You're one of a kind...

Today, we find ourselves in Be Kind to Humankind Week (bk2hk). Isn't it a wonderful thing? After all, everyday acts of kindness can grease the wheels of human progress and positive growth. It also softens the inevitable falls and challenges we all face from time to time.

It tickles me when I see small acts of kindness in and around the shop. Anytime I walk down the street or drive and experience a courtesy, it does brighten my day. What are the kindnesses around you that lift your spirit?

Be Kind to Humankind week was created in August 1988 by Lorraine Jara of Toms River, New Jersey. Click here to learn about a true story that inspired her to make a difference.  

The week of Sunday, August 25th through Saturday, August 31st is meant to be a time to honour all manner of things we can do to be kind and help others. The organizers have even helpfully laid out suggestions for each day of the week, as noted below.

SacrIfice Our Wants for Others' Needs Sunday

Take some time on this day to make your desires second and put the needs of someone else first. Some things to consider include hosting friends or family for dinner or cooking for someone who isn't able to go out and bringing it to them. If you know someone living in a nursing home, pay them a visit. If you have elderly relatives, friends or neighbours, take them on a fun outing. Offer to babysit. If you have a partner, offer to do what they'd like rather than what you want. Get creative and jot down a few ideas.

Motorist Consideration Monday

Haven't we all experienced a dip in our day by an unkind motorist? There's a lot of low hanging fruit in terms of opportunities to improve on our driving habits as a society. Perhaps the most important ways to be kind in this regard is to put safety first. This means avoiding texting while driving and walking. Pull off to the side for emergency vehicles. Keep watch for cyclists and pedestrians. Stay present, calm - do not take your anger out on the road. Use your turn signal to safely and effectively communicate with others. Avoid speeding, tailgating, bullying people and blocking side streets. Be kind and exercise patience - allow another car to come in front of you in a line.

Touch a Heart Tuesday

Kindness is a choice. Given the number of decisions we make in a day, there are amply opportunities to choose the kinder way. Do you ever get a little idea to do something nice for someone, out of the blue? Follow-through on that little voice that animations often portray as an angel on our shoulder.  

A few small examples: write someone a heartfelt letter or greeting card. Leave a short note in your loved one's lunch bag or satchel. Surprise someone with flowers or a small gift. Compliment a stranger on the street. Rather than offer unsolicited advice, listen. Call someone you haven't spoken to in a while.

Willing to Lend a Hand Wednesday

How can we lighten another's load? Sometimes we can do this physically by offering to help carry something when we see a person overburdened with heavy bags or boxes. We may know someone who could use help on a task that we are skilled in - e.g. cooking, gardening, math, or repairing an item. In Niagara, we see a lot of tourists. Sometimes there's a couple snapping photos of eachother alone. Offer to take a photo of them together. Clean up after yourself. Offer to help a coworker. Volunteer your time to a charitable organization or worthwhile cause.

Thoughtful Thursday

Kindness is something we can all feel. It doesn't need to be grand to be noticed and appreciated. Even everyday, small gestures can initiate a cascade of positive feelings and actions for others. Something as simple as smiling at someone you pass by on the street is an act of kindness. Hold the door open for people. Use words like please, thank you, excuse me, and you're welcome. Consider the feelings of those around you and behave accordingly. Offer your seat to another person on the bus. When you're shopping, allow a person with fewer items to go in front of you in line. Buy a beverage for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop.

Forgive Your Foe Friday

The ability to forgive ourself and others can have a bigger impact on the world than we realize. It's a challenge we'll all face at some point in our lives - more likely, several times. Forgiveness is not about forgetting, condoning or even re-establishing a relationship with whomever hurt us. It's about releasing the anger and resentment we're holding onto and being able to wish the other party well. This can be a long process, so take a step forward in this direction today. Capture your experience and feelings in a journal and reflect on what you've learned. Find books or other resources on forgiveness. Contact a therapist. Is there someone with whom you'd like to reconcile or reconnect? Take the first step. Note: tolerating abusive treatment of yourself or others is not kind. Never allow abuse toward you to continue and avoid the offender at all costs. You're worth it.

Speak Kind Words Saturday

Words can make or break relationships. Be mindful and kind with your words. Avoid gossiping - others have the right to tell their own story. Avoid using a judging tone and foul language.  

Are there words you've longed to hear? Write them down for yourself. Are there others whom you think may benefit from a compliment or two? Express yourself to them in person, over the phone, or send them a surprise note in the post.

We hope this issue has inspired you to perform at least one act of kindness this week. Tell us - what is your favourite way to demonstrate kindness to others? What is the kindest thing someone has done for you, or that you've witnessed?

We wish you a week filled with an abundance of kind acts all around you!