Never Underestimate the Power of Kindness

Ok I’m going to go out on a limb here and say something that everyone thinks but rarely says out loud — sometimes it’s just reeeaallyyyy hard to be kind. We all know it. In fact, at some points in our life, it feels easier to be unkind – especially when we’re not in a great place and we feel like the world is working against us, you know what I mean?

Underneath it all, we are all vulnerable. There is that one saying, “be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” In my mind, always remember that what goes around comes around. Being kind to others increases our own levels of happiness as well as theirs – it truly is a proven fact and it is something I strongly believe in and choose to live my life by. Also, kindness is contagious so it makes a bigger impact on our surroundings than we might think.

Listen, I’m not one to say that you should let anyone walk all over you by any means. Assertiveness is an admirable trait in my book because being too passive might make you a doormat that others will walk all over. Being assertive or speaking your opinion does not have to equate to being mean. There are ways to stand up for yourself while remaining polite, compassionate and thoughtful – all of which will demand the respect of others immediately.

With that being said here are a few reasons why you should never underestimate the power of kindness:

1- Kindness is actually a strength. It is much more challenging to hold your tongue and speak positively toward others, especially those who have wronged you or mistreated you. Being kind is more challenging and more honorable. I can’t say I’m a saint about it because it definitely takes a lot in me to say something nice about someone who has wronged me in the past, but I am working on it.

2- Anger is everlasting. Once someone has been mean to you, it is easy to harbor your anger, hurt, and frustration inside of you. That can sometimes be displaced onto others so easily. Fighting fire with fire just makes larger flames and then that just causes a chain reaction that just goes completely downhill.

3- Some people just need kindness. Sometimes the slightest kind gesture can positively alter someone’s mood. I know it has for me in the past. Though you may not always see the impact of your kindness, it still exists and it still matters. Think about it.

4- It is a reflection on yourself. Your words or actions can last forever on others. Sometimes it doesn’t feel permanent to you, but to the other person, it could be everlasting.

5- Because it just plain feels good.

Last but not least, take the time to think for a moment before you act. Think about how your small actions might mean a lot more to someone. Words and actions are powerful. Be careful, respectful, and above all be kind with yours. Love you guys.

Love, Olia