As novelist Henry James tells us, “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.”
World Kindness Day in November also reminded us (in case we need it) to take a breath, and be kind to each other, to ourselves, and to the world. But with the stress of Christmas approaching, we think it’s a good idea to bring a bit more kindness to life in general.
Finding ways to share kindness
Turns out there are heaps of opportunities to add a dash of kindness to someone’s day that aren’t extravagant or expensive.
With those we know
Demonstrating kindness face-to-face might be more challenging for a while, but most of the ideas below won’t break social distancing rules.
• Send flowers to a friend, just because
• Ask an elderly neighbour if they need any help with chores, errands or shopping
• Help a friend pack (or unpack) for a house move
• Send a handwritten thank-you note or handmade card
• Offer to babysit or dog-sit for a friend
• Tell friends and whānau (family) how much you appreciate them
• Check in on someone who’s doing it tough
• Support a friend who wants to reach a life goal (like getting more active)
• Bake cupcakes (and give them all away)
And those we don’t
Kindness is like a boomerang. Throw it out into the world and somehow it always comes back. Here are a few kindness ideas to try a little further from home.
• Give blood (or plasma, which is basically liquid gold). In New Zealand, call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325).
• Take an extra umbrella with you, to give to a stranger on a rainy day, or donate a reusable bag to a forgetful supermarket shopper
• Buy a meal for, or give a coat to, someone who’s sleeping rough
• Leave your favourite novel at a street library
• Volunteer for a foodbank, the SPCA, or tree planting
Of course, while reflecting on World Kindness Day is a great idea, the kindness well doesn’t run dry when we draw from it every other day of the year. Here’s to being kind this festive season - especially to ourselves.
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Published 3 December 2021