Why should you choose kindness in this day and age when the world is seemingly falling apart? Well, precisely for those reasons!
Choosing to engage in random acts of kindness may not mean a lot in the great scheme of things, but for one person, it may mean everything.
For me personally, even on those days when I feel perplexed and misunderstood, I choose kindness. From the outside, it may appear silly, but for me, these small acts help me put things into perspective.
Think about the last time you selflessly did something nice for another human being. How did it make you feel?
In my experience, it helps with personal growth and it’s always reassuring knowing that you may have helped someone who was having a bad day. And doesn’t that count for something?
Choosing Kindness & Leading From The Heart
One of my absolute favorite sayings on kindness goes a little something like this – “When in doubt, choose kindness.”
This is something I aim to instill in my children one day. We all know how brutal the world can be. It goes without saying that we all find ourselves in situations that test us in more ways than one.
So I choose to respond with kindness. It’s so important to be courageous in standing up for what you whole-heartedly believe is right.
It’s vital to be able to choose kindness when you find yourself in an uncertain situation. Support anti-bullying. Choose to react supportively. Aim to see things from others’ points of view.
Kind acts have this transcendental ability that allows you to improve not only your own well-being but also make an impact on someone else.
I am far from perfect though. I’ve been known to have a short fuse on more than one occasion. There have been countless instances where I let my initial reaction get the better of me.
But I’ve been trying to change. And to me, that’s the brave first step. I’m not saying I’m going to get a kindness bumper sticker and parade it around town, that’s not the point.
Kindness is a small act that shouldn’t be broadcast. It’s opening your eyes and choosing to see someone’s pain. It’s holding the door open for a stranger behind you on your commute.
It’s not about bragging and hoping to get something in return. It’s about consciously leading from the heart at all times.
So how can you engage in kindness activities and make sure you leave a lasting impact on someone else’s life as well as your own? Here’s how you can start.
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10 Small But Significant Acts Of Kindness
Offer your help to a disabled person
How often do you see an individual clearly struggling to push their wheelchair? Or an elderly person unable to carry their groceries with no one in sight offering to help?
You can be that person. You can choose kindness, walk over to them, and kindly offer assistance without seeking anything in return.
You cannot comprehend how much this small act of kindness will mean to them while costing you absolutely nothing. Especially during the whole COVID crisis.
You know that everybody is only looking out for themselves, so why not be the bigger person and choose to help someone truly in need?
Buy your co-worker a cup of coffee on your way to work
Think about it. How amazing would it be if your favorite co-worker walked into work right now with a huge coffee-to-go exactly the way you like it? Wouldn’t that be something?
And honestly, it’s truly not that big of a deal. But the thought behind it is truly inspiring. It’s the little things like that making a difference.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be coffee! You probably know your colleagues’ preferences (at least those you’re close with, right?)
That’s the point. Get them something you know they like and trust me it won’t go unnoticed. People appreciate kind gestures such as this more than you may think.
See also: My Ex Is Dating Someone Else Already And It Hurts – This Is Why
Give someone who you know is lonely a call
It may be an old friend you kind of fell out of touch with, or a neighbor that you know doesn’t have anyone in her life. It can also be someone from your own family life.
Kind words never go out of style, especially when they come as a surprise. This can be like your own personal kindness project.
Think about everyone you know who might feel particularly isolated and lonely these days and give them a call. It’ll bring a huge smile to their face and make them feel loved.
We all just want to feel seen and heard. And not only will you make this person’s day, but you’ll feel ten times better as well!
Hold the door open for a stranger (or anyone!)
We’ve ALL been there. Walking in a rush down the street with a person in front seemingly going to the same location.
You might think to yourself: “Awesome! I might just walk up and introduce myself!” and then regret it instantly after they slam the door in your face and leave you baffled.
It happens. People are just wired that way. But you don’t have to be. Be mindful of the person behind you. If you notice them going to the same place, hold the door open.
It’s a small, yet appreciated gesture that will make you both feel good.
Do the weekly shopping for your family
Have I mentioned how good acts of kindness actually are for you? Not only do they release oxytocin (which is known to lower your blood pressure), but they also greatly help your self-esteem!
So go get your bag, go to the supermarket and get all of the essentials for the week (or two, if you prefer).
Your family will be pleased to have raised such a kind person, and you’ll know that your mom can check one errand off her list.
To me, that’s priceless. You see, being kind isn’t just about strangers…it extends to your family as well. And boy does it feel refreshing.
Compliment your partner (or any loved one) on something they’re self-conscious about
We all have something that makes us feel not so hot. For some, it’s a facial feature they feel is too big/small or a part of their body they’ve always hated.
So use that to pay them a compliment. Tell your partner how amazing they look, particularly the thing they’re not so crazy about. Increase their self-esteem and watch them blush.
I personally have always had a love-hate relationship with my hair although lately, it has started to grow on me. (Get it?)
So if someone today told me how good it looks, I would damn sure feel good about myself. Try it sometime.
See also: How To Stop Seeking Validation From Others To Start Flourishing
Smile even when you feel like frowning
This might sound a bit odd, but trust me, it works. You can train your mind to start smiling more often by first making yourself, and after a while, you’ll notice it’s become a habit.
Frowning is easy. But keeping your composure and finding a glimmer of hope in a dire situation is a bit more complex.
So choose to smile. Even when your best friend flakes on you and all you want to do is pout. Even when your partner pisses you off and ruins your day.
Choose to find something else to keep your spirits up. Instead of frowning, put a smile on your face because you never know how much a random stranger on the street might benefit from it.
Be empathetic
Try to be more mindful of people, their actions, and their point of view. Whenever you sense that your anger is getting the better of you, stop yourself and think about the situation you’re in.
Ask yourself what this person is currently going through and how that particular thing might affect their behavior. Recognize that sometimes your frustration simply isn’t warranted.
People have the right to go through their personal stuff without having to explain it. In those times, activate your empathy and be kind.
Consider their circumstances and understand their position. When you feel like yelling, simply choose kindness. It will pay off in the end.
Press pause when you feel you might say something you’ll regret
There will be an array of situations when you’ll be on the verge of letting your anger out. Someone might accidentally bump into you on your way to work or give you harsh criticism you don’t think is fair.
And in those moments, you’ll feel a strong urge to break away from your kindness campaign and release your anger onto them. Don’t.
Your instant reaction is rarely the right one. Take a deep breath, take a step back, and reevaluate the situation. Is this person truly trying to hurt you or do they have a point?
I’m certain that you’ll realize it’s in no way personal. Things happen, people say things, and it can get misconstrued. But before you get mad, be sure to look at the whole picture.
Teach your children to always be kind and compassionate
My biggest goal in life is raising kind, compassionate and mindful children who will treat everyone with respect and dignity.
I want to instill in them the values I hold so dear to my heart. And it’s all quite simple. Whenever you’re feeling uncertain – choose kindness.
Before you let your emotions overpower you, count to three and wait before reacting instinctively. We are all just doing the best that we can. Being kind costs nothing yet means a great deal.
Every person of every race, age, gender, and background deserves to be treated the same. Nobody has it all figured out, but with an open mind and a kind heart – almost anything is possible.
See also: 8 Signs You’re A People Pleaser And How To Stop Being One
A Compilation Of The Most Inspiring Kindness Quotes
Whenever I feel down, I resort to an inspirational choose kindness quote to shift my perspective. It helps me recognize that my hardships are nothing compared to what some go through daily.
And hopefully, these quotes will leave a profound impact on you the way they did on me.
1. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
2. “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” – Harold S. Kushner
3. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana
4. “Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.” – Andrew Iskander
5. “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
6. “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis
7. “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
8. “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” – Publius Syrus
9. “Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” – Eric Hoffer
10. “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
11. “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan
12. “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman
13. “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart
14. “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
15. “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey
16. “Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.” – Henry Van Dyke
17. “Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin
18. “A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.” – John Ruskin
19. “The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.” – Sarah Fielding
20. “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” – Albert Schweitzer
21. “Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” – Kahlil Gibran
22. Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu
23. “Kindness is the sunshine in which virtue grows.” – Robert Green Ingersoll
24. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
25. “Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.” – Theodore Isaac Rubin
26. “Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world, no matter what you look like.” – Anonymous
27. “Kindness is always fashionable, and always welcome.” – Amelia Barr
28. “Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They’re underused.” – Tommy Lee Jones
29. “I’ve been searching for ways to heal myself, and I’ve found that kindness is the best way.” – Lady Gaga
30. “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” – Henry James
31. “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” – Roy T. Bennett
32. “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
33. “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
34. “Help others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return.” – Roy T. Bennett
35. “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” – Nelson Mandela
36. “How would your life be different if…You stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day…You look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.” – Steve Marabol
37. “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” – R.J. Palacio
38. “Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” – Kahlil Gibran
39. “I don’t care if you’re black, white, straight, bisexual, gay, lesbian, short, tall, fat, skinny, rich or poor. If you’re nice to me, I’ll be nice to you. Simple as that.” – Robert Michaels
40. “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao-Tzu
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Choose kindness. Choose to be the bigger person even when the circumstances are against you.
People are likely to forget what you said and what you did. But they will never, ever forget how you made them feel. You never know the inner fight someone is going through.
So always lead from the heart and resist the urge to act unkindly. It will truly cost you nothing, yet it could mean a great deal to a perfect stranger.
