Kindness Matters Let Your Kindness Light Up the World Around You

By Sharon A. Burstein

There are some things in life that no amount of money can buy. One of those things is kindness. Small meaningful acts of kindness greatly affect other’s lives and add to our own. Kindness is always in fashion. Kindness matters every day, but now more than ever being kind to others is meaningful in countless ways. Kindness is defined as a type of behavior marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without having an expectation of praise or reward.

While kindness is important every day, and never goes out of fashion, fits every age group and culture, this year weave even more kindness into your day and life as we celebrate World Kindness Day on November 13. Make kindness a daily habit.

Kindness improves the quality of life in your work environment as well as in the community, and brings people together. Doing good for others always feels good. Showing kindness to others is just as rewarding as receiving it from someone else, but it is always better to give than receive. The act of being kind and kindness begins with you. Kindness is a moral virtue.

Qualities of kindness can be defined as being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, compassion, warmth, concern, and care are words that are often associated with kindness. Being kind often requires courage and strength. It is timeless and ageless.

Kind individuals believe that others are worthy of attention and affirmation as human beings, not out of any sense of duty or principle.

As a behavior, kindness is best defined as having a pleasant disposition, concern and consideration for others. In many cultures and religions, kindness is considered a virtue, and is recognized as a value  You will find that you become happier as a person, when you do simple acts for others, and that it boosts your own happiness. As a way of building kindness, it is better to lead by example to others and demonstrate how simple, yet meaningful acts of kindness can be. Keep your eyes open and be aware around you when you see people in need of a kind gesture.

Work to incorporate at least one act of kindness in your life every day, all year long. When you make giving acts of kindness part of your everyday, it will soon become a natural habit. Imagine if we all practice acts of kindness every day regardless of the season, year, economics or world situations, how much better we and our world would be! Each act of kindness can and does make a meaningful difference. Even a small act of kindness to others, is better than a huge intention that you may have had, but never executed. Be the person that lifts people up and demonstrates ways to be kinder. Be the person that people will want to follow by your leading example. Practicing kindness can be a goal, but it the action of kindness that gives it meaning and dimension.

Kindness should be genuine and come from your heart. There are countless acts of kindness that you can give to others, most of them cost no money at all. Below are 12 simple ways to show kindness that cost nothing, but can have significant meaningful impact.

12 - Simple Ways to Show Kindness to Others:

1.     Smile at a stranger walking down the street. 

2.     Call someone you have not spoken with recently.

3.     Write and send a handwritten note to someone.

4.     Say “hello” or “good morning” to people you see everywhere.

5.     Let a driver merge into your lane – with a smile on your face. 

6.     Pass along a wonderful book or magazine that you have finished reading.

7.     Call someone who is homebound and ask if you can pick up something for them.

8.     Pick a bouquet of flowers, arrange them and give them to a friend or neighbor.

9.     Open the door for someone.

10.   Let a car go ahead of you in line.

11.   Say thank you to all merchants you connect to.

12.   Give someone a compliment.

Kindness is universal and knows no boundaries. Kindness is for every day, for every reason and … no reason. Giving kindness pays continuous dividends and encourages others to do the same and pass them on. Simple acts of kindness can have long term effects. Acts of kindness are never wasted: they will grow and flourish!

Moral: When you give a genuine act of kindness to someone, everyone benefits.