Be kind to the ones you love, be kind to strangers, be kind to yourself. When things are hard, sometimes we find ourselves taking things out on those we love, partly because we know they will forgive us, partly because they are there, but we must always seek to be kind regardless of circumstances. On the flip-side, it is often easier to be kind and compassionate towards others, but hard to be so to oneself. By finding ways to exercise kindness daily, you will not only contribute to the well-being of others, but you will also benefit from the act itself.

Kindness in the everyday

Finding ways to be kind can be a challenge if you are not in the habit. Start with a small goal of being kind to someone else each day. You can say thank you to the person that held the door for you, you can tell a co-worker you appreciate all that they do to keep things running smoothly in the office, you can ask the barista how their day is going when grabbing your cup of coffee, you can tell your spouse you love the way they make you feel when you see them after a long day at work. If you haven’t connected with someone in a while, send them a letter or pick up the phone and see how they are doing. Make a meal for someone or offer to watch their kids for a night if they need to have a break. There are countless ways in which you can be kind towards others.

Volunteering

Another way to be kind to others is by volunteering. You can give your time, skills or money to spread kindness in your community. Giving back boosts happiness and a sense of well-being. Cities with high volunteerism rates experience a more engaged society that reports feeling happier and is tied to their community. People who volunteer often feel pride and a sense of identity. Most cities have organizations that need volunteers and you can also check with organizations you are interested in and offer your services.

Looking in the mirror

When it comes to yourself, take a moment every day to be kind to yourself. Recognize what you accomplished in the day, forgive yourself if you didn’t do or say what you wanted to, take good care of your body, give yourself positive self-talk to override the negative voice that creeps in from time-to-time, and advocate for your needs.

If you struggle being compassionate to yourself, put yourself in someone else’s shoes – if your best friend was going through your problems, what would you say to support them? We can usually be nicer to others much more easily, so until you build the practice of being kind to yourself, you can “pretend” that you are someone else. By making yourself a priority in your own kindness, others will start to value you more.

What’s behind these acts?

Kindness is about acceptance and growth. By being kind to our loved ones, we are expressing how we feel about them. We are acknowledging that we need to support one another, and that we are better together. Kindness towards a stranger builds community. You can make someone’s day by a simple gesture like smiling at them. Bringing a smile to someone’s face might be what they needed to get through that day. Being kind typically doesn’t require much beyond a willingness to be kind. It is about being friendly and considerate. Caring for others can only lead to good. People struggle with kindness because it requires strength and courage. In modern times, with the hustle and bustle we often forget that kindness is essential to our well-being, both as individuals and as a society.

What random acts of kindness have you done recently?

Listen to someone when they need someone to confide in. Offer your help to someone who needs an extra pair of hands. Ask someone how their day is going. Smile. Give a few minutes of your day to others and take a few minutes for yourself. Being a good person makes you feel good, and that works even when you are good to yourself. If you read between the lines, you probably noticed that being kind is about communicating with others. It’s about recognizing the little things. And ultimately, it is about respect. Respect for yourself and others as human beings, regardless of our differences. Being kind promotes well-being in others and yourself, an added bonus is that it builds self-esteem too. Kindness leads to happiness, and the best part is that it’s contagious!

IMAGE CREDITS: Unsplash | Matt Collamer.