There was no way we could have known December 31, 2019 that when the new year began all of the hopes, dreams and plans we had set would be shaken to the core by a worldwide pandemic. At first, working from home was good fun, pants became optional, Zoom became a place for meetings, hang outs and trivia nights and suddenly our kitchens and homes were stocked as though we weren’t sure if we’d see the outside of them again.

But, fast forward a few months more and we were quickly reminded of the importance of family and friends, and being surrounded by loved ones. Distance and separation became a new norm that no one could have prepared for, and loneliness suddenly spiked to an all-time high. For some, the friends who were there for the weekends, the parties and the monumental moments faded away when it came to the quiet days at home and apart, away from the rest of the world. What happened to #friendsforever and unshakable bonds?

Businesses big and small shifted from salary cuts to cutting entire departments and others closing altogether. Whilst some found the inspiration and had the ability to start something new, others found themselves clinging to what once had been and a struggle to start again. With jobs lost and incomes severed, relationships took a toll and taking care of yourself and those you love became a staggering problem for people far and wide. Frozen by the shutter of a loss of security, families were forced to uproot their lives with nothing more than hopes of better months ahead.

A year on from the start of this awful turn of events, the struggles still continue and the significant impact has certainly made a change to the way we live our lives – good and bad. If there was ever a time to band together and support our community, we’d have to say – there’s no time like the present. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about (or maybe you know a little bit), and if you can do one small thing to positively impact their day, why not? Share a smile or smize with a stranger (since we’re all smiling behind masks these days), practice being more patient with the ones who are serving you, lend a hand to someone in need. One small act of kindness can completely change someone’s day and in turn, will likely change yours as well. As we said, it’s cool to be kind.

Kindness is contagious...

1. Hold the door open for a stranger behind you
2. Pick up the litter on the beach
3. Smile with your eyes (since masks have added a new layer of kindness complications)
4. Let someone go ahead of you while waiting in line
5. Check in on your loved ones
6. Support a small (local) brand by leaving them a positive review
7. Offer to purchase a meal for your taxi driver
8. Give a stranger a compliment
9. Send a surprise care package to a loved one
10. Write a letter to someone who has changed your life for the better, and send it!