Can you remember the last time you were kind to another person? What did you say or do to show your kindness? Did you celebrate a special occasion with them, listen to them, help them with a project or compliment them?
Kindness is a great attribute to own, and some people naturally express good will to others. Most of us are busy with our lives, and kindness never seems to be a top priority. It’s not that we are mean; instead, our busyness takes over, and we don’t consciously think about showing kindness to another person. We have too much to do. What if there were benefits to this “kindness” thing.
Did you show kindness to another person today?
Did someone show kindness to you today?
How did you feel?
I’m advocating not only kindness but also going a step further and celebrating others, especially the people who are close to us daily. Our family, friends, and co-workers are integral parts of our lives. Show your appreciation to each of them by being kind and celebrating important events.
Why do we need to show kindness and celebrate others? There are mutual benefits gained by showering good thoughts or actions on others. If you do your research, you will see what is obtained by all…including you.
Benefits of Kindness
- Kindness helps everyone – you, the person receiving your goodwill and anyone who observes it. All benefit from any act of kindness.
- No matter how large or small the act of kindness or words of celebration, the body reacts with endorphins that reduce stress and adds peace into our daily lives. Stress is everywhere, held tightly in our bodies and we can release that stress by performing acts of kindness each day.
- We seek happiness and peace in our lives and we have a powerful ally in reaching that goal when we add kindness to the top of our priorities.
- Kindness is free, and yet the gift is priceless for everyone.
- We can reduce anxiety, depression and other stress-related issues when we reach out to another person and show them simple kindness. The body responds automatically, and a calm feeling replaces the negativity we were feeling.
- We increase our level of self-worth when we recognize others and reach out to them. Remember this can be as simple as a smile.
How to Support Others
- Smile more often at others. I’ve done this, and most people naturally smile back. You see the twinkle in their eyes. For a brief moment, there is a connection in our busy worlds. This is a great gift of kindness to others. When we smile, we are releasing tension within us.
- Give compliments daily – at least three honest compliments to others. It will feel stilted in the beginning, but you will flow with the intention and see how others respond. When we look at the good in others, we can start to acknowledge the good in ourselves. We project a more positive view of life.
- Volunteer – if time permits and you always wanted to help others in a particular way, find a suitable place to volunteer and follow your interests. People who volunteer are happier.
Your Thoughts
Have you recognized already the benefits of kindness? If so, how does it show up in your life? If you are starting to increase your “kindness muscles,” why not try the following action step.
Action Step: Listen to your body – what is it telling you right now. Do you need to give away a dose of kindness to reduce the stress levels in your body? Why not try an experiment, for the next 30 days, each day give away at least 3 acts of kindness and then see what happens to you.
Women’s Group Topics
The energy in a group changes drastically when each member comes from an intention of kindness, recognizing the good in each person and sharing it with others. How does the group show kindness to its members? Are kind words shared often in talking time? You can create your topic that supports where your group members want to go, though keep in mind to focus on kindness.
Keep smiling…
Be well,
Pat
“To fully enjoy the ‘richness’ of our lives, we need to stop long enough to visit with ourselves.”
(Pat Brill)
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