Choosing kindness is a choice each of us can make every day — for yourself and others.  

Respecting each other’s values, beliefs and lifestyles, and showing kindness can positively impact the well-being and safety of others, ourselves and our community.

Perform an act of kindness and enjoy the benefits of overall self-worth and well-being. Sometimes life can throw things our way that can get under our skin, some days and moments can be tougher than others. Those are the most important times to Choose Kind. 

Why Choose Kind?

Small acts of kindness take little effort and provide instant personal benefits, as well as benefiting others and the community. Research has shown that giving and receiving kindness can increase happiness.  

Did you know…

• Giving and receiving kindness strengthens our physical and mental health by easing anxiety, lowering blood pressure and increasing creativity and energy levels.
• Being kind to yourself can increase self-esteem, happiness and feelings of self-worth. 
• Kindness is contagious!  When we witness kindness, we feel good and are more likely to be kind to others.  Your kindness can start a chain reaction that impacts many.

Kindness begins with practicing self-compassion. Self-compassion involves being kind to yourself, accepting your mistakes and shortcomings and showing the same understanding towards ourselves as we would a friend experiencing a tough time or setback.  

What can I do?

Every day we have a choice on how we show up in our communities and for ourselves. Choosing kindness is appreciating and celebrating the beauty around you and in others. For ideas on ways to be kind to yourself and others, visit Kindspring or Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

Choose Kind supports larger campaigns including Safer Internet Day on February 7, Safer Internet Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17 and Pink Shirt Day February on 22. Lift each other up by treating others with dignity, respect, empathy, compassion and kindness.

What is bullying?

When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful and they do it once, that is rude

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it once, that is mean

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they keep doing it - even when you tell them to stop or show them you are upset, that is bullying.

Bullying is never okay. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and to feel safe.

How can I help?

We can make a difference to those who are affected by abuse and bullying by letting them know they are not alone. Ninety percent of bullying incidents are witnessed by others and can be stopped within 10 seconds when bystanders choose to intervene.

If you witness bullying behaviour you can help by telling the bully to stop, getting help and supporting the person who is targeted.

Healthy Relationships

The key to end bullying is to build awareness and understanding and promote respectful and healthy relationships.built on a foundation of trust, safety and respect.

When we practice kindness, compassion and respect for one another, we build connections in our relationships and communities. Together, we create a supported, safe and caring community for all.

About Mental Health Capacity Building

Helping to create a supported, safe and connected community: Strathcona County’s mental health capacity program is made possible through Alberta Health Services and Strathcona County.

Want to find out more about Mental Health Capacity Building and its initiatives?

Disclaimer: Family and Community Services wants to empower residents by giving them the tools to improve their personal wellbeing and relationships.  Some of the information provided is offered by external sources and is intended as an information resource only. Strathcona County is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. 

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