Kindness

Kindness like gratitude is a recurring theme of late.  Gratitude brings you happiness, kindness brings you more kindness.  So I ask you, how difficult is it to be kind?  To greet the cashier at the supermarket and wish her a nice day, to help a stranger, to say kind words to a friend going through a rough time.  Folks, it’s really not that hard!  Kindness breeds kindness.

So why aren’t we by default kind?  Allow me to qualify that; why are most of us not kind more of the time.  Because we forget or because we feel some personal gain in not being kind or we just don’t think that the words once they pass our lips may have a negative impact on another.  When in fact it’s the contrary.  We do gain from being kind.  A simple act of kindness makes you instantly feel good about yourself, life and humanity.  The impact on the receiver is untold unless of course they give you feedback, which again is an expression of kindness – kindness in return for your kindness.

In the last week I have been on the receiving end of unkindness.  And it hurts.  I have the option to match their unkindness, however I save my breath because some people are just too thick-skinned to warrant my time or another thought.  So I much rather practice self-preservation and being kind to myself.  I may confide in others (a very select few) about my hurt and then move along making a conscious decision to distance myself from that person and / or any unkindness as a result of that connection.  There is no need to cause myself further suffering by lingering on their words or thoughtless behaviour.

My invitation to you is to be kind, kind to yourself and everyone around you.  Try it for a week and notice what happens.

 

 

 

Comments (9)

  1. Reply

    I love this post Claire. Kindness takes nothing away from the person extending it and it is usually returned.
    Yes your world may be challenging at the moment or possibly even miserable but it doesn’t negate your ability to be kind.
    We have a little sign in the bathroom at work that says “Any act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted.”
    I hope everyone gets to read your article. 😊

  2. Reply

    As a teacher, I can see the difference between parents who expect kindness of their children and parents that don’t. The difference in how each student functions in school is dramatic! I would love to see everyone choosing kindness, especially for the sake of their children. This is a great reminder. Thanks for posting!

  3. Reply

    I love this post. Can you imagine if everyone just tried to spread a little of that kindness everyday. I think it’s a conscious effort to be kind and not always the go to in our minds. It is truly gratifying to pass on a smile or a kind word. My daughter rolled down her window to tell a stranger that they were beautiful the other day. I saw the stranger smile so big. The smallest things have such a huge impact. Give no time to those who are unkind we have only control of our own actions.

  4. Reply

    Hi Claire! Loved your post. I have made it a goal to smile at others and be kind everwhere. I make it a point to treat others the way I’d like to be treated. It does get hard, though, to stay happy and kind when others around you are so rude. I wish everyone was nicer with each other! What a difference it would make!

  5. Reply

    Yes! I actually think this is one of the most important things I’m teaching my kids. I always tell them/show them to be courteous to any employees in stores. To say “hello” and “thank you.”

  6. Reply

    Thank you for posting this Claire! I hope that kindness spreads like a wildfire! Even the smallest act can change the atmosphere. Learning how to deal with unkindness with love has been a task that I am constantly trying to incorporate into my life.

  7. Pingback: Surrender - Claire Buchanan Coaching Services

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.