World Kindness Day

“You should expect to be treated the same way you care for others — what you give is what you receive.”

Kindness is a fundamental part of the human condition which binds us.  Being kind towards others says I recognize that I am no more important than you are; kindnesses say that I value you; and show respect.

An act of kindness, having tolerance and using good manners helps bridge the boundaries of race, religion, politics, gender and cultures.

World Kindness Day is a day set aside to focus on the positive power kindness and to recognize acts of kindness in your community and ask that an act of kindness be done.

World Kindness Day is 13 November and is observed in many countries, including Canada, Japan, Australia, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Italy, India, Singapore and the U.K. and in the USA.  It was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement a coalition of Non-governmental organizations NGOs. (NGOs are legally constituted corporations created by natural or legal people that operate independently from any form of government.)  

Schools across the globe are now celebrating World Kindness Day and work with local NGOs such as Life Vest Inside.

Today on World Kindness Day, let’s commit to teaching our children the power kindness by using “good manners” with everyone all the time.

Good manners are little kindnesses that show respect and are invaluable. Good manners are not old-fashioned. Using good manners will get you noticed and in a good way. Good manners can be bring wonderful friendships and partnerships. Good manners help you to focus your attention on others.

I think we need more respect in this world, and using good manners is easy and free.

Promote good manners with these time-honored rules for human inter action. These basic rules will help your child begin to build a repertoire of good manners and habits that promote kindness and will stand the test of time.

• When you ask for something, say, “Please.”
• When you receive something, say, “Thank you.”
• Don’t interrupt others who are speaking, unless it is an emergency.
• If you bump into someone say, “Excuse me.”
• Unless you are giving a compliment, never comment on another person’s physical appearance.
• Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing is a sign of weakness, yours, and not the victim’s.

Everyone knows the importance of these simple courtesies, but it seems today to have a big follow-through issue. It takes time to train the brain, and it takes consistent repetition and consistent modeling from adults to properly teach these rules to our children.

Remember the children are watching.

Quotes about Kindness

The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth.
–Albert Einstein

Today we are afraid of simple words like goodness and mercy and kindness. We don’t believe in the good old words because we don’t believe in good old values anymore. And that’s why the world is sick.
–Lin Yutang

Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else’s life forever.
–Margaret Cho

Sources and References:
Non-governmental organizations – The NGO Network
Life Vest Inside
Random Acts of Kindness.org with a suggestion list of hundreds of acts of kindness.

Important Little Words

There are many things that we can do to help strengthen our relationships.

Most involve the saying of just three words.

• “I’ll be there.”

Being there for another person is one of the greatest gifts we can give. When we are there for others, important things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship and restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is the essence of showing regard for others.

• “I miss you.”

This simple yet powerful declaration says to others that they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.

Consider how joyful you feel when you receive a card or phone call just saying “I miss You.”

• “I respect you.”

Showing respect is another way of showing love. Respect expresses the feeling that another person is a true equal. When you talk with respect you will help strengthen the bonds in all your relationships.

• “Maybe you’re right.”

When your having a heated argument with someone, they, or you, are unlikely to change their stance and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship.  Using this phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring tense emotions. Saying “maybe you’re right” is the humility of admitting, “Maybe I’m wrong” and can open the door to further explore the subject in a more rational manner.

• “Please forgive me.”

All of us have faults and peculiarities of behavior. We should never be ashamed to admit when we have been wrong, which in other words, is saying we are wiser today than yesterday. Many broken relationships can be healed and mended if people would only admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness.

• “I thank you.”

People who have the companionship of good, close friends don’t take their expressions of kindness and daily courtesies for granted. Showing gratitude by saying “Thank you” is a glorious form of courtesy.

• “Count on me.”

A good friend is steady and true when trouble comes. Loyalty is an essential element for true friendship that bonds our relationships.

• “Let me help.”

The best of friends, without being asked, pitch in and help. When they see a need they try to fill it and when they notice a hurt they do whatever they can to help heal it.

• “I understand you.”

Letting others know in many little ways that you understand them is a powerful tool to any relationship. People become closer and enjoy each other more when they feel another person accepts and understands them.

• “I love you.”

Your family, friends and you all need to hear those three little words “I Love You”. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies our deepest emotional needs; the need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be wanted.

These three-word phrases have the power to create, deepen and heal friendships and can enrich every relationship in our lives. Speak them!

A Reason, a Season or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty; to provide you with guidance and support; to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it. It is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you are a reason, a season or a lifetime. — Unknown

I received this posts message via a forwarded email a few years ago. I hope this inspiring message about the people that come into our lives will enlighten your day.

Related articles

• A Season, Reason, or Lifetime….. (cinsrandomness.wordpress.com)

Friends are Treasures

Friends are like Balloons

Friends are like balloons;

once you let them go,

you might not get them back.

Sometimes we get so busy

with our own lives and problems

that we may not even notice

we let them fly away.

Sometimes we are so caught up in

who’s right and who’s wrong

that we forget

what’s right and what’s wrong.

Sometimes we just don’t realize

what real friendship means

until it’s too late.

I don’t want to let that happen so

I’m tying you to my heart so I never lose you!