Every year, we commemorate World Kindness Day on 13 November. In Singapore, the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) celebrates Kindness Month in the month of May. However, why can’t kindness be something innate in all of us? Is it really that difficult? 

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The answer, of course, is it depends. Not to be wishy-washy or cliché but there have been discussions for the longest time about whether character is nurtured or you are born with it. I view it as a marriage of both. 

Let’s put it this way, there are those who are constantly striving to find ways to help others, not because they need to but because they want to help make the world a better place. 

Look at our Ground-up Movements (GUMs) or Friend of Singa (FOS) participants. They all go the extra mile as they know that even a small gesture can make a huge difference. 

There are many others who do their part as well in both big and small ways. Many of these go unnoticed as they choose to do their good deeds quietly while some may not even realise the impact that their simple gesture has made on someone’s life. 

We, both the Council and the SKM team, strive to not only walk the talk but advocate as often as we can to make Singapore a better place.

Yes, we have our graciousness index survey where we try to track how Singapore as a nation is doing – I am still waiting for the day that we hit over 70% for most responses. However, it isn’t always about the numbers. 

Online, you are likely to see more harmful versus heartwarming content. Putting a positive spin to it, I feel that when I do see something heartwarming or uplifting, because I see myself sharing the content more readily with my followers and friends versus sharing something negative. I am sure I cannot be the only one doing this. 

The world today, both online and offline, seems rather bleak. Considering I am a glass half-full kind of person, that seems rather disheartening, right? 

But both my heart and my gut tells me that in spite of the strife, sometimes, the best in people tends to come out. All we need is a little nudge. 

So, instead of waiting for someone to be kind or generous (not just in monetary gestures), why not be the one to initiate kindness first? It doesn’t cost a cent to be a kind, decent human being. 

Never hesitate to find a way to be a better, kinder, and more gracious person daily. Finding ways to be greater leads to a kinder you that ultimately creates a stronger us. 

@kindnesssg

got caught up in dancing with a random stranger, and it’s pure b-greater magic! BGreater BeGreaterSG #KindnessSG

♬ original sound – Singapore Kindness Movement – Singapore Kindness Movement

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