Choose kind

This February, County residents are invited to Choose Kind as a way to build respectful and healthy relationships throughout the community.

Officially declared as Choose Kind month by Mayor Rod Frank, February is filled with many opportunities for spreading kindness, while respecting each other’s values, beliefs and lifestyles.

The community is invited to join the Choose Kind initiative that supports Strathcona County's Social Framework's outcomes of connectedness and inclusion and safety, along with international campaigns, including Safer Internet Day on February 5, Random Acts of Kindness Week during February 17 to 23, and Pink Shirt Day on February 27.

Small acts of kindness are easy, take little effort and provide instant personal benefits, as well benefiting others and the community. Research shows giving and receiving kindness can enhance a person’s overall sense of self-worth, self-esteem, creativity, concentration and energy, while strengthening the heart (physically and emotionally), as well as easing anxiety, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and inflammation.

Practicing kindness, compassion and respect for each other helps to build healthy relationships. Relationships are fundamental to humans from infancy to old age as a way to feel safe and connected to others. Healthy relationships improve a person’s overall ability to cope with life’s challenges.

Ideas on simple ways to share kindness include giving genuine compliments, paying attention (helping others to feel seen, heard and recognized), showing up on time, surprising a friend with supper, shovelling a neighbour’s walk, smiling at a stranger while in line, holding the door open for others, refrain from complaining for a week, practicing self-kindness or joining the kindness challenge.

Residents are encouraged to share their experience with receiving or choosing kindness through conversations in person or online (using #SCchoosekind online) during the month of February.

When life gets complicated and individuals would benefit from support, please remember help is available, including information and supports for anyone experiencing or concerned about bullying. Contact Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044 or check here for more supports.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595