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In honor of World Kindness Day on November 13, we’ve compiled some links you can use to inspire compassion, joy, and positivity this month. What are you waiting for? Be kind!

The best place to start? The website for World Kindness Day itself! Full of resources, including good ideas for random acts of kindness and how being kind affects all of us. https://tinyurl.com/uplift11231

Some of the hardest places to show kindness are workplaces. You’re stressed, you’re on a deadline and it can be easy to take it out on your coworkers. Why not use these ideas to spread kindness instead? https://tinyurl.com/uplift11232

Did you know being kind to others actually helps your mental health? This article from Rise Services discusses how our own well-being can be shaped by our actions. https://tinyurl.com/uplift11233

If you need a little reminder to be kind every now and then, this link takes you to over 130 different quotes about kindness to inspire some positivity in your days. https://tinyurl.com/uplift11234

Beauty in the tiniest things. Microscopic wonders, though often hidden from the naked eye, can possess a unique and breathtaking beauty that can captivate the curious observer who looks hard enough. Within this miniature realm lies an entire universe of intricate patterns, delicate structures, and vibrant colors. The Evident Image of the Year Award celebrates the best photographs taken of these tiny visual surprises each year. See some of the best ones here. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift1123b

Improve your grammar with the Comma Queen. Mary Norris began working at The New Yorker in the 1970s and, for the next quarter of a century, was a top query proofreader. With all that experience, she has now gained fame as the “Comma Queen,” helping the general public to understand complex grammar through hilarious online videos that are just as informative as they are amusing. Check out this Thanksgiving special in which she breaks down the proper use of comparative words. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift1123c

As our brains mature, we begin transitioning from being primarily self-centered to being more empathetic and considerate of the needs and emotions of others. Research suggests that the ability to exercise impulse control, make decisions, and think beyond oneself typically develops between the ages of six and 13. As a result, younger children tend to naturally exhibit more self-centered behavior.

As a parent, therefore, it’s important to consider these changes and how best to mentor your children as they move through their toddler years into adolescence and their early adulthood. The prefrontal cortex, associated with impulses and making choices, is the last part of the brain to mature, explaining why you may find yourself banging your head against the wall if you’re repeatedly having to encourage your child to be less self-centered. Rest assured, though, that every little bit of encouragement helps; it all goes towards helping their brains in forming the vital connections they need to navigate society. Here are a few techniques you can try as you guide your children.

Emphasize sharing. Teach them that sharing is an integral part of life and benefits all of society.

Encourage them to volunteer. Having selfless acts as a part of their general routine helps to build an understanding of the benefits of doing things for others.

Lead by example. If children see you regularly acting kindly, they’re likely to naturally begin emulating that behavior.

Talk to them about current events. For example, if a disaster has struck somewhere in the world, talk to them about the experiences and emotions of those caught up in it.

Establish boundaries. If they’re showing selfish behavior, explain to them exactly why their behavior is unacceptable and negatively affects others.

One of the most extensive and heartwarming events to come out of the movement was a global flash mob organized by Orly Wahba from the US, who managed to join 15 countries and 33 cities, all surprise dancing in unison.

But although this is no mean feat, the real beauty behind World Kindness Day is understanding that every single person can make a big difference. From holding the door for someone to paying it forward, here are some ideas for how to spread love and kindness in your local community this November 13.

Volunteer. Give your time to a local charity or organization that could use an extra hand. Volunteering is a fantastic way to spread kindness and make a tangible difference in your community.

Express gratitude. Take a moment to express gratitude to those around you. Send a heartfelt thank-you message to a friend, family member, or coworker who has made a positive impact in your life.

Compliment others. Give sincere compliments to people you encounter throughout the day. A kind word or compliment can brighten someone’s day and boost their self-esteem.

Donate to a cause. Consider making a donation to a charitable organization that resonates with you. Your contribution, no matter how small, can help make the world a better place.

Practice self-kindness. Remember that kindness starts with yourself. Treat yourself with the same love and compassion you extend to others.