Kindness Is A Superpower

When a person performs an act of kindness, it often inspires others to do the same. This ripple effect allows for a more compassionate and caring humans while enhancing your own feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and connection. Demonstrating kindness also aligns with the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill called Contributing. The purpose of Contributing is to distract from your distress and focus on others. February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day and here are some ways you can be kind this week (and always):

Encourage children to:

• Smile and Say Hello to their classmates and teachers.

• Share Toys with a friend or sibling.

• Help a Classmate or Sibling with Homework.

• Make a Handmade Card or bracelet for a friend, family member, or neighbor.

• Express Gratitude by saying "thank you” or writing a thank-you note.

• Lend a Hand by holding doors open or helping you carry groceries inside.

Adults can:

• Pay It Forward and cover the cost of a coffee for the person in line behind you or give up your seat to someone who may need it more when using public transportation.

• Send a Positive Email or Text to a friend, family member, or colleague. It takes less than a minute.

• Offer a Genuine Compliment to your partner or the stranger helping to check you out at the grocery store.

• Donate Unused Items to your child’s school, a local charity, or shelter.

• Offer a Listening Ear and actively listen to a friend or family member who may be going through a challenging time, providing emotional support free from distraction.

• Surprise a Neighbor by leaving a kind note or sweet treat on their doorstep.