World Kindness Week — celebrated this year from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19 — encourages all people to engage in acts of kindness and promote the importance of compassion, empathy and goodwill.

Kindness has a positive impact on individuals and communities and is contagious! That’s a philosophy we instill at our Flatrock care homes and with our residents and staff members.

Some ideas for acts of kindness for this week (or any week) include:

·      Donating money, clothing, food, or time to a charity can make a big difference to those in need.

·      Picking up litter or planting trees shows kindness to the planet and our communities.

·      Taking the time to listen to those who need to talk is comforting and kind.

·      Offering to help with chores or tasks can be a big help to family, friends and neighbors.

·      Forgiving someone who has wronged you is not only an act of kindness to the transgressor but also to yourself.

·      Taking the time to thank others is a kind gesture that can encourage positive acts.

·      Spreading positivity through compliments, and sharing inspirational quotes, stories or messages can create an affirming atmosphere.

The concept of World Kindness Week is to remind people that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact and foster a more compassionate and understanding society, and we practice this mindset every day at Flatrock.