World Kindness Day: Turning Compassion Inward

Every year on November 13th, people around the world celebrate World Kindness Day. World Kindness Day was first launched in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement to encourage empathy, generosity, and connection across communities. It’s a day that reminds us how small acts (like smiles, notes of gratitude, simple moments of care) can ripple outward in powerful ways. We’re invited to see that kindness isn’t only a feeling; it’s a choice, a practice, and a shared language that softens the edges of being human.

But in the midst of giving, it’s easy to forget that we ourselves also deserve that same gentle treatment! The kindness we extend to others can lose its meaning if we don’t offer it to ourselves, too. Self-kindness isn’t indulgence or conceit - it’s how we refill the well from which we keep giving. On this World Kindness Day, let’s shift the lens inward and explore what it means to treat yourself with the same compassion, grace, and understanding you so freely offer others.

So, what are some self-love activities you can do to show yourself kindness on World Kindness Day? Read on for more info from the holistic healers at Rise and Thrive Counseling! 

Practice Gentle Self-Talk

Our inner voice sets the tone for how we experience the world. When that voice becomes harsh or critical, even small mistakes can feel like personal failures. Practicing self-kindness begins with noticing how you speak to yourself and choosing words that nurture rather than wound.

Try this:

• When you catch self-criticism, pause and ask, “Would I say this to someone I care about?”

• Replace “I should have done better” with “I did my best with what I knew then.”

• Keep a list of kind phrases that soothe you, like “I am allowed to rest” or “I am learning.”

• Set a daily reminder on your phone with a compassionate affirmation, or use an app that does this for you (see our resources section at the end!).

• If journaling helps, write a short note to yourself the way a close friend might: encouraging, forgiving, and kind.
  

Engage in Restorative Self-Care

Self-care is often mistaken for spa days or treats, but true restorative care meets your body and mind where they are. It asks, What do I need right now?, and then honors the answer without guilt. This type of self-kindness acknowledges that rest, nourishment, and stillness are just as productive as effort.

Try this:

• Build “pause moments” into your day - small windows to stretch, breathe, or check in with yourself.

• Create a ritual around winding down: gentle music, warm tea, quiet light.

• Prioritize sleep as an act of care, not a luxury.

• Notice when you feel depleted and respond with softness and compassion, not shame.

• Protect your time by saying no to extra commitments that cost your peace.
  

Offer Forgiveness and Flexibility

Self-kindness often means letting go; letting go of perfectionism, regret, and the constant pressure to be “doing enough.” It’s giving yourself permission to be human. Forgiveness creates space for growth; flexibility allows you to move through life’s changes without breaking.

Try this:

• Reflect on a recent mistake with compassion and grace, and write one thing you learned from it.

• Practice saying, “It’s okay that I’m still learning,” out loud when you feel frustrated.

• Give yourself permission to adjust your plans without labeling it failure.

• Release the need for every day to be productive - some days are meant for healing!

• Revisit your boundaries and ask whether they still serve your current season of life.
  

Resources for Learning and Practicing at Home

If you’d like to keep deepening your self-kindness practice, here are some thoughtful, therapist-approved resources to explore:

Apps

• Insight Timer: Free meditations and talks on self-compassion, mindfulness, and gentle self-reflection.

• Calm: Guided meditations and breathing exercises that help you slow down and reconnect.

• Headspace: Offers short daily practices on stress, rest, and being kinder to yourself.

• Paired: A relationship app that also includes daily self-awareness and self-kindness prompts.

• How We Feel: Created by psychologists, this app builds emotional vocabulary and helps track self-empathy over time.
  

Books

• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff

• Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

• Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

• The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher Germer
  

Podcasts

• The SelfWork Podcast with Dr. Margaret Rutherford: Focuses on emotional wellness and self-understanding.

• The Mindful Kind by Rachael Kable: Gentle mindfulness tips for everyday life.

• Unlocking Us with Brené Brown: Honest conversations about imperfection, courage, and connection.

• Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris: Blends meditation, neuroscience, and real-world compassion practice.

• Therapy Chat with Laura Reagan, LCSW-C: Deep dives into trauma-informed self-compassion and relational healing.
  

Blogs & Online Resources

• Self-Compassion.org: Dr. Kristin Neff’s site with free exercises, meditations, and research.

• Tiny Buddha: Short, relatable articles on mindfulness, healing, and gentle living.

• Mindful.org: Articles and guided practices for integrating kindness into daily routines.

• Psych Central Blog: Evidence-based writing on self-care, mental health, and compassion fatigue.

• Tara Brach’s Free Meditations: Deeply soothing talks and practices for self-acceptance.
  

Speaking of resources: if you want more holistic help, look no further than Rise and Thrive Counseling. Our holistic counselors can help address all areas of life. Reach out today to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!