $11,300 in Christmas presents for kids he doesn't know
- Officer cites widow for shoplifting, then delivers food to her home
- Kindergarten class hugs way to viral video
If that doesn't satisfy your appetite for kindness, here are a few more of our favorites. Check them out, feel the love and spread it generously.