Today’s #BeKind21 message is brought to you by our co-founder and president, Cynthia Germanotta.

I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you to the hundreds of thousands of you who have pledged to make the world a kinder, braver place through #BeKind21. You’re creating change by using the power of kindness in your own neighborhoods, schools, and homes.

I’m moved by the stories you’re sharing online, pledging to be there for your loved ones, giving back to your communities, and prioritizing yourselves – some for the first time. Even the smallest gestures can have the most significant impact on other people’s lives. I shared this story last year, but it bears repeating.

When my daughters, Stefani and Natali, were in elementary school, kindness connected their community and welcomed them every day. Every morning, the head of the school would greet each child at the door, shake their hands, look them in the eye, and say, “Good morning, Stefani”, “Good morning, Natali.” Even at the youngest age, they would answer, “Good morning, Mrs. Hult.”

We’re not all going back to school this fall, but we all – students or not – should feel acknowledged and validated in our communities. When Mrs. Hult would directly address my girls, I could tell that it mattered to them that someone took the time to make them feel welcome.

My hope for you for the next 21 days, and every day after, is that you feel welcomed and valued in each environment you enter. I hope that you are met with kindness wherever you go. And my invitation to you is to meet others with kindness as well.

Your kindness challenge today: Invite someone to join you! Building new habits, even kind ones, can be hard. So reach out to someone today, share this link with them, and invite them to join you on your kindness journey and celebrate together.

I can’t wait to see how we change the world together.

Learn more about and sign up for #BeKind21 at https://bornthisway.foundation/bekind21