Being Kind: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know there is a difference between being friendly and kind to someone? These two types of behavior might seem similar, but only one can leave a lasting impact on others. A nice person is polite and respectful of others by treating them well.

A person showing kindness goes the extra mile by showing another person that they genuinely care. Being kind: everything you need to know. 

While we need more of both types of people, simple acts of kindness will change the world. Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Others can personally feel kindness. 

I have to share this story with you. One day, years ago, my sister and I were strolling around the mall in Southern Utah, and I saw this young male teenager with red shoes. I had to tell him how nice he looked in those bright red sneakers! My sister was mortified I would say anything, but the young man said, “Thank you,” and had the biggest smile on his face! It made my day! That’s how I roll.

Being Kind: Everything You Need to Know 

So ask yourself, what kind of person am I? More than likely, you’ve always considered yourself a nice person who occasionally goes out of your way to brighten someone else’s day.

That’s awesome! But are you ready to take it to the next level and spread kindness with a smile more regularly?

The world could certainly use more of that kind of version of you. Please keep reading to learn more about the power of kindness and everything you need to know about it.   

It Requires so Little Effort 

For whatever reason, we think that showing someone a little extra kindness requires too much time or effort. That’s one reason why so few of us practice it often.

Plus, it doesn’t help that we so easily get caught up in our world. But the truth is, showing kindness requires minimal effort and takes a few extra moments of our time.  

It Doesn’t Have to Require Our Resources 

Some people remain silent about showing kindness to others because they believe they will be required to spend money or give from their possessions, which they don’t think they can afford.

There are so many ways to show kindness that don’t involve handing a homeless man a $5 bill. Just listening to that person may be a way of showing kindness. 

Benefits of Showing Kindness  

It’s Contagious 

One tremendous benefit of kindness is that it’s incredibly contagious. When someone goes out of their way to encourage or lift your spirits, it becomes natural for you to want to pass that kindness on to someone else. You’ve heard the term slogan “pay it forward.” More often than not, if you help someone today, that person will help someone else tomorrow.

Makes You Feel Good 

Showing kindness has proven itself time and time again, not only to brighten someone else’s day but also to make you feel good. When we start caring more about the people around us, we’ve finally realized why we’re here in the first place.  

Makes Others Feel Good

This one is pretty obvious, but is important to note anyway. Being kind to others makes them feel good and happier on the inside. 

You’ll Have More Friends

People who are kind to others usually have many friends. Who couldn’t use more friends in their lives? Whenever you’re feeling down, you’ll have so many more people who love you to fall back on.  

It Can Have a Lasting Impact on Others

Have you ever spent time with a less-privileged child who needs a little love and kindness shown to them? If you have, you know that you’ve placed joy in their heart that they might not have experienced otherwise. 

You may be the one who puts enough fuel in their tank for them to grow up and become incredible motivational speakers or leaders.

Or how about being the one person on the planet who takes the time to show kindness to an older person for the last time? How great of an opportunity is that?

What makes these moments even more special is that, on this side of forever, we may never know just what impact we had when we chose to express random acts of kindness to others.    

Simple Lessons About Kindness to Remember

The Golden Rule

When we were younger, we were all taught the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When a person stops to consider another person’s situation, it can keep them from saying or doing things that prove to be harmful to them.     

Choose to Take the High Road

How many of you love reading snide comments people leave for strangers on social media? I’m not going to lie; some of them can be clever and funny, but stop and think about what we are promoting when we laugh at it.

In essence, we condone their hurtful words or feel they may have been deserved. So many people can get downright nasty with their comments.

Maybe you’ve been guilty of this in the past? Just imagine if those insults were being spewed directly back at you and how that would leave you feeling. Choose to take the time to leave a kind comment for that person instead.    

If You Can’t Say Something Nice, Don’t Say Anything At All 

While we’ve already brushed on this with being able to leave comments to strangers, the words we speak out loud are just as important. You see, our words can be life or death for the one listening. We hear all the time how young people have taken their own lives based on verbal bullying by others.

So, what will you allow to come out of your mouth? Choose to speak words based on a kind life, to encourage others, and to be the type of person everyone loves to be around.  

Remember to Be Kind to Yourself

We tend to beat ourselves up when we fail and don’t measure up to where we would like to be. Remember to be kind to yourself. 

That way it’s easier for you to get back up and on course to strive towards your full potential. So stop beating yourself up and show yourself some kindness.   

Final Word

I hope that you found these words to be both inspiring and uplifting. If they have, don’t wait to put them into practice. You never know whose world you may drastically change by doing so. 

If you need a few ideas on getting started, check out these amazing stories of ordinary people who express simple acts of kindness to others.  May God bless this world, Linda

10 Affordable Ways to Spread Kindness

30 Acts of Kindness You Can Start Today

Copyright Images: Kindness AdobeStock_318832961 by Microgen, Kindness AdobeStock_74883431 by Yury Zap