November 13th was World Kindness Day, but why do we only have one designated day to participate in acts of kindness?
To some people, volunteering is a chore or a way to look better on a resume. For others, it is something they regularly do either because they're passionate about an issue or they just like to help out. When you volunteer you usually donate at least a couple hours or more of your time. There are service-based programs that can take you on week-long trips to volunteer. Whether it's for two hours or two weeks, you end up donating a decent chunk of time to service.
I've personally had great experiences with volunteering. Throughout college I've gotten to work at the Columbus Marathon and a food pantry, create blankets for hospital patients, participate in Ohio State's annual dance marathon, help with a local Saturday morning program for kids, and go on a service trip to Oklahoma. I have loved being able to give my time to others for these causes.
While I have been fortunate enough to participate in these service experiences, some people just do not have the time. And that's okay. You don't have to go on some grandiose trip just to help someone out. Sometimes it's really is the little things that can make someone's day.
Hold a door open, wish someone good luck on a test, stop for a conversation with a friend if you're just walking by. It doesn't take a big gesture to be kind. I was walking with friends once and got a note that said "You are amazing" from the Boo Radley Society. It made my day a little bit brighter.
So why do we only have one World Kindness Day? I'll admit it's a great time to provide service opportunities but that doesn't mean we have to limit the smaller acts to one day. With everything going on in the world we could all use a little more kindness going around.