Kindness: The Priceless Gift That Keeps Giving
Kindness — not the performative, hashtag-worthy sense, but the small, everyday acts that are easy to overlook. A door held open for a stranger, a genuine smile at someone having a rough day, or even just the patience to let someone merge in traffic. These moments don’t cost us anything, yet their value is immeasurable. Why don’t we see more of it?
Kindness is often framed as something we give to others, but the truth is, we as givers, benefit from it. Studies have shown that being kind releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps reduce stress and boosts our mood. It literally feels good to do good. But beyond the science, there’s something deeply fulfilling about stepping outside of ourselves and connecting with others in even the smallest way.
It’s easy to feel self conscious and not default to kindness toward others. Stress, busyness, and personal insecurities can sometimes make us withdraw. I’ve caught myself walking past someone who looks like they could use a helping hand or skipping the small talk at the checkout because I’m too “in my head.” But when I do pause to be kind, the returns seem exponential — it’s like hitting a reset button on my day. It reminds me of the world beyond my own bubble and shifts my focus from what’s lacking to what I can give.
There’s a ripple effect to kindness, too. When someone is kind to us, it feels natural to pass it on. I remember a particularly hectic day trying to cross a busy road with no crossings in sight, a driver stopped and let me pass safely with a wave and a smile. It was such a small gesture, but it completely turned my mood around. Later that day, I found myself being more patient with a friend, more present with my family. It’s a chain reaction that starts with one small action.
The beauty of kindness is that it doesn’t require grand gestures or deep pockets. It’s available to all of us, all the time. A kind word, an act of generosity, or even just the effort to really listen—it’s all within our reach.
So, here’s my reminder to myself and anyone reading this: kindness isn’t just about making the world a better place (although it does). It’s about making ourselves better, too. And the best part? It’s free. So, why not?
