Monday 11 February 2019

Beat the winter blues: Jump in on a kind act on February 17th for #RAKDay


We all know that performing an act of kindness makes an impact on both the giver and receiver. It’s actually a lovely selfishness to take the time to be kind because you feel good after you do it! According to Emory University, when you are kind to someone else, your brain’s pleasure and reward centres light up…it’s often called a Helper’s High.

The success of school curricula and workplace cultures devoted to kindness bodes well for all involved, including the outcome of more giving exchanges. This year the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation will focus on a day of kindness on February 17th by asking people to share their stories of kindness done for them: It’s a beautiful way to acknowledge the power of this character trait. The theme is: #kindnessstartswithone

You see, along with mindfulness, taking time to simply be kind, without any expectation in return, can actually help society and the people in it. We need it even more in this fast-paced, harried, disconnected culture. In fact, the way we live today often moves us away from more intimate, generous exchanges with our neighbours, family or even friends that people used to have in a less multi-tasking, digitally obsessed planet. Yes, the advances of online media are numerous, but the obvious downside is more isolation, and less warm human connection.

It’s interesting to note the success of the recent documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbour?” focusing on Mister Rogers and his emphasis on the power of kindness and love. He welcomed differences and always reminded us to see the light in another person not just those we knew best.  As he shared in a speech to Middlebury College: I believe that appreciation is a holy thing, that when we look for what’s best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does; so in appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something truly sacred.”

So, whether you join in for this international day or decide to ensure kindness plays a part of your life often, the choice is always your own and it’s nice to know it makes a difference to you as well as those you take the time for. And, may this worldwide day of kindness remind all of us that it begins with us.


For school curriculum ideas: 

Steffi Black, a former Global T.V. media personality, is a Life/Career Coach and Spread the Kindness Advocate. She presents and creates workplace plans on Why Kindness Matters at Your Workplace, and is a featured author in Amazon best-seller Ready, Aim, Thrive:  www.steffiblackcoaching.com

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