Kindness Changes Everything

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

Here at Back to Earth we are known for our natural health & wellness products and our dedication to environmental stewardship...but we also believe the world can change for the better, one random act of kindness at a time.

On February 17th, we will celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day as the internationally recognized day of giving. The idea behind this day is to make the world a better place by spreading a little light around. It can be something as simple as dropping some change into a parking meter about to expire, giving someone a helping hand, treating a stranger to coffee or paying it forward in the lunch line. Take an afternoon to volunteer, offer to buy a hot meal for someone hungry, hurting or homeless, bring a neighbourhood senior some flowers or shovel a driveway. The beauty of this movement is that the possibilities are endless for spreading kindness.

Your good deeds can be done without recognition but know they will be highly appreciated - think of it as filling your Karma bank. Random Acts of Kindness don't need to be directly for another person they can be done for Mother Earth, which benefits us all. You could pick up litter on your next walk, or plant some indigenous plants that will support the survival of bees, which in turn protects the food sources for all of humanity. What a beautiful chain reaction to teach a child.

Try changing your eating habits to be friendlier to animals and avoid supporting crops that deplete our resources. Take your bike to work instead of driving or plan a carpool. Plant tree seedlings around your property or a garden for your own organic produce. Get a bird feeder or a bee and bug house. Volunteer at a local shelter or with a local non-profit organization, or if you don't have time, send them a small donation.

Did you know performing simple acts of kindness can decrease stress, boost happiness, reduce blood pressure, release feel good chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin, and even inspire more kindness? Kindness is definitely contagious, just like smiles and yawning.

So pay it forward! Share with friends and challenge others to join you in being kinder in all aspects of life. Simple acts of kindness can be practiced everyday to bring joy to your life. Share your talents, do-good work in ways you are passionate, change someone else’s day in a positive way.

Here at Back to Earth, spreading kindness is a really big deal; we are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise through our blog, on-site education, workshops, and mentorship programs. We also do our best to continue to give back to the many wonderful non-profits that support those in need in our community.

Once you start spreading kindness you will find your eyes open to so many wonderful things around you. Don’t forget to share with us too; we would love to hear your experiences giving and receiving, post a comment or share on our facebook page.

- Make everyday, #RandomActsofKindnessDay