Kindness and Gratitude, Not Just for the Holidays

 

Kindness and Gratitude, Not Just for the Holidays

Written by Jennifer Korneski, Somerset County 4-H & Healthy Living Coordinator

For many Americans, November is a time of gratitude as we celebrate Thanksgiving and enter the holiday season. It is a time that greatly effects our social and emotional health when we spend time with family and friends, reflect on the past year, count our blessings, and enjoy delicious food around the table. However, not everyone has family close by to celebrate with, is physically able to leave their home due to medical conditions or has the financial means to provide for extras or even basic needs for themselves or their family. It is wonderful when we hear of Thanksgiving Community food drives or toy collections around the holidays, but these good deeds of generosity are needed all year long. The same goes for kindness to others. We never know what someone is going through and how a simple kind word or gesture can matter to others.

World Kindness Day, observed annually on November 13, was launched in 1998 as part of the World Kindness Movement. Seven founding countries, including the United States, came together to create an international non-governmental global network to help build a kinder, more compassionate world. Today, there are over 27 counties participating in this movement. Word Kindness Day is a great reminder that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference. When we give from the heart, it not only brightens someone’s day but lifts our mood and spirit. When we take time to actively listen with an open mind, our compassion and empathy grows for a better understanding of other people’s views. The more we practice acts of kindness and gratitude in our daily lives, our character gets stronger and inspires others to make a difference.

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give!”

Here are just a few examples of how you can celebrate World Kindness Day and participate in this movement all year-long:

  • Volunteer your time to watch a young family member

  • Write a handwritten thank you note

  • Make homemade cookies for someone just because

  • Rake leaves or pull weeds of an elderly neighbor

  • Send a get-well card to someone who is sick

  • Call a relative or friend just to say hello

  • Donate time at local food pantry or organize a collection at your school

  • Hold the door open for the person walking in behind you

  • Smile at the cashier

  • Pick up trash and recyclables at your local park

  • Paint rocks with inspirational messages and leave around your neighborhood

  • Pay it forward at the coffee shop

  • Give someone a genuine compliment

  • Invite someone eating alone at school to sit with you

  • Donate old towels or blankets to an animal shelter

  • Ask a senior citizen or veteran to share a story about their past, we can learn a lot by listening

  • Read an inspirational book then give it to a friend to read

  • Participate in a 5K walk/run for a cause

  • Write a positive review online for a local business

  • Leave an encouraging note where a stranger will unexpectedly find it

In 4-H, our foundation is based on four H’s which stands for head, heart, hand and health. The kindness we extend toward others is a direct reflection of our mind, body and spirit. I am proud to be a part of an organization who exemplifies these values with a giving spirit to our community. For more information on how to become involved in Somerset County 4-H, or your local state 4-H, visit www.4histops.org.

SOURCES

 
Somerset County 4-H