What does a kinder world look like? I’m going to get right to the tough stuff here. A kinder world isn’t about what everyone else does. How they behave, how they show up for everyone else. Well, it is, BUT as long as we are focused on what everyone else is doing we are not focused on what we’re doing. And that is where the solution lies! We need to recognize that we are the problem, solution and change-makers. Each. And. Every. One. Of. Us. So, I’ll ask again. What does a kinder world look like?
Kindness as a Litmus Test
Imagine a world where we all walked around with a litmus strip, testing everyone we come into contact with to establish their level of kindness. What would the world look like? Well, I think it would look very different. Firstly, we would find a sense of peace knowing that there is no question of peoples intentions. One touch on the litmus strip and you KNOW. Then, you embrace your new friendship or, you walk away! Then, there’s the other side where people will find themselves having to wake the bleep up because they will quickly realize that kindness is the solution. That kindness gets you: friends, peace, happiness! That kindness builds where jealousy, resentment, fear tear down.
Small Differences are still Differences
Maybe you think ‘I’m not exactly going to change the world, am I?’, but you’d be wrong. Your contribution matters. Small acts of kindness to an elderly person struggling to get on the bus MATTERS. Your smile for a stranger matters. And taking the time to sit and listen to someone instead of reacting in anger certainly matters. You don’t need to save the world. You do need to be an active participant for change though. An active participant for spreading love and kindness is a truly honourable goal. If, at the end of your life all you have to say is ‘I woke up every day and tried my best to be kind’ would that be enough? Well, let’s take a look at this list of ways to show up with a kind heart, and you decide.
- ### Be kind to yourself
Wait, this isn’t about me! Oh, yes it is. Try being mean to yourself and then expecting to have an overflow of love to give to everyone else. It may work for a while, but it aint gonna last. When you nurture yourself and make yourself feel valued and seen, you have enough love in your heart to share. You WANT to share your kindness because if feels so good! Take a moment to ask yourself if you’ve been kind to yourself lately. What does it even look like? And, what ripple effects can you see when you feel the warmth of that kindness in your heart? Can you see how you will want everyone around you to feel the same way? Do something kind for yourself today and let’s start the shift to a kinder you and a kinder youniverse 😊
- ### Understated Kindness
Again, kindness doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be learning to keep your own thoughts silent for long enough to let someone be heard. Being heard is one of the most validating things for all of us. Too often we are ‘waiting to talk’ and if you can just be the one who learns to zip it, you are offering a hugely underestimated kindness. Practice this with your loved ones. Trust me on this one, it does take practise. But, when you become aware you can start putting in the effort and reaping the rewards. Put down that phone and make eye contact with the beautiful soul that needs that connection. This is not only validating for them, it is also healing for your relationship and a huge asset to you for all future relationships. Listen, it is one of your most valuable tools in your toolkit!
- ### Look for the good
You’ve heard it a million times, ‘we’re only human’. Urgh! Sounds like such a pathetic excuse doesn’t it. Well, what if we just use this as a tool to gain perspective instead of make excuses? For example, what if someone cuts you off in traffic and instead of thinking the worst of them you ask yourself ‘what could be happening in their life right now that has them acting out?’. Still sound like excuses? Well, here’s the perspective shift. What if you just got a call and you needed to rush off to the hospital because a family member has just been admitted? Would you want someone to show you a little bit of kindness and patience? There is almost always a reason for the way people behave and while we don’t want to encourage bad behaviour, we do want to understand that compassion can help someone while anger never will! Be kind as much as you can, it will make things better, not worse!
- ### Say something nice
Think back to a time when someone told you what a pretty dress you were wearing, or what a beautiful singing voice you have. We all know how good it feels to GET a compliment, but when last did you give one? This is such an easy thing to do for someone. You can make a choice right now to look up from this screen and compliment someone. Easy! Maybe your husband is sitting opposite you right now. Tell him his smile fills you with joy or he has the most beautiful eyes you’ve ever seen. Maybe its your daughter. Tell her she makes you proud every day to be her Mom. Whoever it is, it only takes a moment to bring joy into their hearts. Easy, quick and super impactful! Go on, do it and leave a comment for us so we can share in the joy.
- ### Be a Shoulder
Huh? Be there. Just that. Be there for the people in your life. Make sure they know that 2am phone calls are A-Okay with you. That you are the one that they can call on no matter what. We need these people. These shoulders to cry on. Having someone you know is there for you is like someone throwing you a lifesaver. When you know that you have the love and support you need in the hard times, you can face the storms that life has for you. Being that support for someone is a kindness that is priceless.
- ### Community Kindness
Extend your kindness beyond your family and friends and outwards to your community. What does this look like? Well, you can donate your time to worthy causes. Or, you can simply show up with kindness in your everyday life. As Ghandi said ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’. Help someone pick up groceries that they dropped. Drop lemons from your tree off at your neighbours house. Hold the door open for an elderly person or reach a bottle on the top shelf. Small kindnesses are underestimated. They are powerful because of the positive energy they radiate out into the world.
- ### Lead by Example
To live in the world of kindness we dream of, we need to be the leaders and creators of this world. Don’t just wait for it to arrive, or for someone else to do the work. It’s up to us to set an example. For our kids, our families, our communities. When you live from a place of compassion, kindness and love, this is what everyone who comes into contact with you sees. This becomes their example of what life could and should look like. Remember, every action you take is being observed by those around you. Are you living a life you can be proud of? Are you setting a good example?
- ### Forgiveness is kindness
What about forgiveness. What role does it play in a kinder world? The value of forgiveness is immeasurable. This is a literal game-changer. Forgiveness has the power to change lives. Change families. And change hurt into healing. While it is one of the hardest things to do, if you can find it in yourself to forgive, you can set yourself and others free. What greater kindness is there in this life than to allow someone to be free from hurt? Ask yourself where you have the opportunity to set yourself and someone else free from hurt by allowing forgiveness into your heart. Try writing a letter (even if you keep it to yourself) and allow yourself to feel the power of forgiveness today.
Kindness is Courage
Being kind can change the world, but it can take courage to be kind. Learning to listen when you don’t know what you will hear, learning to forgive, learning to step outside of your comfort zone for the sake of a kind gesture. Kindness is a gentle power that is desperately needed in this world. Be a courageous heart and make a kind difference today! Steph x If you enjoyed this blog, head over and check out this one: 10 Ways to Choose Joy