“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
Amelia Earhart
Did you know that November 13th is World Kindness Day? I think I speak for everyone when I say the world could use a little more kindness lately. We’re bombarded with terrible images in the news, the impacts of COVID, climate change and even the US election.
Truth be told I find it difficult and anxiety-inducing to even listen to the news. As much as I want to be aware of current issues, sometimes it’s just better to bury my head in the sand.
There is certainly a distinct lack of kindness circulating the world right now. So it’s up to us to help spread a little joy among the darkness.
Why do we need kindness?
Kindness in its simplest form makes the world a better place. How many times has someone said or done something nice for you, and left you feeling gratitude towards them? It makes you feel like there’s some goodness in the world and can even encourage you to go out and do some good of your own.
Of course, we can’t forget about ourselves in all of this. In order to stand true to kindness, we also need to be kind to ourselves, no matter how difficult a task it may seem.
Check out last years post for more information on kindness.
10 Simple Reasons To Be Kind.
1. Being kind to others makes you (and them) feel good.
Kindness not only makes other people feel good but it also makes us feel good. In fact, there’s scientific evidence to suggest that the psychological benefits of kindness reflected in the circuitry of our brains. When we’re kind to others we create and nurture neural pathways that enhance our feel-good endorphins.
What some proof?
A study by the Department of Psychology of Tohoku Gakuin University, Japan, looked into the relationship between happiness and kindness.
Their results showed that happy people had a higher score on their motivation to perform kind behaviours. Furthermore, happy people have more happy memories in daily life.
Who would have thought that happiness was increased by carrying out acts of kindness?
2. Kindness causes a positive spiral.
Kindness is contagious. By being kind to others you could be starting a cycle of positivity! By performing acts of kindness, it encourages others to do the same.
To put it simply, by being kind we’re helping to make the world a nicer place.
3. It’s Free!
For the most part, you don’t have to spend anything to be kind. Sure, you can buy someone a coffee or a bunch of flowers, but there are simpler ways to spread joy.
Need some inspiration?
- Hold open the door.
- Help a friend move house!
- Give someone directions.
- Write a love note to your spouse, partner, kids, roommate or parents.
- Why not cuddle with your pets? Because our pets are people too!
- Spend some time with your grandparents or parents. Failing that, why not visit an old people’s home and spend some time with them?
- Compliment someone. Feeling bold? Compliment a stranger.
It really doesn’t cost much (or anything) to be kind.
4. Being kind can make a huge difference to someone’s day.
You never know the impact you’re having on someone’s day. Maybe they’ve had an awful morning and feel like nothing’s going right, or perhaps they’ve just received some devastating news. We can’t possibly know exactly what people are going through in their personal lives, therefore it’s always important to think before we speak.
So, when you hold the door for an old lady you could be reviving her faith in humanity. When you’re nice to a customer service assistant, you could be the one ray of sunshine among a host of rude patrons.
Always choose kindness, no matter how little an impact you think it’ll make.
Have you ever tried chatting for charity? Check out this great post by The Good Thing Is Though all about how you can get involved in helping people over the phone.
5. Kindness helps open up your mind.
Being kind to others shows empathy. It helps us listen to others and discover new perspectives on the world. We’re better able to exercise compassion towards others even though we might not necessarily understand their situations.
6. Many friendships are built on kindness.
How many friendships begin by befriending someone in the playground or budding up with the new addition to the office? Some of my longest-lasting and meaningful friendships have been built on the foundation of unconditional kindness and love.
I’ve even found that when I do something nice for them I also feel good by default. It’s a win-win all round!
7. It’s a good habit to have!
Kindness and being kind to others is possibly one of the best ‘habits’ to have. It’s something that you’ll be respected for and, hopefully, your good efforts won’t go unrewarded. With that being said being kind to others is NEVER about the reward, but it’s a bonus!
8. The rule of three.
As someone who loosely follows the pagan sabbaths, I’ve always been a fan of the rule of three. This is built on the belief that whatever you put out into the world will come back to you threefold. If you spread kindness and empathy, you’ll receive it back by the bucket load. Likewise, if you spread hatred.
Or at least that’s the theory behind it.
9. Being kind to yourself helps with our own self-esteem.
Self-care and self-love go hand in hand. We wouldn’t speak to our friends with hatred and disdain, so why would we speak to ourselves that way? In order to build and maintain a healthy self-esteem we need to think about how we speak to and treat ourselves, as well as those around us.
10. Do we really need a reason?
Nope!
This is really Lovely post We absolutely right thanks sharing this article and need this one
Kindness is definitely something that spreads, in your life and that of others. A more positive attitude of kindness really does make life better.
I love everything you wrote here, kindness quotes are in itself so kind…my favorite would be “if you can be anything in this world, be kind.”
Kindness is a strength. It takes strength to extend it and strength to accept it.
We could really do with more kindness in this world. It’s free so why not. It can make a big difference to someone’s day.
We should find a reason to be kind at all times. It’s a beautiful thing to practice each day and at all times, in fact.
Lovely post. We absolutely don’t need a reason to be kind but the world definitely needs more of it right now! Kindness is contagious and can really change someone’s world xxx
What a nice and thoughtful post. Another reason, it makes you feel happier to be kind to others!
Yes! I am totally agree on these! Kindness is a such wonderful thing that God made to make someone smile and love.
People shouldn’t have any reasons to be kind. People should be kind no matter what their circumstances are. As a Hindu, I believe in karma. What goes around comes around. So if you give kindness you get kindness.
I know to myself that I’m kind somehow but it’s great to be reminded.
One of the hardest parts of quarantine for me is not being able t make people’s days anymore. I miss making cashiers feel heard and validated. It literally lit up their face. Thank you for spreading awareness! It’s so important!
Kindness is always a good thing. It should be practiced every day.
It’s sad that reasons as to why we should be kind need to be listed. 🙁
Just yesterday I was talking about how hope is the best way to invite and teach people the value of altruism and sweetness.
We should all be kind and share it around, like you say, do we even need a reason to be kind.
Being kind is so important.
There should be no reason to be kind to others or to ourselves coz kindness should be a default in our life. Kindness is rewarding, and never count how much you give, so that you will feel how much double or triple you will receive.
I love this, the world could definitely do with more kindness lately. It costs nothing to be kind and really does make the world of difference!
This is such an important reminder for everyone! I love how you are spreading positivity like this!
It’s totally free and so easy to do and yet it’s so hard for some people to do. And I’ll just keep on wondering why. 🙁
Oh, yes. We should always find a reason to be kind. It’s a practice that we should all strive to do each day.
Kindness is something we should all practice. It’s free and benefits every single one of us.
These are great reasons. Thanks for sharing!
These are good reasons. And I think there are no reasons not to be kind!
When I started to read your article I was thinking… you don’t need a reason to be kind, you should do it from your instinct. And then I got to the 10th point. So yes, I agree, there shouldn’t be a reason for kindness, just do it.
I do not need a reason to be kind, but all of your reasons are very good and legit. thanks for the kindness spread!
Yes there several reasons to be kind that is what is important.
Yes! I love everything about this. Kindness matters and it makes a hige difference.
This is a wonderful post to remind us to be kind. It is so easy to get caught up in the negativity around us. But just a simple polite phrase or comment to someone might change their whole day. Such a great share.
Kindness always wins! We don’t need a reason, just do it. Love this!
I love this! This year has been insane and it has left SO many people struggling with anxiety and negativity. Why feed into that when we have the power to spread joy and it’s FREE! That sounds like a no brainer to me.
What a great message. Being kind is free and can brighten someone’s day so much.
Anyone has their own kindness in a way. So many reasons to be kind to one another. Be kind if you wanted to be treated the same. I love the reason i totally agree. I enjoyed reading your post! Gives positivity!
Kindness stems from love and it is love that makes the world go around so be kind.
Let’s all be kind to one another! This list is really nice and inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
So many great reasons to be kind, it’s fulfilling to be known for it.
Kindness is not a weakness and it is great to see this list of reasons to be kind.
I agree with all of these and I believe that kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give. Awesome post!
These are all excellent reasons! I think you can change someone’s day completely, just by one act of kindness.
Being kind always makes you feel good- and so it’s a win/win situation 🙂 I’ve recently started work as a medical receptionist and I always respond the best to the patient’s who are nice and kind, and don’t get annoyed when I don’t know exactly what I’m doing! Thank you for sharing these thoughts- kindness is something which we need to remember, especially during these times x
This post is such a wonderful reminder. Thanks for sharing.
I like spreading kindness. Right now the world needs it as I have seen people being angry at people who are spreading joy
There is so many reasons to be kind isn’t there? It really takes nothing and come back to you in the future. I love these top 5 reasons.
I fully agree with all the reasons you have listed. Kindness is easy and even in bad situations there is always a way to work kindness into the equation. Kelli a
I try to practice an act of kindness whenever I am in public. Even something as simple as holding thg the door for someone can make a difference if they are having a bad day.
Yup! It’s so much easier to be kind. There is so much negative in the world and I just don’t understand.
Speaking of kindness now seems an alien thing that’s why your doing it touches my heart. Beautiful thought!
IAs i am anxiously awaiting the final results of the election I am reminded that kindness really pays off and is so important. I try to be a good citizen and this supports that practice.
Like you said, it doesn’t cost anything to be kind and carry out a kind act on someone, this post is full of positivity! x
Lucy |
So important for everyone to read this as we all need a reminder of how important kindness is, thanks for writing it!
In a world where you can be anything. Be kind. Love like Jesus. It is what I live to be more like. Him.
My country has turned me into a pretty angry person, which is not good. Thank you for this reminder, definitely time to spread some kindness.