As I was thinking about my dad this Father’s Day weekend, I recalled something he often said when I was growing up. “Kindness costs nothing.” It’s a simple phrase—yet a phrase that makes you wonder why kindness appears to be such a rare commodity these days.
One of the nicest compliments I’ve received in the weeks leading up to my retirement is “Michelle is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.” It seems my dad taught me well. Those words mean more to me than any money, title, or other accomplishment.
But what is kindness? And how can each of us sprinkle a little more of it into the increasingly selfish and cynical world we live in?
What is Kindness?
To me, kindness is about the little things we can all do every day to make a difference in someone’s life. It’s about treating people the way we would like to be treated. Simply put, it comes down to respect and just being a decent human being. It really isn’t all that difficult.
That’s why I find it a little distressing that we need days like Global Pay It Forward Day or its cousin Random Acts of Kindness Day to remind us to do things that were once considered common courtesy.
Kindness is Good For Us
Research has shown that being kind increases our wellbeing. And the good news is, the simple things have the biggest impact. The American Psychological Association found that small acts of kindness were more strongly associated with overall wellbeing than more formal acts like volunteering or giving to charity.
In addition to making us and others feel good, the U.K. Mental Health Foundation reports kindness can reduce feelings of isolation and help us keep things in perspective. They also indicate that one act of kindness can lead to more when the recipient of a kind deed pays it forward to someone else.
It’s true that small acts of kindness multiply. When you show kindness to another person, they are more likely to be kind to someone else. Research by Dr. David Hamilton indicates that one single act of kindness can multiply to 125 people within 24 hours. That’s a whole lot of kindness from one simple act.
Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.
– Scott Adams
Sprinkle a Little Kindness in Your World
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we started a kindness revolution? This week, make a point of performing three acts of kindness. Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
- Take the time to listen to a co-worker and help them with something they’re struggling with.
- Write a handwritten note or card to let someone know you’re thinking about them.
- Invite a friend for lunch or a coffee.
- Bake a few extra cookies and give them to an elderly neighbour or relative.
- Say a sincere “thank you for the work you do” to the cashier at the supermarket, the person serving your coffee, the mail carrier, bus driver, or anyone serving you in any role.
For more ideas, check out this post from Perfect Manifesto, “55 Random Acts of Kindness You Can Start Doing”. It’s a terrific list of simple things that will make a difference in someone’s day.
And remember, according to Dr. Hamilton’s research, your three simple acts of kindness will ripple to 375 people. That’s my kind of math.
What are your ideas on simple ways to spread kindness in your world? Drop me a comment below and let me know.
Learn more about me in my bio and on my personal blog at BoomerEcoCrusader.com. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Congratulations on your retirement. 🙂
Thank you!
You’re welcome. 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful reminder and the realization that there is always room for much more! Reading through the attached list made me realize that I am sometimes kinder than I give myself credit for. And it spurred me on to write the thank you notes that I’ve been putting off for days. Writing them is not just an act of kindness to the recipients, but also to myself for getting around to it! 😊👏
Yes, I love that Julia. Handwritten notes are so special.
Beautiful write up, Michelle. There is that saying as well that says, “If you can be anything, be kind.”
Kindness definitely is rare these days that it gets reported on TV or featured on an article. I will take you up on your sprinkling a little kindness. 🙂
Thank you Michaela. Yes, I love that quote. I think it was Maya Angelou who said that. Happy sprinkling!
It’s sad that we even have to explain how to interject kindness in our lives these days.
It really is, isn’t it? I often wonder how the world got to the state it’s in. Many people blame the pandemic, but this was happening before 2020. I suppose all each of us can do is make our own world a kinder place and hope it takes off. Thanks for reading!
The pandemic didn’t help matters any although I would’ve thought that those of us who lived without actual human contact in our homes during that time would have been happy to resume being with others. It seemed to have the opposite effect with a lot of people. I continue to have hope although at times it’s difficult.
It is difficult. I was so happy to get back to being around other people after the pandemic restrictions, although I’ve definitely seen an increase in hardness and lack of civility. It’s so sad.
I’m realizing that it’s easier for some people to spread kindness than it is for others. My husband and I are polar opposites. He can chat up any random person he encounters. I’m more of an introvert & prefer to get my business done and move on. While I’m not unkind, I don’t go out of my way to interact with people in my day-to-day comings and goings. I’m trying to learn to force myself to acknowledge people I encounter and, if not speak to them, at least project a positive attitude towards them. No problem doing kind things for people that I know. But, random strangers, I struggle with that.
Kindness takes many forms, Gwen. My daugther is an introvert yet I consider her one of the kindest people I know. It all comes down to being respectful to others, I think.
Happy retirement! How exciting to be entering a new chapter! I will be thinking about the kindness ripples in that Scott Adams’ quote. Thank you for putting a spotlight on the importance of adding more kindness to our world.
A wonderful message 🌞
Thank you Dave!
I liked this post. The act of kindness is such a treasure we can do, and when I mest youth who are very kind and feel awkward because of that, I try to remind them of their gift to humanity. And such a wise father you have had that thought you that.
Thank you Parisa. It’s sad that young people don’t appreciate kindness in others. Hopefully, they will grow out of it with time.
They feel not appreciated when they are kind in our cynical society. So I remind them they got a gift. And yes it is sad that they do not see what a treasure they got.