In my last post: https://strengthinmystory.com/joyfulness-jar-challenge/ I discussed how finding joy in the little things can be beneficial on your healing journey. Another thing that can be beneficial to your mindset is spreading kindness. Being kind and bringing joy to others is one of my favorite things. It is up to all of us to create a culture of kindness in the world.
Why is Kindness Important?
Spreading kindness is important because we never know what others are going through. Often times everyone has something going on in their lives that is challenging in one way or another. If we all showed care to the people around us, the world would be a better place. Not just for others, but also for ourselves.
Did you know that there are actually many reasons why exuding kindness is beneficial to us on our journey? This may look different for everyone, but showing up for others can potentially result in the following benefits.
- Feeling a greater sense of community belonging (which helps combat feelings of isolation)
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Increase happiness (for yourself and others)
- Provide clarity on the world around us (allowing us a deeper understanding of our world and the people in it)
- Improve relationships you have with others
Ways to Give
You may be thinking that you don’t possibly have anything to give. Maybe you are struggling financially and do not feel you can give monetarily. Perhaps you are facing challenges with having enough time or energy to complete tasks and do not feel you can make a commitment to volunteer work. This is a reminder that these are just two ways and there are so many ways to show support and kindness to those around you. These ways do not have to be expensive, and they do not have to be super time consuming. Let me give you a few examples!
- Smiling and asking someone how they are doing
- Bake cookies or make other treats for someone you care about
- Draw a picture or write a kind note to someone and leave it for them to find
- Send a text to someone letting them know that you are thinking of them
- Bring up/down your neighbor’s trash can (if you have that kind of relationship)
- Let someone over in traffic
The biggest key to watch out for though (especially those of us recovering from abusive relationships) is that being kind does not mean that you are no longer taking care of yourself. You need to have boundaries for yourself. It is not unkind to draw a boundary. Remember that you cannot truly give anything to others if you are not first taking care of your wellbeing.
So, my challenge to all of you is to find ways (no matter how small) to bring a little more kindness into the world. Even if it is just every once in a while. It will help you and everyone else more than you could ever imagine. And since kindness is contagious (like yawning)- your act of caring will result in others being more kind in their lives as well. Creating a culture of kindness.
