Kind hearts are the gardens,
Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the flowers,
Kind deeds are the fruits.
Take care of your garden,
And keep out the weeds,
Fill it with sunshine;
Kind words and kind deeds.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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What is Kindness?
Kindness is choosing something that helps others or yourself, motivated by genuine warm feelings. Kindness, or doing good, often means putting other people’s needs before our own. It could be by giving up our seat on a bus to someone who might need it more, or offering to make a cup of tea for someone at work.

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World Kindness Day:
World Kindness Day is celebrated on the 13th of November. It is observed in many countries, including Canada, Australia, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates. Singapore observed the day for the first time in 2009. Italy and India also observed the day.

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History of World Kindness Day:
It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness movement, a coalition of nations' kindness NGOs. It was established to encourage individuals and communities to prioritise kindness and goodwill as fundamental values.

Since then, World Kindness Day has gained recognition and participation from people worldwide, making it a day to celebrate and promote positive human interactions.

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How Do We Celebrate World Kindness 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 cookies or treats.
- Plant a tree.
- Spend less time on your phone and more time with people you care about.
- Organise a workplace giving campaign.
- Offer a classmate help with homework.
- Talk to someone new.
- Practice gratitude.
- Volunteer around your community.
- Give someone a hug.
- Leave a kind review for a local business.
- Share an inspirational story or quote on social media.
- Donate clothes, books, or household items to a local charity.
- Bring coffee or snacks to your local fire or police station.
- Compliment a coworker on their hard work or a specific accomplishment.
- Send a thank-you note to a teacher or mentor who inspired you.
- Offer your seat on public transport to someone who may need it more.
- Help an elderly neighbour with yard work or groceries.
- Be patient and kind to customer service workers.

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Someone once wrote:

In the dance of kindness, a melody sweet,
Thoughtfulness shows with every heartbeat.
A gentle word, a tender embrace,
Creates a world of warmth and grace.

In each gesture, big or small,
Thoughtfulness weaves a magical thrall.
A caring touch, a mindful gaze,
Brightens up the darkest of days.

Let kindness be the guide we know,
With thoughtfulness, let compassion grow.
For in the simple acts we share,
Thoughtfulness paints the world with care.

Every single act of kindness matters, be it big or small. You never know what a person is going through, and you can brighten up a person’s day by just giving them a small smile— a smile! Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone. They can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness, and optimism. They help encourage others to repeat good deeds they’ve experienced themselves - contributing to a more positive community. Always remember, that the more you do for others, the more you do for yourself.

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Benefits of Kindness:

Helping others feels good.

Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being.  Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem. There is some evidence to suggest that when we help others, it can promote changes in the brain that are linked with happiness.

It creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.

Helping others is thought to be one of the ways that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections. For example, volunteering and helping others can help us feel a sense of belonging, make new friends, and connect with our communities

It helps to keep things in perspective.

Many people don’t realise the impact a different perspective can have on their outlook on life.  There is some evidence that being aware of our acts of kindness, as well as the things we are grateful for, can increase feelings of happiness, optimism, and satisfaction. Doing good may help you to have a more positive outlook on your circumstances.

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Being kind to yourself:

Lastly, the most important thing. Be kind to yourself! Down below are some ways you can be kind to yourself:

- Become mindful of the conversations going on in your head.
- Give yourself an encouraging word.
- Take time off.
- Commit to doing at least one thing every day that’s just for you .
- Learn how to self-soothe when you’re going through a difficult time.
- Focus on the values and qualities you admire and aspire to.
- Practise daily affirmations.
- If you struggle with self-criticism, dig deeper (therapy).
- Practice gratitude.
- Set healthy boundaries.
- Surround yourself with positivity.

Be kind to yourself today, and see how everything changes!

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To conclude, World Kindness Day serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that small, thoughtful actions can have on the world around us. Whether it's through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply a smile, kindness can brighten someone's day and create ripples of goodwill.

Speak kindly in the morning,
When you are leaving home,
And give the day a lighter heart
Into the week to roam.
Leave kind words as mementos
To be handled and caressed,
And watch the noon-time hour arrive
In gold and tinsel dressed.

Before we part, let me say one last thing: HAPPY WORLD KINDNESS DAY!

Written by Marlee Potter.
Edited by Marietta Oizys.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.