World Kindness Day

Today is World Kindness Day, celebrated every year on this day since 1998.

This year this country needs a daily dose of kindness more than ever.

I believe all of us should practice kindness every day, not just on a single day. But this is a good reminder of the importance of kindness every day. Being kind doesn't take massive amounts of money or materials. It can be as simple as a smile or a warm 'hello'. It can mean paying for the coffee drink of the person behind us in line. I like to complement people I see walking their dogs in my neighborhood by calling our "What a beautiful dog" or "Your dog has a gorgeous coat." I have yet to meet someone walking a dog who doesn't appreciate a complement. 

Complements should be sincere and they should be specific. I once told a cashier at the grocery store where I shop that I really liked her Native American style jacket. Her response was a joking "You can't have it!"

I have three T-shirts that say "Be kind to everyone" on the front. I'm not much of a T-shirt person, but I think these shirts are a simple reminder to be kind. Sometimes "I like that color or that jacket or whatever on you' is all it takes to brighten someone's mood.

We live in a nation where political leaders are quick to hurl insults to anyone who challenges them or their statements. People are insulted as being stupid or dumb or communists. Women and members of minority groups are singled out for attack.

I believe each of us has the ability to be kind and to make kindness a part of our daily lives.