Be Kind to Humankind Week (BK2HK) is an annual celebration of kindness that is recognized globally from August 25th-31st each and every year. It is basically “a week of reflection and kind thoughts of others to make this world a better place. Of course we suggest practicing kindness daily, but this is the week you can take.”– Lorraine Jara

 

We are midway through the week but it’s not too late to celebrate Be Kind To Humankind Week and encourage kindness among people. 

 

Ways to celebrate #BeKindToHumankind:

 

•Willing-To-Lend-A-Hand Wednesday – Offer a helping hand. Offer to watch a neighbor’s house while they are on vacation, spend a few hours with a busy mom’s children so she can have a break, help a friend reorganize that closet. The latter is something I remember a friend doing for me thirty years ago. I was overwhelmed but without the sentimental attachment, she was able to help me effectively discard and clean the crammed walk-in. 

 

•Thoughtful Thursday – Treat each other well. Offer your seat to someone who looks like they may need to sit down, help someone load groceries into their car, visit someone in a nursing home, send a bouquet of flowers to someone needing cheer. Sometimes the tiniest thoughtful gesture that seems inconsequential to you can have the most profound effect on someone’s life. One time a simple eleven word comment on my personal page from a kind pastor not only restored my hope, it led to a new friendship and the beginning of a speaking career. Words are free and effortless; use yours to uplift. 

 

•Forgive-Your-Foe Friday – Come together or pray for reconciliation. Reach out if possible, let go of grudges of not. Apologize sincerely if you’ve wronged someone. Accept sincere apologies if they’ve wronged you.

 

•Speak-Nice-Words Saturday – Say something nice. Compliment someone’s outfit, their hair. Point out good behavior in children. Praise someone’s efforts. Hold your tongue when tempted to be harsh. Learn the masterful art of the pause. Speak life. 

 

Jara was inspired to create Be Kind To Humankind Week (BK2HK) in 1988 after two men from her New Jersey hometown were involved in a boating accident. The two men clung to life while other boaters passed them by, unwilling to get involved. One of the men died, spurring the week in his memory. A simple act of kindness could’ve saved this young man’s life and Jara hoped that by creating a week to encourage citizens to be kind to humankind, it would spread throughout the rest of the year.

 

Spread the word about Be Kind To Humankind Week by organizing events for your community. Share your own experiences with kindness.

 

Use #BeKindToHumankind or #BK2HK in social media.

 

Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana who believes kindness is one of the highest forms of currency available. She can be reached at j