It's the little things

When anyone tries to explain what kindness is, the littlest things always seem to be the ones that come to mind. The little kindnesses are in the supporting The following is my guide to kindness and inclusivity in 2022.

#1: Kindness Starts with You

You know how on an airplane, during the safety talk, they tell you that in the case of an emergency, you need to put your oxygen mask on first? Well, same goes for being kind. You can't help others or be kind to others, if you don't start by being kind to yourself. Kindness starts with you.

#2: Gratitude Journalling

Gratitude Journalling is a good way to reset your mind - it puts you in the frame of mind to look for things to be grateful for around you. You can journal at the end of the day and pick out the things that you found made you grateful throughout the day, or you can start in the morning and find gratitude for things in the day to come. This is a good way to have you looking for things to be grateful for throughout the day.

#3: Read From a Wider Range of Authors

Inclusivity starts with understanding other groups and cultures outside of our own. One of the ways that we can build understanding is to broaden the contact we have with people of diverse backgrounds. Books are always a fantastic way to do this, and there are a number of amazing books by culturally diverse authors that have been translated into english that can help. You could read some fantasy novels because individuals from other cultures around the world often bring unique ideas to the world of fantasy books with their writing. Or you could read some biographies to give yourself a better understanding of individuals outside your current awareness.

#4: Volunteer

Again, broadening your contact with other groups and cultures helps you to be more inclusive. It also forces you to be kind to others and to practice effective communication with people outside your normal circle. You might want to volunteer at hospitals, shelters, or other organisations. Volunteering for a suicide call centre (depending on whether you can train in that area where you live) may also be beneficial. Volunteering with animal shelters may be a way to show kindness to yourself too.

#5: Help those Closest to You

Reach out to those around you, whether it be friends, family members, acquaintances, or your partner, and ask them how you can help them out. Lend a helpful hand where possible.

#6: Offer a Pay-It-Forward System

Whenever you help someone, there is the possibility that in thanking you, they offer help in return. If you're feeling like you don't need any help or support in return, a pay-it-forward system may be right up your alley. When you help someone, instead of receiving the help back yourself, you ask the person to pay-it-forward and help someone else. You can explain this system to them also, so that they might ask the next person to pay-it-forward themselves.

This is not an original idea. There is a movie called "Pay It Forward" (2000), although there is a Trigger Warning if you want to watch it. There are some very sad scenes, but the overall message of the film is lovely.

#7: Record Your Acts of Kindness

We've come full circle. Recording your acts of kindness is one way that you can look after yourself and help yourself feel good while helping others. Whether it is just in a written journal, or with photos as well, this can be a fantastic way to look back on good memories.

All the best to you, with kindness and acceptance in the new year! Happy 2022!