“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Helen Keller Kindness is not just a momentary deed; it can result in a profound force that resonates deeply within the human spirit. It can transform a person’s darkest moment into a ray of sunshine. We may never know how much our kindness means and the difference for the people we treat kindly. Kindness matters…that selfless act where you don’t expect anything in return, you just want to help someone. Encouraging Others to Give Back I’ve come to believe, through years of observation and personal experience, the true measure of a life well-lived isn’t found in towering achievements or the collection of wealth, but rather in the simple acts of kindness we share with others. Giving back, also known as helping those in need, makes people feel good! Providing your time, financial support or other acts of kindness to those in need is an extremely rewarding experience to anyone involved. These very acts, often overlook their hushed innocence, but ultimately possess the intense power to transform lives, even the world at large. How often do we take into consideration the ripple effects of a single act of kindness, or consider the depths of change it can foster in the hearts of others? Is there not a way to encourage others to volunteer in elder care, helping the homeless by donating clothes or household items to shelters, donating backpacks to underprivileged schools. When we find a way to be there for those in need, whether through a compliment, performing random acts of kindness, like buying a coffee, meal, bottle of water for a homeless person you see on the street can be helpful. Starting a collection to donate gift or phone cards to a women’s shelter can make a huge impact in the lives of so many people. One of my favorite forms of kindness has been since 2009, I have been asking all the area schools to have their students decorate cards for our veterans @ Coatesville VA Medical Center for various holidays. With the amazing help of my husband I created CardsforVets at Lifeofpretty.com. In a society that frequently equates success with competitiveness, self-indulgence and promotion, engaging in kindness can serve as a bold counter-narrative. It is a soft but powerful form of rebellion against the tides of criticism, judgement, disgust, and selfishness that far too often defines our interactions. If more people reach out to those in need, we might become that society that cares about one another and is willing to take that step to help those in need with non-judgement and generosity, rather than the opposite. Smiling can be the first step or sign of kindness and happiness and can make people feel more welcome and connected to you. The is a sure way to start that road to helping others. How Can We Show Kindness The more places I go these days, the fewer people I see saying thank you and engaging in conversation with others, even just the small kind of conversation, like hope you have a great day, I appreciate your business, common courtesies that let a person know they are valued, even holding doors for someone that is behind you going into a building seems to be a thing of the past. Some other ways to show kindness to others is to be a good listener. Being there for someone to listen when they have something to say, even a stranger, can be a kind gesture when it may already be difficult for them to let their guard down. Showing kindness can create a bond, even start a friendship when you least expect it. Holding a door for someone was mentioned earlier, doing this shows the person near you that you respect them as a person, even though you may not know them, and it can even make someone smile. How Performing Acts of Kindness Benefits Us Kindness and generosity, in their essence, is an offering of understanding and compassion to others, a way of saying, “I see you, I care, and I am here for you.” Not only does kindness go beyond its impact on others, but it also enriches the giver, contributing to their sense of personal development, positive self-esteem and fulfillment that material success cannot match. It invites us into deeper exploration of what it means to be truly human. Kindness can benefit everyone, including the giver. When you’re kind to others, your brain releases dopamine, which can make you feel happier. There are so many benefits to displaying kindness regularly, not only to the person receiving the kind act, but the giver can reap the benefits of their altruism as well. Kindness has been shown to increase our self-esteem, empathy and improve our overall mood. When we show compassion to others, we can decrease our blood pressure and cortisol, the hormone directly correlated with our stress levels. When people are altruistic on a regular basis it can improve their health and help them live longer. Kindness Promotes Unity, and Understanding Kindness is a key element to a successful, healthy, enjoyable, and balanced life. This by no means states that all our lives are going to be successful and happy, all the time, but being kind can help you feel better about yourself and others. Kindness promotes understanding, comfort, and something as simple as a warm smile is the universal language of kindness. Authentic kindness is given freely without expecting credit in return; and in that lies where we find more strength and care to do more. Small or big, acts of kindness to other can reap big benefits of happiness for all those involved. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” Helen Keller
