When brainstorming ways to make the world a better place, we often think about donating, volunteering, signing petitions, and taking to the streets, which are all necessary actions. Yet we must first remember to be kind to ourselves and to others. It sounds simple, but it's effective: A smile, a cup of coffee, or a "thank you" can help make someone's day better. Treating people with compassion every day, alongside political and community action, can lead to real, positive change.
Such advice may feel simple, or even cliché, but we increasingly live in a world where bigotry and cruelty constantly capture our attention — and the news cycle. Kindness is just one of many defenses against malice, and it's particularly critical to show support and kindness toward marginalized communities under attack by discriminatory rhetoric and policies.
If you're in need of some inspiration, check out how the internet showed up for World Kindness Day. The annual event was started in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement and its purpose is to "highlight good deeds in the community."
To help you celebrate World Kindness Day, here is a roundup of our favorite Twitter posts that offered tips on how to be a kinder person:
1. Combat cyberbullying and spread positivity online.
Tweet may have been deleted
2. One cup of coffee can let a friend know you care.
Tweet may have been deleted
3. Be a kind and thoughtful neighbor.
Tweet may have been deleted
4. Make someone's day and send them an encouraging text message.
Tweet may have been deleted
5. Bring love and kindness to your community.
Tweet may have been deleted
6. Be there for a friend struggling with mental health issues.
Tweet may have been deleted
7. Try smiling at the next person you see.
Tweet may have been deleted
8. Show a young person what kindness looks like.
Tweet may have been deleted
9. Seek out powerful moments of shared gratitude.
Tweet may have been deleted
10. Remember that treating people fairly is about something bigger than kindness.
Tweet may have been deleted
11. When life tests you, try to stay kind.
Tweet may have been deleted
12. Find laughter and joy in the small things -- then share that with others.
Tweet may have been deleted
13. Show kindness to animals.
Tweet may have been deleted
14. Share your gratitude for those who care for others.
Tweet may have been deleted
15. Be kind to yourself.
Tweet may have been deleted
Topics Activism Social Good
