Perché si dovrebbe sempre scegliere la gentilezza e 10 semplici modi per farlo
Perché scegliere la gentilezza in un'epoca in cui il mondo sembra andare a rotoli? Proprio per questi motivi!
Scegliere di compiere atti di gentilezza casuali può non significare molto nel grande schema delle cose, ma per una persona può significare tutto.
Personalmente, anche nei giorni in cui mi sento perplesso e incompreso, scelgo la gentilezza. Dall'esterno può sembrare una sciocchezza, ma per me questi piccoli atti mi aiutano a mettere le cose in prospettiva.
Pensate all'ultima volta che avete fatto qualcosa di bello per un altro essere umano. Come vi siete sentiti?
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?
Scegliere la gentilezza e guidare dal cuore
One of my absolute favorite sayings on kindness goes a little something like this – “When in doubt, scegliere la gentilezza.”
È una cosa che voglio inculcare ai miei figli un giorno. Sappiamo tutti quanto il mondo possa essere brutale. È ovvio che tutti noi ci troviamo in situazioni che ci mettono alla prova in più modi.
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 scegliere la gentilezza quando ci si trova in una situazione di incertezza. Sostegno anti-bullismo. Choose to react supportively. Aim to see things from others’ points of view.
Le azioni gentili hanno questa capacità trascendentale che permette di migliorare non solo il proprio benessere, ma anche di avere un impatto su qualcun altro.
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 Piccoli ma significativi Atti di gentilezza
Offrite il vostro aiuto a una persona disabile
Quante volte vi capita di vedere un individuo che fatica a spingere la propria sedia a rotelle? O una persona anziana incapace di portare la spesa senza che nessuno in vista si offra di aiutarla?
Tu può essere quella persona. Potete scegliere la gentilezza, avvicinarvi a loro e offrire gentilmente assistenza senza chiedere nulla in cambio.
Non potete capire quanto questo piccolo atto di gentilezza significhi per loro e non vi costi assolutamente nulla. Soprattutto durante la crisi del COVID.
Sapete che tutti guardano solo a se stessi, quindi perché non essere la persona più grande e scegliere di aiutare qualcuno che ha veramente bisogno?
Offrite una tazza di caffè al vostro collega mentre andate al lavoro.
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.
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Telefonate a qualcuno che sapete essere solo
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.
Le parole gentili non passano mai di moda, soprattutto quando arrivano a sorpresa. Questo può essere il vostro personale progetto di gentilezza.
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!
Tenere la porta aperta a un estraneo (o a chiunque altro!)
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.
Fare la spesa settimanale per la famiglia
Ho già detto quanto siano utili gli atti di gentilezza? Non solo rilasciano ossitocina (che è nota per abbassare la pressione sanguigna), ma aiutano anche molto la vostra autostima!
Quindi prendete la vostra borsa, andate al supermercato e prendete tutto l'essenziale per la settimana (o due, se preferite).
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.
Personalmente ho sempre avuto un rapporto di amore-odio con i miei capelli, anche se ultimamente hanno iniziato a piacermi (capito?).
Quindi, se oggi qualcuno mi dicesse quanto è bello, mi sentirei sicuramente bene con me stesso. Provate qualche volta.
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Sorridere anche quando si ha voglia di aggrottare le sopracciglia
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.
Accigliarsi è facile. Ma mantenere la calma e trovare un barlume di speranza in una situazione difficile è un po' più complesso.
Quindi scegliete di sorridere. Anche quando la vostra migliore amica vi abbandona e volete solo tenere il broncio. Anche quando il vostro partner vi fa arrabbiare e vi rovina la giornata.
Scegliete di trovare qualcos'altro per tenervi su il morale. Invece di aggrottare le sopracciglia, mettete un sorriso sul vostro volto, perché non sapete mai quanto un estraneo per strada potrebbe trarne beneficio.
Essere empatici
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.
Le persone hanno il diritto di affrontare le loro questioni personali senza doverle spiegare. In quei momenti, attivate la vostra empatia e siate gentili.
Considerate le loro condizioni e comprendete la loro posizione. Quando avete voglia di urlare, scegliete semplicemente la gentilezza. Alla fine sarà ripagata.
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.
La vostra reazione immediata raramente è quella giusta. Fate un respiro profondo, fate un passo indietro e rivalutate la situazione. Questa persona sta davvero cercando di ferirvi o ha ragione?
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.
Insegnate ai vostri figli a essere sempre gentili e compassionevoli.
Il mio più grande obiettivo nella vita è quello di crescere bambini gentili, compassionevoli e attenti, che trattino tutti con rispetto e dignità.
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.
Prima di lasciarvi sopraffare dalle emozioni, contate fino a tre e aspettate prima di reagire istintivamente. Ognuno di noi sta facendo del suo meglio. Essere gentili non costa nulla, ma significa molto.
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 qualsiasi cosa è possibile.
Vedi anche: 8 segni che sei una persona che si accontenta delle persone e come smettere di esserlo
Una raccolta delle più stimolanti citazioni sulla gentilezza
Ogni volta che mi sento giù, ricorro ad un'ispirazione scegliere la gentilezza per cambiare la mia prospettiva. Mi aiuta a riconoscere che le mie difficoltà non sono nulla rispetto a ciò che alcuni affrontano quotidianamente.
E speriamo che queste citazioni lascino un profondo impatto su di voi come lo hanno lasciato a 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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Scegliere la gentilezza. Scegliete di essere la persona più grande anche quando le circostanze sono contro di voi.
È probabile che le persone dimentichino ciò che avete detto e ciò che avete fatto. Ma non dimenticheranno mai e poi mai come li avete fatti sentire. Non si può mai conoscere la lotta interiore che qualcuno sta vivendo.
Per questo motivo, è necessario agire sempre con il cuore e resistere all'impulso di comportarsi in modo scortese. Non vi costerà nulla, ma potrebbe significare molto per un perfetto sconosciuto.
