One small act of kindness can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Through mounting research, kindness has been defined as the act of contributing something positive or good to another person’s life. However, this is not just “doing” the act but “desiring” to do the act. Kindness is a combination of heart and action.
Once a friend and I were in the drive-through of a well-known coffee shop. I told her that I would get her coffee and that I was also going to pay for the car behind us. As we approached the window to receive our order, the barista shared that the car in front of us had paid for us! With that wonderful surprise, I followed through with the decision to cover the car behind us. I considered it to be an honor to participate in this continuous act of kindness that started at some point during the day.
Kindness can be contagious. As a fruitful act, multiplication and reciprocation are sure to be the results of such thoughtfulness. A number of aspects of health and wellbeing are also byproducts of kindness. Happiness, overall satisfaction and engagement with life, sense of social connectedness, and less anxiety have been linked to shared goodwill.
I encourage you to not wait for opportunities to be kind; rather, create your own opportunities to exercise kindness. Here are some suggestions:
- Pay for the coffee in the car behind you.
- Run errands for a neighbor.
- Walk a friend’s dog.
- Donate to a charity.
- Leave a bigger tip for a service worker.
- Volunteer at a community event.
By showing kindness, you not only change someone else’s life but also you change your own. Take the challenge and enjoy the outcome. Your labors will not be in vain. Stand firm. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela