World Kindness Day

November 13th is World Kindness Day.  It was introduced in 1998 by an organization called the World Kindness Movement and is observed in many countries.  World Kindness Day is intended to "build a kinder and more compassionate world."

One kind word can change someone's entire day.  Give it a try today.

The definition of that old word "gracious" includes kindness, but graciousness is more than that.  Google tracks these things, and usage of the word "gracious" has declined over the years.  This is the chart:

Gracious living and gracious manners are old-fashioned. These days, how many people would you describe as gracious?

Marked by kindness and courtesy-
Marked by tack and delicacy-
Characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit-
Exhibiting the tasteful leisure of good breeding-
Pleasant and easy in all social intercourse-

We should remember that being kind (or gracious) doesn't take up much time.

1. Courteous greetings: A moment
2. Please and thank you: A second each time
3. Listening and not interrupting: A minute or so
4. Punctuality: None
5. Respect for others: None
6. Apologizing: 10 seconds
7. Helpfulness: 5 minutes max
8. Road courtesy: 30 seconds max