"If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours." - Dolly Parton
"No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted..." - Aesop
Between the chaos around us and the chaos within us, the simple act of kindness seems to get lost. Sometimes we spend so much time wondering how we can help in the big picture, we forget the importance of small daily acts of kindness. We talk about helping the world but forget about helping our neighbors. It's the simplest acts of kindness, such as holding a door, saying hello, giving someone a ride or just asking someone if they need help, that make the biggest differences.
Opportunities to be kind are everywhere. Don't wait for the ultimate opportunity to be kind or for someone to be kind first. Practice unconditional random kindness. Kindness should never be a bargaining chip with strings attached. The greatest kindness comes from expecting nothing in return.
Every kindness matters no matter how big or small. Mother Theresa said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, feed just one." You may never know how much of an impact you have made or left through your kindness. Don't wait for better circumstances. Everyone is going through something. Just be kind.
Take a kindness challenge:
Every day for 21 days practice random acts of kindness. Hold a door, carry a bag, buy the person behind you a cup of coffee, let someone get in front of you in line or while driving. Can't find something kind to do? Just smile and say hello to the person next to you. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit.
I can't think of a better habit to have, than to be kind.
Diane Frankel-Gramelis - YSPH Student Wellness Counselor (non-clinical). Here to help students find practical ways to cope with stress, reduce anxiety and cultivate positive healthy habits.