Each September 21, we’re reminded of what we’re all striving for — to live in a world full of peace, love, and joy. Whether you’re using this International Day of Peace (a.k.a Peace Day) as encouragement to resolve a disagreement with someone in your personal life or to promote global peace, there’s really no wrong way to celebrate it. But if you’re stuck on ways to get involved, we’ve got a few ideas below that will make you and everyone you meet feel loved on International Day of Peace.
1. Fall silent at 12 p.m.
Each year at noon on Sept. 21, the entire world comes together in a moment of silence. In this moment, we honor the men and women who fight every day to promote freedom and those still waiting for a life of peace.
2. Send flowers to someone you love
Getting a bouquet of flowers on your birthday or anniversary is always a welcomed gesture, but sometimes these gifts mean the most when they’re sent just because you want to make someone’s day brighter. If you want to really get into the spirit of Peace Day, send flowers anonymously to a person in your office or to someone going through a tough time.
3. Engage in random acts of kindness
From big to small, below are a few simple ways you can positively impact someone’s life:
- Give someone a genuine compliment, whether in person or online.
- Bring a snack into work for your office to share.
- Throw a few quarters in the next parking meter you pass.
- Invite someone who is sitting alone to eat with you.
- Help someone with their groceries.
- Lend someone your favorite book.
- Go through your closet and donate any clothes you haven’t worn in more than a year.
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” - Princess Diana
4. Update your playlist
If there’s one thing that can bring people together, it’s music. This Peace Day, fill your phone with some of these inspirational songs about love, peace, and togetherness.
- One Love by Bob Marley
- Imagine by John Lennon
- Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) by George Harrison
- Peaceful World by John Mellencamp
- Peace Train by Dolly Parton
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- Why Can’t We Be Friends by War
5, Spend time volunteering
As Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” And the best way to do that is through volunteering. Whether just down the street at your local shelter or with global organizations that provide assistance to people in developing nations, there’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities and charities for you to become a part of on International Day of Peace.
6. Embrace the “flower power”
From the “flower children” of the 70s to flower’s more recent resurgence at music festivals, flowers are one of the greatest symbols of peace we have today. At your local grocery store, mall, or bodega spend the afternoon handing out flowers to people passing by. If you really want to go above and beyond, write up small compliments and attach them to each flower. There’s no doubt in our mind that you’ll make each person you meet that day smile!
7 Spread the word
Peace Day truly is a global phenomenon, so the more people who participate, the better! If you’re on social media, use #PeaceDay to get the word out and let people know how you’re celebrating (and encourage them to join you!).
AUTHOR
Tara Carlson graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Public Relations and loves any and all things creative writing - which is why she is thrilled to be working with Berry Chatty. When she's not writing, you can probably find her swimming at the beach, catching up on the latest movies (she's a big fan of award season!) and playing soccer.