The year 2020 has been a year of challenges, but through it all, there have been numerous ways that communities, organizations, and individuals have risen to the occasion and shown kindness to their neighbor. This week, August 25 through 31, is Be Kind to Humankind Week, an annual celebration of kindness that is recognized globally. This celebration is a time for us to reflect on what we can do in order to make the world a better place.

Making the world a better place is easy: all you have to do is start with small acts of kindness each and every day. Of course, we should practice kindness every week, but this is a great reminder, this year especially, to keep it up. Explore the unique theme of each day for Be Kind to Humankind Week, and think of ways you can be kind:

1. Motorist Consideration Monday: Start the week with something easy like letting someone merge into your lane, moving over for emergency vehicles, refraining from texting while driving, and yielding to bicyclists and pedestrians. Honk if you love Kalamazoo!
2. It’s all about love on Touch-A-Heart Tuesday. Show your love to others by mailing a note of encouragement to an old friend, being an active listener while others are speaking, giving someone a plant or flowers to brighten their day, or perhaps simply offering someone a compliment.
3. Be a helper on Willing-To-Lend-A-Hand Wednesday by volunteering for a community project, watering your neighbors flowers, offering to help a friend with grocery shopping or babysitting, or holding the door open for a stranger.
4. Thoughtful Thursday is the day to be mindful of those around you. Whether you’re at home, at work, or in public, you can be considerate by cooking your family’s favorite meal, calling a friend, letting someone jump in line in front of you, or asking a colleague about their family.
5. Love is stronger than hate, which is why Forgive Your Foe Friday is a powerful way to alleviate anger and grudges you may hold. On Friday, you can take a small step to forgiveness by forgiving yourself, finding quiet time to connect to your feelings, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, or even making the move to forgive someone.
6. Speak Kind Words Saturday is a great way to end the week on a positive note. Finish your week of kindness by teaching your kids to speak kindly towards others, choosing not to gossip, or offering a struggling friend words of encouragement.