The month of February is National Random Acts of Kindness Month. August is National Civility Month, and November 13 is World Kindness Day. However, in these weeks leading up to the General Election, it seems that there is so much contention in our country. October is such a beautiful month in Oneida County. Let’s make it our Kindness Month. See if you can reach out to one person a day during the month of October and render an act of kindness, whether it’s an encouraging word or just a smile. It doesn’t take a lot to brighten someone’s day.

I really like this quote by Eric Hoffer, “Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” 

I have noticed that members of our community are very loving and come together when friends or neighbors are going through a difficult trial. That is when there is an obvious need. Maybe we can take it a step further and show kindness when there isn’t an obvious need. Another quote, by Wendy Mass, “The Candymakers”: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” 

Here are some ideas garnered from various sources of easy ways to show kindness:

  • Share a snack – a good one for students!

  • Pick up litter

  • Give others the benefit of the doubt

  • Thank a teacher

  • Read with a child

  • Compliment with reckless abandon!

  • Acknowledge someone who deserves praise

  • Support locally owned businesses

  • Open doors for others

  • Text or send someone a positive message

  • Share a favorite song or poem with someone

  • Give an unexpected gift

  • Encourage a friend

  • Refrain from gossip

  • Visit someone who is sick or who is a shut-in

  • Post something positive on social media

  • Smile!

Enjoy a month of showing kindness! And don’t forget to be kind to yourself!