Today, November 13th, is World Kindness Day. It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. The day is about emphasising the importance of being kind to each other, yourself, and to the world. This is particularly pertinent in the current climate. Many have experienced increased stress and more people are being diagnosed with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety since the beginning of the pandemic. Therefore, it is so essential that we show acts of kindness to others every day, no matter how big or small. It is also important to be kind to ourselves and regularly take time out of our busy schedules to engage in some self-care. That may involve doing some exercise, relaxing through meditation, or doing something creative that you enjoy. It may even mean just unwinding at the end of the day with a glass of tea or wine and your favourite show or book. Whatever works for you!
We are so lucky to be part of a community at See No Bounds that engages in acts of kindness on a daily basis. All of our members are absolutely lovely people that do extraordinary things for the community. Three examples of such selfless people are Sara Butler, Robyn Harris and Natasha Baker, although the list could go on and on!
Sara Butler from Cook Stars always incorporates acts of kindness into her work. For example, she works with charities such as Bright lights charity, QB Charity and Calon Cymru. Sara also teaches cooking sessions to vulnerable communities, such as young people in the care system and cooks for homeless charities. In addition to this, she recently ran a cooking event in which children baked brownies and Halloween cupcakes to raise money for charity called The Fed Line Project. Money was donated for the ingredients by two businesses, meaning that Cook Stars were able to raise £300! This money was used to create recipe cards to customers that use food banks, so they can make healthy and tasty meals using the products that they receive.
Robyn Harris from Equenergy: W·I·L·D Wellbeing has also engaged in her fair share of acts of kindness. Since the beginning of the pandemic, she has been working with FAST – Frontline Assistance for Stress and Trauma. They help those working in emergency services and Covid-19 frontline, by providing them with emotional support and career enhancement.
Additionally, Natasha Baker from Kidslingo participates in an act of kindness once a week for See No Bounds by voluntarily providing a Monday 6 o’clock story time.
So how can you take part in World Kindness Day? Well, it’s simple really! Just do something nice for someone (or yourself). Your act of kindness can be as big or as small as you’d like – just make it a goal to make at least one person smile today.
If you would like to find a range of resources such as ideas for random acts of kindness, visit the Kindness UK website at www.kindnessuk.com
Have a lovely (and kind) day!