Kindness: It can be contagious

 

The dictionary defines kindness as the quality of being generous, considerate, and friendly. Kindness can be contagious, too, in a good way, of course. So be kind and let everyone catch the kindness bug. 

 

KIndness in practice 

During the pandemic, a stranger reached out to my mother. (It later came to light that the young woman lived in the block of apartments, opposite where my mother lived.)

As she watched my mother struggle with her bag of groceries, the young woman walked up to her and offered to carry the bag for her. Eventually, she began purchasing groceries for my mom and then brought them home to her.  

 A young man patiently explains the workings of her cell phone to a senior. The young man happens to be my son, and the senior a friend of mine. 

Kindness decoded

·       Kindness does not require grand gestures; instead, it emphasizes small acts of generosity woven into the fabric of our lives.

·       This beautiful virtue nurtures connection and empathy. Studies reveal that kindness releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

·       Kindness does not seek attention. It shows up in small gestures—helping a senior cross a busy road, simply being there for someone, holding a door open, giving your seat to a deserving passenger in a train or bus, or being patient when ordinarily you would veer towards irritation.

·       Kindness costs very little but offers so much. As humans, we are wired for connection, and kindness is the language of that connection. When we are helpful, compassionate, or empathetic, we remind each other that beneath our masks, we share a humanness that binds us.

·       Often, kindness requires courage. It compels you to stand up against injustice and not turn a blind eye to the wrongdoings around you. Here, kindness demands awareness and intention.

·       Kindness is a vital aspect of self-care. Treat yourself with acceptance, understanding, and compassion during difficult times. Be sure to forgive yourself and understand that everyone is given to imperfection.  

·       Practicing kindness creates a ripple effect. It impacts the recipient positively, who in turn may be kind to another, and so the cycle continues.  

 

The world today feels selfish and fragmented. Let us then choose to be kind and unite humanity through compassion and empathy, and make a difference.

 

“Throw kindness around like confetti.”

I'm participating in the Blogchatter A2Z challenge. 

Image credit: The cover of a diary belonging to yours truly.