Did you ever say “Good morning” to a stranger and have them look at you as if you were crazy? Sure…they may have been deep in thought or mulling over a personal problem, but was your greeting that unusual to warrant the reaction you received? What does it say about that person, much less about the world at large? Is being kind so uncommon that “Good morning” can make someone feel uncomfortable? Or is a simple act of kindness one of those things that we need more of today?
Kindness is the one gift that you can keep on giving.
A Simple Act of Kindness Can Go a Long Way
For some folks, being kind is second nature, while for others it’s a chore. You have to wonder why some people go out of their way to be mean. After all, being kind doesn’t require any more effort than being cold and callous does. But some people seem to prefer it that way. They’re either too darn busy, too self-absorbed, or can’t be bothered to make the effort.
In reality, being kind is a mindset more than an activity — you put others first rather than making everything about yourself. Consider some of the ways to show that you care:
You can remember someone’s name, call for no reason, lend an ear, give a compliment, hold the door open, give up your seat, give your undivided attention, remember a special occasion, steer the conversation to the recipient, answer an email promptly, show someone the ropes, let someone go first, share the credit, write a thank-you note, pass on something of interest, or simply smile.
The possibilities are endless. As Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Being kind is so easy, yet some folks make it seem so hard.
The Benefits of Being Kind
Being kind will do as much for you as for the recipient. Here are 10 benefits of being kind:
Make someone’s day. Take satisfaction in knowing that you put a smile on someone’s face.
Develop good habits. When you look for opportunities to be kind, you force yourself to see the good in the world.
Enhance your self-esteem. Being kind makes you feel good about yourself.
Forget your woes. Instead of obsessing over your own problems, shift your focus toward others. You’ll earn karma points in the process.
Build stronger relationships. You’ll build stronger relationships because people tend to mirror the treatment they receive from you.
Be a role model. Take pride in knowing that you’re a positive role model and that others may emulate your behavior.
Improve your health. Reduce stress and anxiety, improve heart health, and even increase your lifespan by being a kind and caring person.
Enhance your success. Being kind will come back to you in spades — because people gravitate to those who are positive and caring.
Make a difference. Know that you’re making the world a better place one act of kindness at a time.
Pay it forward. Others will likely pay your benevolence forward. After all, kindness is contagious.
Be One of a Kind
Being kind and compassionate shouldn’t be something that you’re coerced into doing. It also shouldn’t be about fulfilling an obligation or relieving guilt by writing a fat check.
Kindness should come from your heart and be given freely. What’s more, if you give of yourself because you feel obliged, you lose something very special: the satisfaction of knowing that you’re willfully making a difference — even if it’s in a small way.
You don’t have to be rich to give; your gift can be as simple as a smile.
If you think we need more kindness in the world, you’re not alone. But compassion isn’t something that you can demand or shame others into giving; the best way to encourage kindness is to lead by example. So stand up and be counted. The fact is, an act of kindness may take only a minute, but its impact can be lasting.
Do You Show Kindness?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Be Kind and Considerate … It’s More Than Just a Catchy Phrase
30 Practical Tips for Living the Golden Rule
Karma: Make Your Own Luck
Are People Invisible to You?
Being Generous Doesn’t Cost a Penny
Are You Selfless or Selfish?
Are You Enthusiastic for the Success of Others?
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Sadly, frequently a person’s criteria for showing someone else kindness includes that other person approaching perfection in their eyes. Since perfection is impossible, of course, and thus ‘approaching perfection’ is extremely rare, the person feels justified / obligated to criticize the flaws rather than show kindness …
Hi John
I really don’t want to make this more complicated than it needs to be. It doesn’t take any more effort to be kind than to be thoughtless. Before folks demand perfection of others, they should spend a little time looking in the mirror.
As I say, “Why should people treat you any better than you treat them?”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Totally agree with you. I hope I routinely take the lead on kindness. I believe I do. Was speculating why so many seem to choose criticizing – the negativity.
That’s awesome John.
The best way to teach others is to lead by example.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
See Your Kindness as Inoculation Against Continuing in Pain
…Life contains few absolutes, and one of those few is that kindness usually cultivates connection, something we yearn for in a time-pressed, ear-to-the- cell-phone, relationship-diminished culture. After all, the heart can be our strongest muscle if we exercise it regularly. Yet being kind is not a guarantee of safety from hurt — nothing offers that failsafe comfort… https://sayitbetter.com/2012/06/see-your-kindness-as-inoculation-against-continuing-in-pain/
Well said, Kare.
In fact according to “Growing Young” by Marta Zaraska, “The very same efforts that rejuvenate our bodies and help us live long also help us grow as people: nurturing relationships, developing better mental habits, becoming kinder, more empathic, more involved in the community. It appears that growing humane grows our centenarian potential.”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
I loved this article. I wholeheartedly agree with all the points made. There have been days where my mood has been sour and a nice comment from another person completely changed my attitude. Also, when I have been in a sour mood but go out of my way to be kind to others still, my own mood improves. So being kind does improve your health significantly! Thanks for the great article!
Hi London
You’re so right.
Kindness not only makes the recipient feel better, it’ll make you feel better as well. That said, I think we can use a little more kindness in the world 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Sometimes when walking along and I say “Hello” to someone they are so surprised, but when I lived in England many years ago almost everyone would say, “Hello” or “Good morning/afternoon/evening”. In my opinion, society was calmer, more polite and kinder then.
You’re so right, Maureen.
You don’t have to be rich to give; your gift can be as simple as a smile.
It’s important to remember that kindness isn’t something that you do. It’s who you are 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Fran