02.17.2023 |
From February 14th to February 20th, join us in celebrating Random Acts of Kindness! There are so many ways to get involved, and we can promise you that you will feel better after doing so. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation explains that you can change negative energy in less than a minute by trying out this kindness exercise. All you will need to do is write down your name, a friend's name, and a stranger's name (this can be one you make up, or simply just write ‘stranger’). Then for the rest of the week, you can focus on sharing kindness to those on the list. This could be treating yourself to something you love, taking out your neighbor's trash, and complimenting someone you don’t know.
How Can Showing Kindness Help Me?
According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, scientific study shows that expressing kindness can improve health and life satisfaction, improve energy and optimism, and your sense of belonging and connection to the world. It can also help decrease anxiety, depression, and blood pressure.
Volunteer
A great way to show kindness to a stranger would be by volunteering at a shelter! Some great local shelters to check out include the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicago Methodist Senior Services, and PAWS Chicago. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, also known as CCH, has organizers that offer outreach at shelters, housing programs, and on the street where they help serve families, youth, and adults in the city. Through this outreach, this organization can create access and economic opportunities for those living in extreme poverty.
We challenge our Chicago community to get involved with expressing kindness in one shape or another. Whether you decide to donate a book to a local library, give someone the benefit of the doubt, support a local business, or even smile at someone who looks like they could need it, we know the outcome will be well worth it. 🖤
