Be Kind. Pass it On!

“Kindness is magical. It connects you to others, gives you a sense of purpose and reminds you what is important in difficult times.” Aging Beautifully by Margaret Manning

My 8 year old grandson asked me recently “Nana, why do you say hello and smile at everyone, even strangers”?. I told him that I am a friendly person and that it is a good way to spread kindness. I explained that you can make someone’s day a little brighter with your smile. He thought that was cool! (He is still at the age where he thinks I am so smart because I have lived so long).

Just last week, my daughter was stopped in Jesse’s school by another second grade teacher who wanted to compliment her on Jesse’s kindness. She noted, “Jesse went out of his way to help a kindergarten student in the hall who was having trouble carrying his books and project”. He walked the boy to his bus and helped him on. My daughter was thrilled but not surprised; he is very empathetic and caring.

How do we define kindness? According to the CEO of World Kindness USA, Michael Lloyd-White, kindness needs three characteristics to operate. Empathy or understanding of how another person may feel; compassion or connecting with your heart; and the courage to leave your comfort zone and dig a little deeper. Lloyd-White says if we all had a little more courage, the world would look a lot different from the way it looks today.

He also claims that kindness is now seen for what it is, no longer gender specific, benign or week and that kindness really shines when things are most dark.

My twin sister Jill was known for her acts of kindness and generosity. One specific instance comes to mind. It was the day before Thanksgiving. She was at the hair salon speaking to the new shampoo person named Farhut, a recent immigrant from Iran. He was lonely and homesick and had no plans for the holiday.

Jill invited him to celebrate with our family and he was overwhelmed with gratitude. He enjoyed the delicious feast, learned about this important American celebration, and told my sister she had given him the best day of his life! Her two daughters are carrying on her legacy of kindness!

Similarly, my son and I befriended a homeless man years ago in our town. I would make him sandwiches and my son would deliver them to the back of the mall where Elroy was living. I believe that my adult children and my grandson have continued this desire to perform acts of kindness.

However, I think we can all agree that the world needs a little more kindness, “but we are not setting up our future generations for success when we fill our world with negativity and divisiveness.” Mac Anderson, Founder of Inspire Kindness

Inspire Kindness is a lifestyle brand whose mission is to motivate daily goodness in individuals through inspiring stories and wearable messages. The online shop supports initiatives to educate and promote the power of kindness through the Kindness For Kids Foundation.

They will donate 10% of net profits from sales of the clothing, jewelry, home goods to this foundation , a public charity whose mission is to fund programs in elementary schools to teach students the power of kindness. (No more bullying?)

You can also become part of the change by joining the movement; you can sign up for free at Inspirekindness.com and receive weekly inspirational stories and ideas for being more intentional about acts of kindness. The goal is to bring people together.

If you need another reason, being kind is good for your health! There is a definite relationship between kindness and well being. The act of doing something for someone else releases endorphins and you experience the “helper’s high” which motivates you to do more acts of kindness and it is contagious. People who volunteer or help others have less depression, fewer aches and pains and are more prone to taking care of themselves physically.

Remember, every act of kindness creates a ripple with no end. We all have the power to engage, be involved and put kindness on the agenda. XOXO. Penny

Resources

World Kindness USA

The Kindness Advantage by Dr. Dale Atkins

Business wire.com. Inspire Kindness

Aging Beautifully cards by Margaret Manning