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Julie Naughton, Office of Communications, (402) 471-1695 (office); (402) 405-7202 (cell);
julie.naughton@nebraska.gov
Lincoln – We learned it as preschoolers: be nice.
World Kindness Day, which is Saturday, Nov. 13, takes the idea global.
On World Kindness Day, groups and individual people are encouraged to go out of their way to be kind to others, whether that be at home, work, school, or just out in public. Perform at least one intentional act of kindness on that day to benefit someone else. No matter what you decide to do, your act of kindness will unite you with others dedicated to changing the world. Every kind act, even the smallest one, creates a ripple effect.
This day is also meant to celebrate and encourage the good deeds that others already do. On World Kindness day, be sure to let others around you know how much you appreciate their kindness and generosity. Sometimes saying, “thank you," is one of the kindest things you can do.
Ideas and Simple Ways to be Kind, courtesy of the World Kindness Movement:
- Being kind doesn't need to look or be extravagant. Sometimes the simplest things make the most significant difference.
- Look for opportunities while you go through your day to infuse kindness into someone's day.
- Smile when you walk by others
- Write positive messages on post-it notes and leave them for people to find
- Call a relative you haven't spoken to in a while
- Tidy up around your house
- Pick up trash you see on the ground outside and throw it in a garbage can
- Hold the door open for someone
- Chat with a stranger and ask them about their day
- Pay for a stranger's coffee or meal
- Compliment someone
- Send a positive or encouraging text to five people in your contacts
- Surprise someone with flowers
- Tell a family member or friend you love them
- Write a note on the receipt at a restaurant for your server
- Offer to help with someone's errands
- Give a surprise gift to someone you care about
- Send a kind card or note to a friend
- Surprise co-workers with home-baked treats
- Plant a tree
- Spend less time on your phone and more time with people you care about
- Offer a classmate help with homework
- Talk to someone new
- Practice gratitude
- Volunteer
While World Kindness Day happens every Nov. 13th, remember that being kind is equally important on every other day of the year. Also, don't forget to be kind to yourself. Don't judge yourself without mercy. We all deserve to be treated kindly, and that includes the harsh perfectionist in your head.