World Kindness Day is an annual international event. It is a day which seeks to “highlight good deeds in the community, focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness that binds us.” Their mission seeks to inspire people and countries all over to create a kinder world.
So, how can each of us mark the day with kindness to others, especially to those who have a stoma or are about to have stoma surgery?
If you know someone with a stoma, take the time to listen to their stoma journey and support their bravery, show them kindness and a shoulder to lean on. For those embarking on surgery again, give them time to talk about their worries and fears. Perhaps offer to do some shopping for them if they have just come out of hospital or take the time to just sit and have a cup of tea with them. Kindness is a powerful tool and in combination with positivity can really help break the stigma of having a stoma.
If you are an ostomate, surround yourself with people who care about you, such as your family and friends and your stoma care nurse. Give yourself a little “me” time to reflect on what you have been through and what you have accomplished since having your stoma. If you can’t get out, do a little shopping online to cheer yourself up or watch some vlogs, listen to podcasts about other people’s experiences of having a stoma or join a support group to speak to someone directly who has experienced a similar journey. Most of all… be kind to yourself at this time.
Can the world ever have too much kindness? Every day it’s easy to recognise people that are struggling. Whether it’s carrying shopping, helping someone at work or helping an older person cross a road, these small acts of kindness all add up to a bigger picture.
Here are a few random acts of kindness to get you started:
- A gentle smile directed at someone can speak volumes
- Tell someone you love they’re in your thoughts
- A simple text message or phone call can go a long way. Letting a loved one know that they’re in your thoughts. It doesn’t have to take a long time, but a small effort can go a long way.
- Give someone a compliment
- Hold the door open for someone when you are out and about
- Treat someone to a small gift
- A cup of coffee or a chocolate bar is the perfect example of this. It’s small and inexpensive, but outside of the ordinary. In many coffee places, you can even simple “pay one on” for a stranger that day, you might not see the joy, but you’ll know you made someone’s day that little bit brighter.
- Do some baking for friends or for a homeless shelter
- Donate a present to a child in need
- Go out of your way to do something for someone
- Send a letter
- Donate flowers to a nursing home
- Give blood
However you choose to celebrate World Kindness Day on Sunday November 13th 2022, we encourage you to find some small (or large) way to contribute! Let’s make sure there are a few extra smiles for this day of the year.
