Oscar Wilde: "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."
The above quote is accurate. I can't count the times I have meant to do something but didn't. My mom would always say, "Well, it is the thought that counts." I am good at thinking of special things to do for someone but bad at follow-up. I believe that the thought is nice, but it is the follow-up counts.
Overall, I think that I am a kind person. I do nice things for others, listen when someone is sharing with me, and love giving small gifts. However, kindness is more than just those things.
The definition of kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate to others. It involves actions and behaviors that show care and concern for others without expecting anything in return.
Take a moment and think about how you feel when someone does something kind for you. I always say, “Thank you” and smile. I feel a myriad of things. I am surprised and sometimes anxious because I feel I didn't deserve it. I am thankful that someone thought of me, and a small part of me wonders why they did that for me. After years of therapy and working hard on my self-esteem, I have come to a place where I have accepted the person God made me and feel like I am honored when given a gift.
Last year, I was blessed with an act of kindness. I went to coffee with someone I did not know well, and we had a lovely visit. Before I left, my new friend said she had something for me. It was an arrangement with a single sunflower. She said that God had shown her what to give me and that it was from Him. She also had written a card affirming me. I was so blessed and touched. --- Most of my readers know how special sunflowers are to me! I get "warm and fuzzies" whenever I see that single sunflower.
Many people have kind personalities, and others do not! I learned that a grumpy and challenging person does not appreciate kindness – so - I shower them with love and kindness. That act surprises them and creates a break in the situation. Sometimes, the person even laughs.
Let's take a moment and look at random acts of kindness. Are you a person who can give a random act of kindness? Does it feel good? Are you glad you did it? You might want to show a random act of kindness, but what is it?
Random acts of kindness are simple, spontaneous gestures of goodwill towards others. Here are some examples:
· Paying it Forward: Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line at a coffee shop.
· Complimenting Strangers: Give genuine compliments to people you encounter during your day.
· Helping Someone with Directions: Offer help to someone who looks lost.
· Donating to Charity: Make a small donation to a local charity or someone in need.
· Leaving a Generous Tip: Leave a larger tip than usual for a server who provided good service.
· Sending a Thoughtful Note: Write a note of appreciation or encouragement and leave it for someone to find or send it to a friend or colleague.
· Volunteering: Volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or community center.
· Offering Your Seat: Give up your seat on public transport to someone who needs it more than you do.
· Making Care Packages: Create care packages for the homeless or soldiers overseas.
· Smiling: Simply smiling at others can brighten their day and improve their mood.
These acts, often small and simple, can significantly impact someone's day and promote a culture of kindness and generosity.
I encourage you to be kind to someone today!!
Have a great day!
