Spreading kindness

It's almost Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17, if you want to mark it in your calendar), and after a tense few years, we all can pitch in to make it better by giving back to our communities.

Martin Luther King Jr. painted the picture of a future where discrimination, segregation, and exclusivity were no more. And he showed us that in order for this future to become a reality, it would take a mindset of kindness and inclusivity. In 2022, let's help make Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision a reality by offering kindness and inclusivity wherever possible—starting today!

People are pretty excited about this day. It's not about giving gifts to each other, or even doing anything for someone else. It's about being kind to yourself and your community. And that's what I want to focus on here.

What does being kind to yourself look like? Well… it can be as easy as getting up and taking a walk outside every morning, even when you'd rather not. Sometimes it can be as hard as admitting that you're too scared to ask your crush out on a date—and then actually asking them out! But whatever it is, I think we can all agree that being kind to yourself means taking care of yourself: eating right, exercising, and spending time with friends (or by yourself!).

When it comes to your community, try brainstorming a few ideas that resonate with you or that you know would make a difference in your neighborhood. Maybe it's as simple as a friendly smile or greeting—or maybe it's something bigger like organizing a food drive for your local food bank.

Here are also some more ideas that can help you to plan your own acts of kindness for the day. These resources will include:

- How to start a conversation with someone who is different from you

- How to support your friends when they are struggling with life challenges

- How to promote diversity and inclusion in your team or club.

So, how do you start a conversation with someone who is different from you? Give yourself permission to be authentic and sincere. Be willing to risk being vulnerable and open up first. Put your hand out first; be willing to be the person who goes first. It's like jumping into a swimming pool — you have to just go for it!

Next, here's how to support your friends when they are struggling with life challenges. First, listen. I mean really listen. Part of the reason you are a good friend is because you listen to what your friends have to say. However, when things get tough and your friend needs someone to talk to, this is not the time for you to start talking about yourself or making them feel like they aren’t being heard. You need to be an active listener. Ask questions that show you are paying attention. Comment on something they said earlier or ask them why they feel a certain way about their situation or decision. Also, be available. Let them know they can call you anytime if they need to talk, and then make sure you answer when they call. Just knowing there’s someone who cares can make all the difference in the world. Lastly, encourage them to seek professional help. If they are having suicidal thoughts or other serious symptoms, encourage them to reach out for help. You might even offer to go with them to their first appointment if that would make it easier for them.

Finally, There are many ways you can promote diversity and inclusion in your community. Have a chat about why diversity and inclusion are important to you. Explain that it's not enough to have good intentions; you must also take action.

Who benefits from random acts of kindness? The giver and the receiver both benefit! Each random act makes you feel good about yourself and shows others how to be kind too. This year, on 17 February, make it your mission to pass on some happiness. I

What would MLK think about this? I know he'd be happy for us, but I think he'd want us to keep going. He'd want us to keep dreaming of a future where everyone can have their needs met without excluding others. And we have to keep fighting for that goal, no matter how many people we have on our side.

Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that one random act of kindness has the power to change lives—which is why the more kind acts we do together, the more we'll all benefit from them.