Kindness With Intention
Kindness with intention can have an incredible impact on our lives. However, it becomes more than just a random act of kindness when you carry out an action with true intention. The art of intention-setting is a powerful way to bridge the gap between thoughts and reality. It's an incredible tool that can shape our lives, taking us from what we imagine in our minds to where we want to be in life. Instead of doing something in hopes that your gesture will make people happy, take the time to really think about the person or situation and how best your kindness can make a meaningful difference. When we open our hearts and reach out with intention and sincerely offer something without expecting anything in return, it has an uplifting power that is two-fold; both for us and for the person(s). The next time you're faced with a chance to practice kindness, pause for a minute and look at how you can turn it into something intended to bring joy to somebody else. You may be surprised at how much your heart can grow from being kind with purpose!
The Power Of A Smile
It's amazing how something as simple as a smile can have so much power. A sincere smile can brighten the day of someone in need, cheer up a friend feeling down, and even reduce stress within yourself. It can only take an instant to flash a smile and it could end up being just what someone needed at that moment. The beauty of a smile lies in its incredible ability to bring people together; it is an action that is universally understood and shows support and acceptance in any situation. All it takes is one genuine smile to show someone that you are on their side and earnestly want the best for them. Let your kindness show through the power of your radiant smile :).
Saying Thank You
Saying thank you is a timeless practice that shapes how we interact with the world. Not only are we better equipped to show gratitude and appreciation for all that life brings our way, but it also brightens up someone's day when they hear a simple "thank you" from us. Acknowledging another individual's efforts offers them validation and respect that can cause a lasting (good) impression. This small act has the power to make someone's day and really bring out the best in people. Taking the time to thank those around us creates stronger relationships and fosters an environment of understanding and mutual respect and appreciation. As we each take a step forward in this journey called life, we should always remember to thank one another.
Be Kind To Yourself
Lastly, let’s be gentle with ourselves rather than harsh. Would you support and encourage your best friend, so why not do the same for you? If there is one piece of advice we should all take to heart, it's to be kind to ourselves. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking, but this couldn't be further from what we need. Being kind to yourself means taking time out of your day for some self-care, whatever that may look like for you. Whether that's making time for self care with our simple skincare routine, getting enough sleep or carving out time for the things you love, small acts like these can add up to make a big difference in how we internally feel about ourselves. One way I like to show kindness to my mind is by squeezing in a moment of mindfulness or a 5-15 minute meditation at the start of my day.
Conclusion
When we put our focus on making someone else's day just a little bit brighter, it has a ripple effect that comes back to us tenfold. We not only feel good in the moment, but we also receive an influx of feel-good vibes that help to sustain us throughout the day. It doesn't matter if we don't know the person we are helping, or if they will never be able to repay us, what matters is that we make a conscious decision to add some positivity to the world. So go ahead and add a little extra kindness to your day. Whether it's holding the door open for someone, buying them a coffee, sending a handwritten note, or cooking dinner for a friend in need. We can all experience that warm, fuzzy feeling when we pay kindness forward. Choose one act of kindness that you plan to do today and update us in the comments!
[1] Esch, Tobias, and George B Stefano. “The neurobiological link between compassion and love.” Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research vol. 17,3 (2011): RA65-75. doi:10.12659/msm.881441
