“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart
But today, kindness is something that we quickly forget even though it can benefit everybody.
How can you start being kind in your daily life and feel good everyday? Let’s start with these simple acts.
We often take others for granted in our lives and rarely (if ever!) mention how grateful we are for those around us. Have you ever called a friend to ask for a ride and, despite the fact that you’re out of their way, they still came to pick you up?
Give them a call, but not for a ride this time. Instead, simply thank them for being kind to you.
Nobody likes being judged, yet we often spend more time judging people than loving them. But the truth is that judging people says more about you than those you are judging. So, while judging someone may give you temporary pleasure, this is not a habit you really want to have.
Before you judge someone when you don’t even know them, remember to be more graceful. Look beyond those torn jeans and dirty shirt, and there could be a person who is kind and amazing. But you never would have gotten to know them if you had simply judged them and rejected them.
Instead of criticism, try encouragement. Sometimes, that’s all a person needs. It will raise their self-esteem and they will feel better and do better. This applies to you working in an office environment and also when you are with your friends. Always point out the good in people.
It’s easy to see things from your own perspective and quickly forget that the other person has a perspective as well. When you’re looking to be kind to another person, first put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself how you would want to be treated. Then, treat them accordingly.
The last time that someone was kind to you, how did you feel? Good? Comforted? Supported? Well, yeah. Now think about how you can take that feeling and give it to someone else. That alone should be encouragement enough to spread kindness.
We all have that one friend that we used to call when we needed someone to talk to. Maybe it was when we lost our job, or were just having a bad day. But often, friendships fade over time and now it’s been a while since you’ve talked to them.
Remember how much that person meant to you, and give them a call to remind them of how they got you through a hard time. Thank them, and then ask them how they are. Be willing to be a listening ear if they’re struggling and need someone to talk to, just like they did for you.
It doesn’t matter if you leave it on someone’s car windshield or on your kitchen table for your spouse to find. Just leave one.
Sometimes the most beautiful feeling is giving to others when they least expect it. Compliment someone on something specific about them or just tell them to have a nice day! You’d be surprised at the lasting impact that such a small gesture can have on someone’s life, and it only takes a couple minutes to do.
When a loved one needs a shoulder to cry on or needs to vent, take time to just be there. Give them 100% of your attention without thinking about something else or the next thing on your to do list. Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear.
Is someone trying to merge in front of you while driving? Let them over without laying on the horn. Let someone skip ahead of you in line if they are in a hurry or hold the door for someone as they walk through the door.
Taking a few moments to be humble and put someone else first will surely brighten their day, and make you feel great about it, too!
If someone in your life is going through a difficult time, send them an inspiring gift. You could send them flowers, or maybe even an inspirational book. You may also want to share with them a movie which relates to their situation that could help them.
Or, even better, grab your keys, get to their house, and take them out!
Is your friend moving or planning a house party? Offer to help them with whatever they need. Helping a friend in a practical way goes a long way and will always be appreciated.
Whatever happened to the days when new parents were showered with home-cooked meals or new neighbors got freshly-baked pies? There’s no reason such displays of kindness have to be left in the past.
When a friend of yours is talking about their day, point out the good that they have done. Appreciate the fact that they helped someone cross the road or helped an older person carry their grocery bags out to the car. People are often unaware of how kind they are being to others and need a gentle reminder of how awesome they are. This motivates them to do more.
Tell someone you love that you really, really do. This is a mixture of being grateful and kind and ensures that the other person knows that you don’t take them for granted. It is the most beautiful feeling in the world. Go out on a date like you used to back in college. Make your loved ones truly feel loved.
When someone is kind to you, it shouldn’t mean that you simply appreciate it and forget it. Instead, pay it forward. If someone smiled at you in the morning, you should smile at someone else in the evening. You never know how much something as simple as a smile can brighten someone’s day, so let the kindness of another person inspire you to keep paying it forward.
It is much more difficult to be kind to yourself than to someone else. But when you work to be kind to others, you will naturally become kinder to yourself. This allows for you to be a more positive and driven person. It also ensures that you are happy with everything you have in your life.
Life is short and when we’re gone, nothing will remain but how people remember us. Start being kind today and soon you’ll realize good in your life.
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