Kindness… Pass it On

Dear Kindness,

I love what Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, has to say about kindness. “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” 

The fact that you’re striving to show more kindness to others is an example of your innate desire and ability to act out of kindness.

I’d suggest you start with speaking from your heart (this is Heart Healthy Month after all) and let the people in your life know you’re listening to what they say and hear what they mean. True listening is surely an act of kindness that has become rare and, therefore, a gift beyond measure. 

In addition to active listening, here are ten things people generally love to hear, or questions they like to be asked - IF they are genuine and from the heart.

— I was thinking about you

— What do you think?

— I’m curious about ____, tell me more.

— I’m proud of you! 

— I miss you.

— I am praying for you.

— I really admire _____ about you. 

— I saw this _________ and it reminded me of you.

— Last time we talked you said ________, how’s that going?

— Thanks for being a special friend to me.

Here are a few other simple examples of kindness I’ve recently experienced: 

— My eleven-year-old granddaughter, Marcella, showed empathy and caring when I was recovering from surgery by texting me several times a day. Through her texts, she showed me how much she cares. 

— An old friend called me recently and said, “I was hungry to hear your voice.” What a gift of kindness that was to me! Is there someone you can text or call that needs to hear your voice? 

— I have a friend who knows I like lemon decor items. When she spots something “lemony” in a thrift shop, she frequently purchases it for me. What a delight to know that she’s thinking of me and recognizes my interests. 

— Amazon sells a darling candle that says, “I wish we lived next door.” I’ve sent it to some of my friends who have moved away.

As Scott Adams says, the most simple acts of kindness achieve a ripple effect. For instance: 

— Greeting and using the name of your grocery bagger.

— Speaking to someone who is standing alone at a meeting.

— Giving a stranger a genuine compliment or offering an elderly person your place in line.

— Taking food to a shut-in or offering to take care of someone’s plants or pet.

— Sending a care package to a college student (grandchild perhaps).

— Inviting a friend you haven’t seen for a while to lunch.

Don’t forget to show kindness to yourself as well. The ripple effect of kindness starts when your internal voice uses kind words. Show kindness by feeding yourself healthy foods, keeping your body and mind fit with exercise, and engaging in activities that feed your soul. 

May your year of kindness bring you joy beyond measure!

Mershon Niesner is a Certified Life Coach and author of “The Bootmaker’s Wife” and “Mom’s Gone, Now What?” Both books are available on Amazon and locally at Sunshine Booksellers and Keep In Touch. Email your coaching questions to askcoachmershon@gmail.com. Your identity will be kept strictly confidential.