World Kindness Day is celebrated every year on 13 November. It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations' kindness NGOs. World Kindness Day was initiated to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness for good which binds us. Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which bridges the divides of race, religion, politics, gender and location.
World Kindness Day is celebrated to highlight the potential benefits and positive effects of how we interact with each other. Acts of kindness can affect our feelings about ourselves and how other people relate to us. Kindness improves our quality of life in the workplace as well as in the community. It reduces stress and improves working relationships. Kindness is also essential in our relationships with animals and interaction with nature.
With resources carefully put together by the school counsellors, the Vienna International School teachers have designed lessons focused on the topic, and have encouraged students to perform random acts of kindness to celebrate the meaning of the day.
It is easy to celebrate kindness one day a year, however the real message is how we incorporate care and gratitude for others into our daily lives all year long? Here is a short list of possible acts of kindness that one can perform every day::
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Smile at somebody.
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Be kind at home with your family.
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Give an honest compliment.
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Thank someone who you appreciate.
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Be a good listener.
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Offer your help to someone.
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Ask the person who's serving you how their day is going.
You are all encouraged to pass on kindness by practicing one or more of the tips above, or even think of new ones. Stay kind!