Kindness Awareness

a kind gift of flowers from a client

Friday, November 13 is World Kindness Day. 

World Kindness Day asks us to recognize the kindness done in your community and to make kindness something to practice yourself.

Community:

·        In my own community there are local food banks, meal trains, and shelter programs.  We have several non-profits, churches, and a community center that supports these programs. These efforts work because people donate their time and resources.

·        Some national networks like St. Vincent de Paul Georgia and Feeding America are active locally.

·        There are also community clean-up days. I have participated in some of these over the years and I have noticed that not only individuals but businesses and other groups of people take time to participate as well.

·        Locally we also have mentoring and educational support. In the past I have helped with homework help for students who have arrived from other countries and have some cultural and language areas that need help. There is also a program that provides a safe place to go after school before parents get home from work.

·        During the holiday season local churches and other non-profits have even more opportunities to help others.

·        Animal welfare groups also rely on the kindness of volunteers to keep their programs working.

It is easy to find some way to show community kindness if you allow yourself to be open to the many possibilities. Find something that fits with your skillset. If you can’t help in person, you can always help by donating funds.

Personally:

I know that I have received many acts of kindness over the years and they really do make a difference. It’s amazing what having someone show up and care for you can do for your mental health and wellbeing.

There are so many ways that we can show kindness to others:

·        Check on neighbors. I’ve had neighbors just knock on my door because they haven’t seen me out and about for a while. Checking during storm outages or unsafe roads can also be kind.

·        Donate to food banks or clothing projects. You can donate actual food products or clothing (but always check first to see what they can use). You can donate your time and of course, money is always needed.  

·        Reach out to someone you know who might be lonely or hurting. A call, a visit, or some flowers can really make a difference in their day.

·        Pay personal compliments online. Take a moment and comment on a friend or colleagues’ online post. If appropriate, share it. We all like to be recognized.

·        Do something kind for yourself. Be kind to other people but don’t forget to be kind to yourself as well. Take a nap. Sit out on the deck or take a walk. Brew a hot beverage and snuggle up in a chair. Put together a plan for a future fun time.

Kindness matters. It’s important to spread kindness. Be kind to others and yourself. Spreading kindness improves our well-being, strengthens our connections with others, and has a domino effect on our entire community. Kindness is one of the most important things we can offer to others and ourselves.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.