Kindness Can Change the World

Doesn’t it fill your heart when you see a person being kind? 

In this chaotic and demanding world, instead of turning away, many people are stepping up to serve our most vulnerable. Looking back, during the Pandemic, we freely showed appreciation and celebrated the everyday heroes who worked on our behalf to take care of us. If the Pandemic taught us anything it’s the value of having and being good neighbours. It seems kindness not only helps us to get through when times are tough but it also revives our faith in humanity.

At one time it was thought that human beings were selfish but as scientists unlock more about the complex nature of being human, new conclusions are being reached. While we are very interested in our own survival and success, studies reveal that generosity is in our biology and our evolution.

Before our lives were disrupted by the Pandemic, we had a narrower focus on our own needs, our family’s needs and our next right moves toward feeling successful. Along came a major disruption that actually cracked people’s hearts wide open. There was more empathy in our world than ever and more generosity sprung from that empathy. Most people were just doing the right thing by helping others, however they could.

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” —Princess Diana

Dr. David Hamilton a physicist and kindness expert talks about the five side effects of kindness.

1.     It makes us happier as our brain releases chemicals that increase dopamine and we get a good feeling.
2.     Our hearts are healthier. That good feeling produces oxytocin in the brain and the body which increases nitric oxide, reducing blood pressure.
3.     Being kind slows aging; again oxytocin helps reduce inflammation in our cardio vascular system and slows aging.
4.     Being kind and generous makes our relationships better.
5.     Kindness is contagious. According to Dr. Hamilton it has a contagion factor of five; each act of kindness impacts five people.

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” —Scott Adams

We certainly can’t control world events; what we can control though is how we respond to world events. We were all impacted by a global event during the Pandemic. Perhaps you were quite content in your life in that unusual time or maybe you were feeling anxious or frustrated. Or maybe it was all of the above. Whatever you were feeling is just fine; it would stand to reason that our feelings were all over the place. So what does this have to do with kindness you may ask?

Well, when we’re feeling content and happy it’s an excellent opportunity to share some of that goodness with others through acts of kindness.When you feel anxious, a good way to shift that energy is…..you guessed it…by focusing your attention outward on acts of kindness for others. Let me say here that an act of kindness can be a smile, it can be listening to somebody, it can be monetary or it can be sharing your talent as in baking for someone, writing a card or a thoughtful email.

Given what we experienced during the Pandemic and the vulnerability we all feel to some degree in its wake, I don’t think there’s been a better opportunity in history to tap into the vision that each one of us can make a difference by being kind. 

I’d like to invite you to become a VIP member of The Secret Kindness Club, where we do acts of kindness every day for others and don’t tell anybody. No further action is required to become a member; initiation begins with your next act of kindness.

Here’s your first challenge:  Notice the next three people you encounter and say something kind to them. It can be wishing them a cheerful good day, complimenting them on something they’ve done or something they’re wearing. Notice their smile, thank them for something or acknowledge them by saying hello. Be courageous; make the first move and discover for yourself how your kind acts can help change the world. Welcome to the club!I started a private Facebook group called The Secret Kindness Club, where we can share our acts of kindness and be inspired by others. All you have to do is ask to join