As the dreary days of November become longer and colder, everyone needs a little pick me up. World Kindness Day falls at a perfect time, November 13th. In the midst of anti-bullying week, we take a day to focus on being kind to others. Kind acts no matter how small have been proven to bring joy into our lives. More joy than the person offering the compliment could ever know.

Common misconceptions make us believe that acts of kindness need to be grand gestures however this is not the case. Something as simple as opening a door or complementing someone’s outfit can go a long way. For example, this morning a member of the Jacket Journal brought his friend a coffee. Although this act is seemingly small, the feeling of being cared for can greatly improve someone’s day.

Ways to be Kind
– Compliment someone
– Leave a generous tip at a restaurant
– Pay it forward when getting your morning coffee
– Stay back and hold a door for someone
– Volunteer at a local assisted living home
– Write a handwritten card of gratitude
– Do an extra chore at home without being asked
– Write positive messages on sticky notes and leave them for people to find
– Call and reconnect with an old friend
– Talk to someone new
– Thank service industry workers
– Smile at someone
– Practice self-care

This November, we should all focus on being kind to one another. Although acts of kindness mean a lot all year round, as it gets colder kindness becomes more important. We never know what others are going through and a simple act may be the pick-me-up they need to get through the day. This season, challenge yourself to do one random act of kindness daily. You’ll be brightening other’s lives but you may also feel happier yourself.