The Simple and Free Gift of Kindness

The world can be a dark and lonely place, but it doesn’t have to be. We all have within us the means to have a positive impact on other people. It’s easier to get caught up in our day to day responsibilities, but with a little effort, we can live a life of kindness.

Why be kind?

There’s a famous saying: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” The people we meet in our lives face many struggles we can understand, and many that we are fortunate to have not experienced. If we can avoid adding to their problems, we should do so. And if we have the opportunity to make their day brighter, we should certainly take it. Your actions set the tone for your daily experience. Wouldn’t you rather live in a world where people are kind to one another? It’s up to you to start the ball rolling.

There are countless benefits to being kind. To start off selfishly, practicing kindness often leads to kindness received in return. But even when the benefit is less obvious, it is still there. When you practice kindness, you make the world brighter for everyone involved. You also set a strong example for those around you, which is of particular importance for parents and those in authority. Along with those who look up to you, kindness is seen by others. You never know when your kindness could come back around; perhaps a passerby could later be the one giving you a job interview. Wouldn’t you rather they have seen you acting kindly?

But the important thing to remember is: being kind is a powerful accomplishment, even if you get nothing in return. Like all hard work, being kind is worth the effort all by itself.

Getting in a kindness mindset

It’s almost always less work to be kind than cruel. But being kind does require effort. Most people are content to do as close to nothing as possible. Becoming a compassionate person is intentional, and requires a choice to be made. Will you be a part of the problem or part of a positive solution? Once you’ve decided that you want to spread kindness, you’re well on your way to getting started on your exciting journey.

Show kindness where you are

The decision to be kind will make the biggest difference with the people who make up your life. Family members, coworkers, friends, and anyone else you come into contact with on a regular basis will benefit. Look for opportunities to serve others throughout the day. There’s a good chance you’ll see more chances to be nice than you expected!

There are many practical examples for showing kindness to the people in your life. The first, which is sometimes the easiest and sometimes the hardest, is to be polite in your interactions. Another is to meet the needs you see around you. If someone could use help at work or home—and you have the time and means to give them a hand—pitch in and make things easier for them. You can also go out of your way to brighten people’s day. Write them an encouraging note or compliment them on their choice of clothing.

Seeking out kindness opportunities

Sometimes it’s easier to be kind to strangers. That’s okay; you have time to work on showing kindness to everyone! Look for opportunities to serve people in need, and you’ll be surprised at the difference you can make in a short time—especially in your life!

There are opportunities in your community to show kindness through service. Your church or employer may have options to help out with charities. If you’re in the Lubbock area, an excellent resource is the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, which always has exciting opportunities to practice kindness for people of all ages. If you can make volunteering a regular habit, your kindness will be multiplied even further.
Regardless of how you choose to add kindness to your life, we’re sure you’ll find satisfaction and fresh enjoyment. We hope that others follow your example, spreading positive thoughts and action even further. At Lake Ridge Chapel & Memorial Designers, we understand the strength found in kindness. Never forget, you have the power within you to make this world a better place through kindness.