Kindness—looking out and looking in
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” —Mark Twain
Hello friends,
Do you ever grow weary of the news reports that highlight the cruelness we humans inflict on one another?
I’ve started an intentional search each day for reports on how people show kindness to one another. You can find them online, in books, shopping, or even in traffic (yes, I’ve seen kindness while driving).
I often wonder what one person, me, can do to change the world or make the slightest difference. Actually, we can do a lot and probably more than we realize.
Here are a few actions that may lighten up the day of those you encounter. Imagine what would happen if we collectively sprinkled the world with doses of kindness.
If you’re looking for more happiness in your life, kindness may be a good place to start. Over 126 research studies revealed that “people who were kind tended to have higher well-being.” While expressing kind to others impacts your well-being and happiness, don’t underestimate the power of being kind to yourself.
Looking Out
Smile.
Write an encouraging note to a friend, your mom, the mail carrier.
Wave to a neighbor and say hello.
Pick up a piece of litter.
Let someone take that prime parking spot.
Looking In
Take a nap.
Buy yourself flowers.
Watch the sunset.
Have coffee with a friend.
Read a book.
See how easy it is to add a little more kindness to your world. How will you try a little kindness today?
More thoughts on kindness in this post.
I follow Action for Happiness, “a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society,” and use their calendar with daily actions to be kinder to myself and others.
Glen Campbell reminds me to “try a little kindness.”
Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution. —Khalil Gibran
Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness. —Leo Tolstoy
Be and become your best today and every day.
With gratitude,
Kathryn
Thanks for reading. Feel free to hit the little heart, leave some kind thoughts, or forward to someone who would enjoy a few words of inspiration.
If a friend forwarded this email to you, you can subscribe to receive my weekly newsletter in your inbox.