The Hangout: A (caring) bridge over troubled water

Today could be one of my favourite days of the year, right next to the International Day of Happiness, which is celebrated throughout the world on 20 March- but was actually established by the UN General Assembly on 28 June 2012. The International Day of Happiness aims to help people around the world realise the importance of happiness in their lives. I mean, we all know it’s important, but sometimes it just feels a little harder to find- or sometimes even impossible. Sigh.

It’s the little things, though, and that’s why today is so important too. It’s World Caring Day today, and it was only made official in 2022. I know I harp on about spreading kindness pretty often, but I think it’s so important- it can change lives like a domino effect. I also think that, with the amount of stress and struggle out there right now, we forget to be a bit more understanding and a little more compassionate. And honestly, that’s totally understandable if you’ve just hit seven ginormous potholes in 300 metres, your 19th friend has emigrated, your fridge has just packed up, and your boss can’t pay you on time.

Stuff is hard. And it’s getting harder.

But that smile you share with a stranger in the grocery store, or that half a sandwich you give to the guy at the traffic light or stop street- it helps. It all helps. And we have to try to remember that, no matter what we’re going through, someone else out there is going through worse. That little bit of love you give today might just come back to you like a boomerang tomorrow. I don’t think you should ever give just to get something in return- but I’m pretty sure that’s how karma works, isn’t it?

So- World Caring Day! What are you going to do today to celebrate it? I think it should be as important as any other big day. A public holiday even (haha kidding)! Do something, no matter how big or small, to brighten your own life- or someone else’s. Be kind to yourself. Show yourself a little love. Or treat someone to a surprise, like it’s Easter or Valentine’s Day. We all try to do our 67 minutes for Mandela Day, so why not this too? I’m sure Madiba would be pretty happy to know there are even more days when people lend a helping hand and show a little extra kindness.

World Caring Day traces its roots back to 7 June 1997, inspired by the brief but meaningful nine-day life of baby Brighid. Born prematurely, Brighid’s journey sparked something powerful- Sona Mehring, a software engineer and family friend, created the very first CaringBridge website to keep loved ones informed and connected. Through this site, Brighid’s family received not only updates but also an outpouring of love, support, and comfort when they needed it most. It was like an online support group- at a time when social media didn’t even exist yet!

What started as a simple act of care quickly grew into something much bigger- a global community called CaringBridge. This non-profit is all about bringing families and friends together during life’s toughest health journeys, offering a space filled with love, comfort, and support. Since 2021, around 45 million people from across the globe have visited CaringBridge. Every hour, more than 1,900 heartfelt messages of hope and encouragement are shared with loved ones through the site.

Maybe you’re also in need of a little care, inspiration, or advice right now- so head over to www.worldcaringday.org.

Go for that meal you can’t really afford. Tell the cashier she looks lovely today. Take yourself to the movies and switch off from all your problems for an hour or two. Or take a walk in the park with your phone on silent. Be kind to yourself and to others today- and maybe that kindness will catch on and carry over into tomorrow, and the next day too. Now, I’m already getting excited for National Hug & High Five Day, which is celebrated in the U.S. on 12 September… but I’ll be celebrating it here anyway. Who’s with me? Can I just say yay.