A small act of random kindness towards anyone, or even to yourself, can cause a ripple effect of goodness. A smile to a stranger, holding the door open in a lift, a simple “how are you?” can do so much.
Kindness means differently to different people, not by mere definition, but of use. Kindness, and how you see and understand it, depends on how you show it. Be it through empathy, acceptance, kind gestures, thoughtfulness, the possibilities are just up to you.
One way to express and show people kindness is checking up on people. Sometimes we forget that some people fight their battles silently and a simple “are you doing okay?” from someone can take off some of that weight.
Another thing you can do is to do simple favors for your friends and family. Everyone needs help, regardless of how small or big their issues are. If you have a friend who is a single parent, offer to babysit so they can take the night off. Send a letter to your grandparents, they probably miss you. Make your partner breakfast in bed, they might need the pick me up. These small things you can do can mean so much to the people you’re doing them for.
Kindness can spread like wildfire, sometimes all we have to do is start the flame.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON:
Thinking
- Actively think of things you can do to show kindness
- Think of the positive things about your life that elicit kindness
- Seek out plans and situations that gravitate towards being kind
Talk – New Language
- Speak kindly towards yourself and others
- Enumerate all the kind things that you can do for others and for yourself
Behaviour
- Actively seek out behavior that are kind or expresses kindness
- Focus on behaviors that allow you to show kindness towards yourself and others
Relationships & Contribution
- Be kind to yourself and others to maintain relationships
- Identify the positive aspects of the relationships you have that make you feel loved
