Probably more than ever we all need to observe World Kindness Day.

In light of recent events, observing the international holiday of World Kindness Day celebrated on November 13 this year seems most appropriate. The first World Kindness Day was organized by a collection of humanitarian groups in 1997 by a “Declaration of Kindness.” It’s a global 24-hour celebration dedicated to paying-it-forward and focusing on the good in the world, which is a concept that we are all in need of more than ever this year.

On Kindness Day everyone is encouraged to make a declaration of kindness and devote themselves to completing acts of kindness. From donating food to the local food bank to opening the door for someone struggling with packages, there are many ways to celebrate the day. The goal of World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds and focus on the power of positivity in our lives and the world. Kindness can be shared amongst friends, neighbors, lovers, and even complete strangers. Kindness transcends religion, race, age, gender, nationality, and politics. The act of practicing compassion is needed now more than ever, and ideally, the intention to practice kindness will transfer to the others days of your life.

Practicing kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. It can begin with a simple act that breeds another. Here’s some inspiration to get you started.

1. Smile. Research has shown that the simple act of smiling at strangers is good for you and the stranger. It’s a way to help someone feel connected, which is a necessity for good mental and emotional health.

2. Say a kind word. Sometimes all that’s needed to turn someone’s day around is a kind word. Whether you let your coworker know that you appreciated their help on that project or you tell your significant other how lovely they look, it just might help to make their day better.

3. Listen. We are all too quick to get in our two cents. Sit back and listen for a change. You might learn something new about someone and help them feel special and validated.

4. Give your time. Lest you think World Kindness Day is about donating money, think again. The most valuable gift you can give is your time, whether to a neighbor in need of some lawn work help or by donating your time to a local non-profit.

5. Remember your manners. Please and thank you matter and remembering to use them goes a long way. Thank you very much.

6. Pass on the gossip. We all are tempted to participate in gossip, but gossiping hurts all involved. Take a pass on the gossiping and instead, think of something kind to say.

7. Reach out. Often the closest people in our lives are the ones we take for granted the most. Call, text, email, or visit loved ones you haven’t reached out to in a while.

In closing, remember these choice words from the Dalai Lama:

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”

Related on EcoSalon

The Evolution of Kindness: Can Being the ‘Nice Guy’ Save the Planet?
Here’s How to Forgive and Let Go of Resentment
4 Ways to Have Good Manners in This Mannerless World

The post 7 Ways to Celebrate World Kindness Day (November 13th!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

If you’ve ever blown off sending a thank you note, you are not alone. Master the task and cast your shame aside for good.

You know you should. Your Mother told you to do it. Your intentions are good. But you always seem to drop the ball on thank you notes.

Join the club.

Other than birthday cards or notes to Grandma, most of us are not big on hand written notes these days. Even email is taking a back seat to other forms of instant communication.

The written letter may be a lost art. But you know what’s still hot and always will be? Hand written thank you notes.

There is something impersonal and even inadequate seeming about a thank you email. And thank you texts? Letitia Baldrige would have hit the hizzy on those, for sure.

In order to properly thank someone, going old school is an absolute must. As in, pen and paper.

4 Tips to Thank You Note Perfection

1 Card Stock // Having thank you note essentials on hand means no procrastinating and timely thanking. Fire those babies out rapid speed (like, when you get home from the party, interview, what have you) to avoid future self-shaming over not getting someone thanked. This is as simple as stocking up on pretty note cards and stamps. One more thing: If you have blown off the thank you for what seems an embarrassing amount of time, send it anyway. Truly, better late than never.

2 Details, Details // Generic thank you notes are not only boring, they border on rude. A personalized note speaks volumes. Mention the event and something you spoke about, talk about the gift and how you will use it, tell them that you are looking forward to seeing them at a specific time and place in the future. A little charm goes a long way here.

3 Short Hand // Writing not exactly your favorite pastime? We are not taking a four page letter here. That blank note card still staring up at you? This is where a template may come in handy. No, it’s not cheating. Even those of us who love to write need prompting sometimes. Experts in all things communicado, Hallmark has a handy dandy template just for, you guessed it, writing the best ever thank you notes.

4 Seal the Deal // Yes, a thank you note is often fitting even if you’ve thanked in person. A follow up thank you note is suitable post job interview, when someone has thrown a party in your honor, when you receive a gift not in the presence of the giver, etc. If Mom gives you a bundt cake or close friends have you to dinner every other weekend, forgoing a formal note is probably acceptable. Tip: When in doubt as to whether to send a note, send the note.

Related on EcoSalon

Modern Day Conundrum: Paper v Email Invites

10 Dinner Party Etiquette Rules, Vintage Style

5 Dead Etiquette Rules That Will Give You a Good Laugh

Image of woman writing note via Shutterstock

The post 4 Tips to Thank You Note Perfection appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s game time. You have to mentally prepare yourself for these things. Small talk ain’t easy. In fact, for some of us it’s like pulling teeth. And around the holidays it’s small talk galore, whether at a work party, client function, or even a neighborhood shindig. But a little social know-how can help you chat up a storm like a pro.

1. Know your template.

Often having a set a standard questions in the back of your mind can be helpful when a conversation isn’t easy to start. How are things going? What are your plans for the holidays? Where are you from again? This will hopefully give you something to work with because as people answer questions, you can either find more questions to ask or uncover a commonality.

2. Don’t go too deep.

We all want to avoid shallow talk but at the same time, don’t take the conversation to places that it shouldn’t go like religion, politics, or awkwardly personal information. Save that stuff for your good friends. You likely don’t know a lot about someone with whom you’re having a small talk conversation so it’s hard to know what could be offensive.

3. Don’t be a hater.

Small talk doesn’t have to be a negative thing. If you have a lot in common with someone small talk can lead to something more like a good friendship or even a romantic prospect, so don’t be a Grinch about it.

4. Do a little homework.

It’s much harder to have something to say to someone if you don’t know anything about them. That’s why when my husband and I are headed to a holiday party we’ll remind each other of who we’re going to see before we get there. Go in ready.

5. Look people in the eyes.

Looking around at a party makes people feel unimportant. Avoid it at all costs. Maintain eye contact whenever you’re holding a conversation.

6. Mind the closer.

When it’s time to leave the chat, express gratitude for the conversation and have a realistic excuse to move on.

Related on EcoSalon

Spark Something Sustainable: The Power of Conversation

Ambition Versus Romance: Is Your Career Wrecking Your Love Life?

10 Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Job

Image: Matt Ryall

The post How to Survive Small Talk at Your Next Holiday Party appeared first on EcoSalon.