Finding Kindness Within

Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. – Mark Twain

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Finding kindness within is not as easy as it sounds. Recently, I have made a commitment to find kindness within and to practice kindness toward others on a daily basis. But what does this really mean? For me, it’s quite simple. To practice kindness, you first must find kindness within (mind, body, spirit) so you can share it with others. You must be kind hearted and be a gentle soul. You must naturally care for others and not be fake about it. Then, you have to show that you’re not selfish by showing compassion toward others as well as refraining from criticizing and/or judging people throughout your journey.

Believe it or not, kindness actually reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Also, kindness can put us and others at ease while we’re interacting with one another. Try it next time you’re out and about. Offer a kind word or gesture to someone you meet, to someone who serves your community, or even a family member. Notice what happens. From a learning perspective, you’ll see that the effects are cumulative. The more we practice kindness, the better we get at it, it helps build our character, and it becomes who we are.

DEFINITION

Kindness (noun) – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate; a kind act.

FUN FACTS

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. – Bob Kerrey

• World Kindness Day is a day that was started in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. This day is celebrated on November 13th in several countries all over the world, such as United States, Italy, India, Singapore, Nigeria, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

• Kindness is considered a virtue and is recognized as a value in many cultures and religions.

• National Random Acts of Kindness Day was started in 2004 by New Zealand and is observed on February 17th. This day can be celebrated by individuals, groups, and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.

• Kindness is a natural antidepressant because it causes a release of serotonin in our brain.

• Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (RAK) is a US nonprofit that was founded in 1995 and has its headquarters in Denver, CO.

WAYS TO PRACTICE KINDNESS

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. – Seneca

Here’s some ways to practice kindness throughout your day:

• Be kind to yourself. Notice your self-talk. Recite positive affirmations. Practice meditation and engage in basic self-care routines.

• Use your manners often. Saying thank you and you’re welcome are expressions of gratitude. A grateful heart is all it takes to express kindness.

• Smile at everyone you pass or encounter. I always greet people with a warm smile and a kind word. Whether they respond or not, it makes me feel good.

• Greet people with a friendly hug. A good hug can lift someone’s spirits or make them feel loved and appreciated.

• Be generous and give from the heart. Donate money or clothes to charity, volunteer your time to help the needy, or even bring a gift or souvenir whenever you visit a friend. Even at home, we can lend a helping hand by offering to wash the dishes, vacuum the floor, or clean the bathrooms.

• Help a stranger. You can help someone put their bags in the car, let someone go ahead of you in line, hold the door or elevator, run errands for your friend or neighbor, or hold an umbrella for someone who needs a hand.

• Send good wishes. Kindness always begins with a thought. Secretly send people good intentions, wishes, and prayer.

• Give praises. Giving a sincere praise to someone is an act of kindness. By giving recognition to others, we can help them to develop confidence in themselves.

• Call a loved one or friend. Take a moment to call a loved one or a friend to catch up instead of sending a text. It’s refreshing to have a heart-to-heart conversation over the phone.

• Send greeting cards. Send a greeting card just because to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Sometimes, the unexpected cards are the best, and they’ll make a lasting, positive impression.

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS – SPEAK KINDNESS

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. – Unknown Author

Here’s some great examples of how you can speak kindness into your life:

• I believe in myself and trust in my abilities to succeed in all I do.

• I am a beautiful soul that radiates a vibrant and beautiful form. All is well in my body and mind.

• I let the events of today go. I forgive myself and others for any mistakes that were made. I am ready to start fresh with a new day tomorrow.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Choose kindness because it changes everything. – Unknown Author

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Now, open your journal or notebook and practice journaling each day by using these helpful journal prompts:

• How do you define kindness?

• How will you practice self-kindness today?

• How often do you share kindness with others?

• How is gratitude and kindness related?

• Do you plan to celebrate World Kindness Day (November) or National Random Acts of Kindness Day (February) in the future? If so, what do you plan on doing?

Remember, it’s important to make it a daily habit to overwhelm others with your kindness. Kindness is the most fundamental value as a human. Being kind is the powerful way to connect with others. People will develop trust in you and remember you because of tiny acts of kindness you practice. Make a commitment to yourself to find kindness within (mind, body, spirit) and share it with others.

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. Be merciful, gracious, and have a tender temperament. It’s important to choose kindness daily. Always help someone. You might be the only one that does. How do you plan to show kindness toward others today or in the future? What is your favorite way to practice kindness? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!