Have you ever noticed the contagious nature
of kindness? When someone goes out of their way to show kindness just because, it makes you want to do
the same. It’s a beautiful domino effect that can shift an entire atmosphere
from negative to positive. Oftentimes, kindness seems to be short supply
these days.
Kindness is a rare gem, hidden among the impatient people we pass daily
in our lives. Be intentionally kind when you see someone who needs a little thoughtfulness.
When we are kind, we have more energy
and feel better about ourselves (and the world we live in). Here are some
simple ways to be kind.
1.
Acknowledge
Other People’s Presence: As
you fly by those people in your life that you may pass over and over again,
it’s a really kind thing to acknowledge their presence. It takes little effort,
and yet it goes a long way to acknowledge those people you pass on a regular
basis. They are out there in your community, doing their job as best they can.
Wave, nod, smile, say please and thank them, would you?
2.
Compliment
Someone: If we have nice thoughts about people, why not
tell them? It doesn’t take much time at all, and I promise it’s worth those few
seconds of discomfort when approaching someone with kind words. I wish more
people did this. If you are naturally shy, I understand your hesitancy. But may
I challenge you to step out of that safe place and go for it? It won’t be as
painful as you anticipate it to be.
I promise. And the payoff is totally worth it.
We all live in a world where kindness is so desperately needed. I’m still
working on all of these ways to be kind, especially on those bad days. I think
those are the days I need to invest more kindness into the world, because it
ultimately makes me feel more kind, and that’s always a win. It is certain
others will copy our kind gestures.
3.
Give
Eye Contact: This one is interesting to me because I rarely
see eyes anymore. I’m out and about, and no one looks at each other. We are all
drifters in our own little worlds that head into our phones or our business not
interested in what wonders are around us. What really fascinates me, are the
conversations I can have with people without them looking at me at all.
I’m always looking around me and spotting people
here and there going about their business without so much as a glance toward
other human beings in their path. Have you ever noticed when you do make eye
contact with someone else? Connection happens. We need more connection.
4.
Say
“Thank You”: What happened to manners? I know many of you
have them, and use them, but there are some rude people out there. A simple
thank you can have an enormous impact on a person don’t you think? I might as
well add “Please” to this task too. Any time you have a chance, say these words
and mean them. Appreciation goes a long way in this world. We need more of it.
I think
there are many people who do their jobs or live in their roles without the
gratitude they deserve. I’ve witnessed people walking away from others with no
mention of a thank you, and I’ve also seen many request or demand things with
no “please”. Why are we so intolerable these days? These words translate into
respect. We all deserve that, yes? Two words, they make a difference. Let’s all
use them more.
5.
Smile: Just
smile in every life situation throughout your day. You know how it feels when
someone smiles at you, right? Just think how many people you can show kindness
to with simply curving up your lips and showing your teeth. It’s infectious,
and in this simple act itself you are lighting up the world because what often
happens when you smile? Others smile too.
“Be kind and loving to each
other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32, ERV)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“25 Random Ways to Show Kindness”
b Allie Holcomb King
·
“5 Simple Ways to Show Kindness” by Christine Carter
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