Simple acts of kindness are slowly diminishing in all societies across the world. Without sounding like I'm knocking on 60 - back in the day if your burglar alarm went off - neighbours would look to see if you were okay or if your property was safe; or if your fire alarm was going off someone would be peeping through your window within minutes. Now they shake their heads and stomp around the house moaning about the noise, wondering how quickly you'll turn it off. I wonder how they'd feel if you were laying injured on your kitchen floor and they did nothing about it?
Acts of kindness go a long way with many people, it is one of the most forgiving things you can do. It is also supposedly good for your health, so being kind not only benefits those you are helping but will work in your favour too. According to scientific studies, some of the physiological benefits to random acts of kindness:
- Increased immune system
- Improved Cognitive Performance
- Increase in energy
- Lower heart rate
- Balanced cortisol levels which result in less internal stress
- More likely to live a longer and more satisfied life
- Decreased levels of stress hormones
- Lower blood pressure
- Diminished pain
I think a lot, if not all of these, could quite possibly be true. I always say it must take a lot more energy to be angry, moody, unkind and uncaring that it is to be the opposite. Because being kind is much more rewarding!
One lesson that all parents should teach their children (because believe it or not children should get taught at home foremost over school), is that being kind is a free act. And before someone tries to tell you it costs in time, you don't pay for your time that life rewards you, therefore giving it away is a choice, not a chore.
Whatever happened to holding the door open for someone? To helping the elderly across the road, or women with their bags, or letting someone cross in front of your car who is standing in the pouring rain? Whatever happened to just being nice, being kind. Doing honourable things for people without seeking reward or reciprocation?
I fully understand there are plenty of people who do not deserve anyone's kindness. But what could they have to argue with if you give them no option. Being kind to someone who does not know how to behave as such, will make them feel more uncomfortable by your actions than if you were to meet them with the same treatment as they give to you; because they thrive on negativity. If you respond negatively to someone who has been unkind to you, you have given them power over you. It may feel temporarily good at the time, but that kind of feeling doesn't last.
I pride myself on going through life being kind to others. It makes me proud to look back and genuinely say I have never been unkind to anyone. I have experienced some horrible treatment from various different people, some, who at times, I thought were my friends. If nothing else, that kind of experience is one which is hauntingly obvious as to why I simply could not act like that towards someone else; because I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of negative behaviour. Living through unkind experiences doesn't have to define your life today, tomorrow or the day after that.
Kindness is an attitude, therefore, it is a choice. You chose how to respond to a situation. As kindness comes in many forms, it doesn't always have to be "helping someone with their bags", it could be as simple as a smile - rather than a blank expression.
So embrace the strength of kindness. It has the power to change you and the people around you.
One lesson that all parents should teach their children (because believe it or not children should get taught at home foremost over school), is that being kind is a free act. And before someone tries to tell you it costs in time, you don't pay for your time that life rewards you, therefore giving it away is a choice, not a chore.
Whatever happened to holding the door open for someone? To helping the elderly across the road, or women with their bags, or letting someone cross in front of your car who is standing in the pouring rain? Whatever happened to just being nice, being kind. Doing honourable things for people without seeking reward or reciprocation?
I fully understand there are plenty of people who do not deserve anyone's kindness. But what could they have to argue with if you give them no option. Being kind to someone who does not know how to behave as such, will make them feel more uncomfortable by your actions than if you were to meet them with the same treatment as they give to you; because they thrive on negativity. If you respond negatively to someone who has been unkind to you, you have given them power over you. It may feel temporarily good at the time, but that kind of feeling doesn't last.
I pride myself on going through life being kind to others. It makes me proud to look back and genuinely say I have never been unkind to anyone. I have experienced some horrible treatment from various different people, some, who at times, I thought were my friends. If nothing else, that kind of experience is one which is hauntingly obvious as to why I simply could not act like that towards someone else; because I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of negative behaviour. Living through unkind experiences doesn't have to define your life today, tomorrow or the day after that.
Kindness is an attitude, therefore, it is a choice. You chose how to respond to a situation. As kindness comes in many forms, it doesn't always have to be "helping someone with their bags", it could be as simple as a smile - rather than a blank expression.
So embrace the strength of kindness. It has the power to change you and the people around you.
