13th November is World Kindness Day and if there is ever a time we needed more kindness it is now! This week for my sparks of joy post I’m putting the focus on showing Kindness not just to others but more importantly to ourselves.
How we can show kindness to others and ourselves on World Kindness Day & every day
For me, showing kindness should be part of our DNA and shown daily, however, with the turmoil of the world at the moment, having a day to put the spotlight on Kindness isn’t a bad thing. We gain so much joy by acts of kindness and it really isn’t that hard to do. Most people I know are kind but sometimes life takes over and we get too busy to stop and show kindness, even for a moment.
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
Showing kindness by giving your time
Last Saturday morning I joined 40 ladies to pack bags for the @SharetheDignity #itsinthebag 2024 drive. It was such an uplifting way to start my day working with others to make a difference in women’s lives. Share the Dignity Founder, Rochelle Courtenay, her team and all the wonderful Sheros who volunteer do a fantastic job helping to make Christmas brighter for vulnerable women and girls.
We packed over 700 bags with sanitary items & toiletries in just under two hours which means we made a difference to over 700 women with many more bags to come. Some ladies were packing, others were writing a note of encouragement to be added to the bag.
The #itsinthebag drive starts November 15 to December 1, so pack a bag with items which are listed on the Share the Dignity website and drop it off to your local Bunnings store.
Find all the details here: https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/
Time poor but want to help? No problem. You can sponsor a bag on line.
On Saturday we added to Share the Dignity’s goal of reaching it’s one millionith bag this year.
3 Simple Ways to Show Random Acts of Kindness
- Offer a Genuine Compliment
Brighten someone’s day by acknowledging something you admire about them. Whether it’s a friend, or even a stranger, a sincere compliment can boost their confidence and bring a smile. - Lend a Helping Hand
Look for opportunities to help without being asked. Small gestures of help remind us all that kindness exists. - Leave a Note of Encouragement
Write a quick, uplifting note and leave it somewhere for someone to find. Words of encouragement can stay with someone for days to come. - Let someone know you are thinking of them
Sometimes it is just a quick text, call or message which can show someone you value and care for them. I know myself, as someone who is always checking in with others, how nice it is for someone to sometimes just enquire how I’m going.
Acts of kindness, no matter how small, create ripples that spread warmth and positivity. And the best part? Kindness lifts the giver’s spirit just as much as the receiver’s!
Showing Ourselves Kindness: A Simple Guide
In a world that often demands so much of us, it’s essential to treat ourselves with the same kindness we so freely offer others. Showing kindness to ourselves doesn’t require grand gestures; it can start with simple daily choices that nurture our well-being.
- Pause and Breathe – Take a few moments each day to slow down, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. This simple pause can bring peace to your mind and body.
- Practice Gentle Self-Talk – Notice your inner dialogue. Replace criticism with compassion. Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend.
- Let Go of Perfection – Embrace the beauty of imperfections. Acknowledge your efforts, knowing that “good enough” is often more than enough.
- Set Boundaries – Give yourself permission to say “no” without guilt. Protecting your time and energy is a form of kindness.
- Celebrate Small Wins – Recognize and appreciate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Each one is a step on your journey.
Showing ourselves kindness is a practice that can transform our relationship with ourselves. Small acts of self-compassion can lead to big shifts, helping us to live with more joy, peace, and fulfillment.
5 Kindness Quotes to inspire Kindness and Compassion in yourself
How will you show yourself and others some kindness and compassion today?
34 Comments
Hi Sue, thanks for the reminder about World Kindness Day. Your post is the epitome of kindness, how to be kind to others and ourselves. You are an inspiration with your ongoing support and encouragement to others. Thank you for being you. I’m about to make a donation to Share the Dignity. #TeamWWWhimsy
As always I appreciate your generous words of support, Deb. We certainly do have a special friendship. xx
I love that you’re doing this. I packed my bags to deliver friday. It’s such an uplifiting exercise. Great cause. #WWWhimsy (Sorry again fro not commenting last week)
Thanks so much, Lydia and no worries about not commenting. Life gets hectic. x
Hi, Sue – Thank you for the reminder of World Kindness Day. I believe that Kindness and Gratitude go hand-in-hand. So I’m sending a heartfelt thank you to you for all of the kindness that you show to others each and every day. You are a true inspiration.
I totally agree, Donna and I’m experiencing how lucky I am working with Share the Dignity and hearing stories of vulnerable women who have nothing. x
That’s such a great cause – and, as you say, makes an immediate and immeasurable difference to women. You can’t put a price on dignity.
I love working with Share the Dignity, Jo and I’m horrified at some of the stories we hear from these vulnerable women. We take so much for granted so it is a realy ‘eye-opener’ x
Thank you, Sue, for sharing all of this…tips and quotes. My daughter works for our local school system. We have an alternative high school for students who can’t attend the regular one for one reason or another. Some are teen moms (there’s a day care center there, too). She sent me a list of things the students there need. I am spearheading a drive at my church to gather most, if not all, of the items on the list. We also have a Blessing Box in the church parking lot which is next door to the school. I often buy Pop Tarts (not the most healthy, but they’re teens) and put them in the Blessing Box. We’re told the students utilize that box often in the morning.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I’m sure the teens love all that you do for them, Marsha and good for you taking the lead at your church to provide for the students. x
I did see that it was World Kindness Day and thought it came at the perfect time, after the US elections and all that’s going on in the world. Now that I’m out of the workplace, I agree with you, that most people are kind. I think we sometimes get caught up and forget to consider others. I try not to do it, and I know you’re the same. I have a small back packed, ready to take to Bunnings next week.
I agree about the US elections, Jen. Many people will really need some kindness in their lives after the results. Thanks for supporting the It’s In the Bag drive, Jen and making a difference in a vulnerable woman’s life. xx
Hi Sue what a wonderful reminder that random acts of kindness can make the all the difference.
It certainly doesn’t take much to make someone’s day, Barbara, does it? xx
An inspirational post, Sue
Thanks, Toni! x
Beautiful sharing of words, deeds and ideas here Sue. I am so glad we have connected over the years as your kindness shines. I am looking forward to dropping my 2 bags to Bunnings tomorrow.
Denyse #TeamWWWhimsy
You are a star, Denyse and I know that your kind donation will certainly make a difference in the lives of vulnerable women. I’m so happy we connected too! xx
Dropped off my bags today (and spent over $100 at Bunnings so it def is a win/win for them!!Ha!) #TrafficJamReboot
You are a star, Lydia and thanks so much for letting me know. Who can resist going to Bunnings and not spend any money! LOL 🙂 It is one of my favourite stores. x
This is a beautiful post, Sue, filled with light and love! Choosing kindness is something we can do each and every day and I often feel that it comes back to you in multiple ways! I loved all the kindness quotes, too! I’m sure I’ll refer to them often! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Laura and I agree what we give out certainly comes back. x
Popping in again Sue, to say hello from #weekendcoffeeshare I love these quotes, but this one from Oprah particularly resonates with me.
Oh great thanks, Jen I will look for your post. I think the Oprah quote is really one that we need to learn by heart. Have a lovely weekend.x
Hi Sue, Your volunteer work is a wonderful example of act of kindness. Thank you for the reminder of World Kindness Day and your weekend coffee share.
I love this work, Natalie and knowing that I’m helping vulnerable women and girls. x
I am so glad you do this important volunteer work for women and girls in need. I loved your tips for showing kindness to others and yourself too. I can be moody and pessimistic, but I always try to show kindness and gratitude.
I’m loving volunteering with Share the Dignity, Astrid. It is so rewarding and fulfilling. Have a beautiful week. x
I was so sorry when I realized that I had somehow missed world kindness day. I was my usual friendly self when out and about but would have gone the extra mile if I had known and maybe sent a text or called a few people. I must put it on my calendar for next year.
Your caring nature shines thru in your post. I am so glad that we have connected. I’ve been catching up on podcasts again now that I am sewing and always enjoy the interviews. Bernie
I’m sure you show kindness every day, Bernie. It is nice to acknowledge a special kindness day though. I’m back into interviews for the podcast so new episodes coming in January xx
I do try. Today, we stopped to help a young driver out of the ditch! Glad to hear podcasts are going well. The time difference in some of those interviews must be hard.
Hi Bernie, you are a very kind soul! xx
This post is so timely. I’m American and you probably heard about the election outcome. We need kindness more than ever!
Hi Julie, the election result was certainly a surprise and I’m sure many are still trying to come to terms with the result. Take care. xx