By Deidre Beltran Del Rio, Chelan Library
Everyone appreciates kindness. Most of us have an idea of what kindness means and how beneficial it is, but did you know that kindness is something we learn? And that it is contagious?! Are you familiar with the warm fuzzy feeling we get when we observe a child showing kindness to an animal or a kind act shown to a stranger in need? This inspires us to be kind. Someone shares a friendly smile with us and we feel compelled to return it. Kindness makes the world suddenly seem brighter!
Some good reasons to flex our kindness muscle:
- Kindness increases our “love” or happiness hormone, our energy, and our self-worth.
- Kindness lowers stress, decreases anxiety and depression.
- Kindness is key to happiness and longer life.
Because of the pandemic, many organizations are restricted in their use of volunteers, but there are still opportunities to share kindness by volunteering independently. Whether you have 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour, volunteering is a great way to flex your kindness muscle and build community!
Catch some kindness and experience the benefits with these titles from NCW Libraries.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Random Acts of Kindness by Amy Newmark
Why Kindness is Good For You by David Hamilton
Random Acts of Kindness Then & Now by Conari Press
Radical Kindness: The Life-changing Power of Giving and Receiving by Angela C. Santomero
Be Kind by The Dalai Lama (ebook)
The Thank-You Project by Nancy Davis Kho (print)
Be Kind: You Can Make the World a Happier Place! by Naomi Shulman 
Be Kind: A Year of Kindness, One Week at a Time by Melissa Burmester & Jaclyn Lindsey
Channel Kindness by Lady Gaga
PhilanthroParties! : A Party Planning Guide For Kids Who Want to Give Back by Lulu Cerone
What is Given From the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack, April Harrison
Cara’s Kindness by Kristi Yamaguchi
Kindness Counts by Bryan Smith (ebook)
Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer (print)
Sources:
English