Random Act of Kindness Day is February 17
Kindness is a generosity of spirit. It comes to life when we give of ourselves and our time to help others, without expecting anything in return. When you show kindness to someone, you bring out the best in yourself.
Pay attention to the impact your behavior has on others, and notice your own feelings in association to their reactions. Think about how you feel when somebody else shows you kindness. What you give may come back to you in even greater quantity.
It is so easy to find ways to be kind to others: say something supportive when you feel someone needs to hear it; offer help without being asked for it; smile encouragingly; swallow your criticisms; listen without judgement; let mistakes slide instead of assigning blame; make small sacrifices for the benefit of somebody in greater need.
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself as well. You may run out of steam and feel less able to show kindness to others if you don’t replenish your own mind, body and spirit on a regular basis.
Being kind to yourself means getting your needs met; being gentle with yourself instead of critical when you feel you’re not performing at your best; and forgiving yourself when the need arises instead of beating yourself up.
When you get into the habit of treating yourself with kindness, it becomes much easier to extend that consideration and behavior to others.