World Kindness Day is celebrated to promote the importance of kindness around the world - to yourself, others and the environment. This day is a reminder that compassion holds us all together.
When was the last time you experienced an act of kindness? How did it make you feel? Now, that’s exactly how the other person feels. Kindness is important to who we are. In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Photo credit: Ron Lach
Kindness, the act of being considerate, generous or being friendly. And, it is all about doing selfless behavioral acts of compassion to others before one’s own interests - Intentional and voluntary actions. Even so, it can be hard to be kind at all times.
Random acts of kindness are proof of happiness and contentment within oneself. Kindness gives us a chance to interact, connect and build relationships with others. Practicing kindness to ourselves and others improves our well being. It lowers stress levels and increases the body’s feel-good hormones - oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. It also reduces negative emotions of anger, anxiety and depression.
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Some of my four key principles of kindness include:
Awareness - To be kind, you need to recognize an opportunity to be kind; It can be to a stranger, a friend, neighbor or a family member.
Non-judgement - You can’t be judgmental and be kind. These two words don’t go together. To be kind, they have to drop all judgements despite the other person’s circumstance and situation.
Action - Taking a step on the opportunity of kindness. This doesn’t mean doing a huge thing that changes the whole world but acting in small ways of kindness.
Unconditional - Acts of kindness should be from the heart, and one should not expect a reward or recognition.
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I usually offer random acts of kindness, which starts with complimenting a stranger, sending flowers to a family member or friend, writing a letter to a friend and most importantly, self-care. You need and deserve it.
Benefits of Kindness
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Look around and be the first! Kindness does matter, and it does spread!
Until next time, Be Kind!
Photo credit: Brett Jordan
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