“I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, it will start a chain reaction of the same. You never know how far a little kindness can go.” -Rachel Joy Scott

Our world could use a little more kindness, don’t you think? Actually, we could use a lot more kindness and compassion towards our fellow man. The Japanese certainly recognized this when they started the World Kindness Movement in 1997.

World Kindness Day is observed every year on November 13. The first observance was in 1998. The United States has participated every year since the beginning. It has grown gradually with schools, nonprofits, businesses and community groups taking up the cause.

Kindness and compassion are rooted in the heart. Our hearts are developed by what we read, watch and listen to. By flooding our minds with love and understanding our hearts become filled with these. Our actions follow.

The actions of some people make it difficult to show them kindness. We can only try. Perhaps our kindness will impact the dark-hearted in a way we may never see. Kindness stays with people.

My encouragement to you is to practice kindness and compassion every day, not just on November 13. Make it part of who you are. Start a chain reaction…