Everyone has time to be kind

Whether you’re the richest woman in the world or a woman with no home and no career, kindness can be offered from anyone, to anyone. Kindness isn’t something that can only be given or received by a certain type of person, it’s universal, as it literally doesn’t take any effort. Or at least it shouldn’t. Kindness may not be at the top of our priority list 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but it should always be something we aim to offer others (and ourselves) when they, and we, most need it. The next time that you see someone is struggling, a simple ‘Can I help you?’ with an added smile, might just be the tiny act of kindness that will impact someone else in more ways than you can imagine.

Kindness Is Contagious

How often have you been in a terrible mood and someone else’s hug, smile or general happy demeanour has rubbed off on you? Take this week as an example. I have felt utterly overwhelmed, exhausted and just generally on the verge of tears, on more than a few occasions. And the only reason I haven’t done just that is due to my other half, Alex. Just via the kindness he’s shown to me, when I’ve felt like I’m at breaking point. Kindness doesn’t have to mean huge displays of affection, they can be as simple as a cuddle and an ‘It’ll all be okay’. And even though that may not solve any problems right now, it really does lift you up. All you need to do sometimes is lift your head out from under those clouds and you suddenly realise how many cheerleaders you have.

‘Practice kindness all day to everybody and you will realise you’re already in heaven now’ – Jack Kerouac 

Word Of Mouth

Although in my book, kindness should come naturally, through compassion and through generally wanting to help others, we often forget the lasting impact that being kind can have. We don’t like to think that others talk about us behind our backs (it’s not always negative) but think about all the wonderful times you’ve expressed just how much you love another person, because of all the kindness they bring to others. You recommend someone as a friend, as a colleague and as a beautiful human because of the kindness they’ve shown to you. It doesn’t matter in what situation you’ve experienced it, it’s had enough of an impact on you, that it’s enough to shout from the rooftops why someone else’s kindness is so important to you. Never underestimate how important it is to be kind to anyone and everyone.

Kindness Is For Everyone

The next generation and our children look to us for inspiration. I often worry about how I will teach my children how to be wonderful and kind human beings, but I think it is simply the case of good parenting and showing kindness and affection in the way I was shown by my parents. It will just be natural teaching rather than anything I need to worry about. Surrounding the younger generation with kind people, will breed individuals who are compassionate, respectful, wonderful humans. They will learn the importance of self love, why they should be kind to themselves and they will understand that everything deserves kindness, including the earth we are so lucky to live on. Or at least, that’s the plan.