I was reading a kindness newsletter from Help.Others.org earlier. It reminds again of the importance of kindness. It’s amazing how making someone else feel better makes you feel better too.
There are lots of ways to be kind. You can give a compliment, bake brownies, or offer to help with a task someone else struggles with. You can do a chore for a friend or give a stranger a gift. Hand out flowers, share a hug, or simply listen to someone who needs it.
A simple smile and hello go a long, long way. Just today there were some people at work who were sick. They were tired, withdrawn and quiet because they didn’t feel good. Just smiling at them and joking around lifted their moods for a while. It couldn’t make the pain go away, but it helped them forget about it for a moment.
Niceness counts too. Especially at work, where it is sometimes unexpected. Saying good morning, acknowledging help with a thank you, or giving praise for a good job, all increase positive feelings. Sharing a smile, good news, and funny stories are all helpful to building good relationships at work.
Niceness is wonderful at home too. Have you ever known someone who didn’t want to hear how much you love them? A kiss or hug when you walk in the door is welcoming. Turning off the TV or muting the volume while you listen to your spouse shows them you care about them and how they feel.
Kindness and the power of being nice make the day so much more smoother and happier, it’s a wonder I don’t do it every day. On a really good day I can even make someone I don’t like happy. On a bad day, helping a friend smile or feel cared for makes me feel needed, which gives me a reason to keep going.
So why don’t I always wear my rose-colored glasses? I don’t know. Life gets in the way. I get “busy.” That terrible 4-letter word that means I stop paying attention to myself and those around me, and miss golden opportunities to make life better. But that’s why I’m sharing. Today just reading about the kindness of strangers made me feel more optimistic. Then I listened to a friend and gave out some smiles and compliments. Soon my mood was much improved. It was a subtle reminder of the power of kindness. Niceness adds a bit more beauty and joy into the world. And we could all use more of that.
Brighter Days for you and me! 