Porque é que deve escolher sempre a bondade e 10 formas simples de o fazer

Por que razão escolher a bondade nos dias de hoje, em que o mundo parece estar a desmoronar-se? Bem, precisamente por essas razões!

Optar por actos aleatórios de bondade pode não significar muito no grande esquema das coisas, mas para uma pessoa, pode significar tudo.

Para mim, pessoalmente, mesmo nos dias em que me sinto perplexa e incompreendida, escolho a bondade. Visto de fora, pode parecer um disparate, mas, para mim, estes pequenos actos ajudam-me a pôr as coisas em perspetiva.

Pense na última vez que fez algo de bom para outro ser humano de forma desinteressada. Como é que se sentiu?

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?

Escolher a bondade e liderar com o coração

One of my absolute favorite sayings on kindness goes a little something like this – “When in doubt, escolher a bondade.”

É algo que pretendo incutir nos meus filhos um dia. Todos nós sabemos como o mundo pode ser brutal. Escusado será dizer que todos nós nos encontramos em situações que nos põem à prova de várias maneiras.

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 escolher a bondade quando se encontra numa situação de incerteza. Apoiar anti-bullying. Choose to react supportively. Aim to see things from others’ points of view.

Os actos de bondade têm esta capacidade transcendental que lhe permite melhorar não só o seu próprio bem-estar, mas também ter um impacto em outra pessoa.

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.

Ver também: Relacionamento enredado: Definição, sinais e dicas para superá-lo

10 Pequenos mas significativos Actos de bondade

Ofereça a sua ajuda a uma pessoa com deficiência

Quantas vezes vê uma pessoa a esforçar-se para empurrar a sua cadeira de rodas? Ou um idoso incapaz de carregar as suas compras sem que ninguém à vista se ofereça para o ajudar?

Você pode ser essa pessoa. Pode escolher a bondade, aproximar-se deles e oferecer-lhes ajuda sem pedir nada em troca.

Não consegue compreender o quanto este pequeno ato de bondade significará para eles, sem lhe custar absolutamente nada. Especialmente durante toda a crise da COVID.

Sabe que toda a gente só olha para si própria, por isso, porque não ser a pessoa mais importante e optar por ajudar alguém verdadeiramente necessitado?

Oferecer uma chávena de café ao seu colega de trabalho a caminho do trabalho

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.

Ver também: O meu ex já anda a sair com outra pessoa e isso magoa - é por isso

Telefonar a alguém que sabe que está sozinho

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.

As palavras simpáticas nunca passam de moda, especialmente quando são uma surpresa. Este pode ser o seu próprio projeto pessoal de bondade.

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!

Abrir a porta a um estranho (ou a qualquer pessoa!)

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.

Fazer as compras semanais para a sua família

Já mencionei como os actos de bondade são bons para si? Não só libertam oxitocina (que é conhecida por baixar a tensão arterial), como também ajudam muito a sua autoestima!

Por isso, pegue na sua mala, vá ao supermercado e compre tudo o que é essencial para a semana (ou duas, se preferir).

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.

Pessoalmente, sempre tive uma relação de amor-ódio com o meu cabelo, embora ultimamente ele tenha começado a crescer em mim. (Percebem?)

Por isso, se alguém me dissesse hoje como fica bem, eu sentir-me-ia muito bem comigo próprio. Experimente um dia destes.

Ver também: Como deixar de procurar a validação dos outros para começar a prosperar

Sorrir mesmo quando lhe apetece franzir a testa

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.

Franzir o sobrolho é fácil. Mas manter a compostura e encontrar uma réstia de esperança numa situação terrível é um pouco mais complexo.

Por isso, escolhe sorrir. Mesmo quando o seu melhor amigo o deixa e tudo o que lhe apetece é fazer beicinho. Mesmo quando o seu parceiro o chateia e lhe estraga o dia.

Opte por encontrar outra coisa para manter o seu espírito elevado. Em vez de franzir o sobrolho, ponha um sorriso no rosto, porque nunca se sabe o quanto um estranho qualquer na rua pode beneficiar com isso.

Ser empático

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.

As pessoas têm o direito de falar das suas coisas pessoais sem terem de as explicar. Nesses momentos, active a sua empatia e seja gentil.

Considere as suas circunstâncias e compreenda a sua posição. Quando tiver vontade de gritar, escolha simplesmente a bondade. Acabará por compensar.

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.

A sua reação imediata raramente é a mais correcta. Respire fundo, dê um passo atrás e reavalie a situação. Essa pessoa está realmente a tentar magoá-lo ou tem alguma razão?

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.

Ensine os seus filhos a serem sempre bondosos e compassivos

O meu maior objetivo na vida é criar filhos bondosos, compassivos e atentos que tratem toda a gente com respeito e dignidade.

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.

Antes de se deixar dominar pelas suas emoções, conte até três e espere antes de reagir instintivamente. Todos nós estamos apenas a fazer o melhor que podemos. Ser gentil não custa nada, mas significa muito.

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 qualquer coisa é possível.

Ver também: 8 sinais de que você agrada as pessoas e como deixar de ser um

Uma compilação das citações mais inspiradoras sobre a bondade

Sempre que me sinto em baixo, recorro a um livro de inspiração escolha a bondade citação para mudar a minha perspetiva. Ajuda-me a reconhecer que as minhas dificuldades não são nada comparadas com o que alguns passam diariamente. 

E esperamos que estas citações tenham um impacto profundo em si, tal como tiveram em mim.

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 

Ver também: Desafio de 30 dias para o amor-próprio: torne-se a melhor versão de si mesmo

Escolher a bondade. Escolha ser a pessoa mais importante, mesmo quando as circunstâncias estão contra si.

É provável que as pessoas se esqueçam do que disse e do que fez. Mas nunca, jamais, esquecerão como as fez sentir. Nunca se sabe a luta interior que alguém está a travar.

Por isso, fale sempre com o coração e resista ao impulso de agir com indelicadeza. Na verdade, não lhe custará nada, mas pode significar muito para um perfeito desconhecido.