Kindness Week is More Than Seven Days Long

By: Kaila Morris

A week may only be seven days, but if lived right, its legacy can stretch on much, much longer. Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week, for example, is an initiative taking up a measly 7 of February’s 28 days, from Valentine’s Day to February 20th. It encourages Americans to do and document one act each day, creating a network of positivity and inspiration amidst a month of love, celebration, and heart-shaped chocolates. But even though RAK week is over––and even though you may not have participated––we can still carry its mission with us through the remainder of 2021. 

As you may have seen in my last article, “We’re Citizens of Kindland– You Can Be Too,” I’m a firm believer that kindness IS social justice. That, just as we advocate for environmental change and gender equality, we should also fight for kindness in our communities, because social justice begins with unity and open-mindedness. And so, it may be unsurprising that I also believe the legacy of Random Acts of Kindness Week is one that we should carry with us even as the week fades to the back of our minds and stress and frustration take over.

I know parts of America have too-often been hit with crises out of our control––like the snowstorm in Texas, which left millions without power and half the state with water issues––and that’s why kindness is more important than ever. After all, acts of kindness remind us that we are all, at the end of the day, human beings. They give us the motivation to persevere through struggle. And, when we’re kind to others, it makes us feel better about ourselves. 
This article by CNN, “Neighbors are opening up their homes as the crisis in Texas deepens,” exemplifies the power of kindness amid tragedy. I hope it inspires you to help a friend, family member, or neighbor, the next time they need it (or even when they don’t)!