The problem with being a kind person.

It’s more about what’s stopping us.

Kindness.

A remarkable virtue that has the potential to create a profound impact on literally anyone we meet, including ourselves! It goes without saying that in today’s world, everyone is grappling with their internal struggles. As we wage battles against past traumas and current frustrations, it’s easy to be dismissive of others.

But even with all these things…can we be kind to each other? And do we realize the value and power it has?

1) We Don't Know What They Are Dealing With Inside.

Anxiety, depression, grief, or loneliness.—these are things we don't carry on the outside. These are things we carry inside. Sure, sometimes you can tell someone is dealing with serious things but mostly…it’s hard to detect. Well, Let me ask you…have you ever felt these things? Of you have! I have to. We all have.

Considering we know what we have been through it’s easy to understand ourselves. But understanding others is the problem. We can't be in their heads, we can't share in their pain. But we’ve been there before…so be kind.

A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022103117303451) revealed that performing acts of kindness for just seven days led to a significant increase in happiness, life satisfaction, physical and mental health and even lowering blood pressure.

The kinder we are, the better we feel!

Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash

2) People are NOT Kind to each other, why?

The modern world is fostering a self-centered mindset, where people are consumed by their concerns and struggles. I know this is normal, I get it. And also, our inability to balance this and how we behave toward others leaves little room for compassion.

Societal pressures, competition, and a sense that we are the center of the universe amplified by the reassuring effects of social media telling us this is all true, create an environment where people view others as rivals.

Appearing vulnerable is another issue we have. Insecurity, fear, and unresolved personal issues hinder us from being ourselves around others. We forget that at our core we are all vulnerable, and that…is the great equalizer. The quicker we observe that and accept it, the better off we are.

3) Two Actionable Steps We Can Take to Be Kinder to Each Other:

a) Practice Active Listening:

Everyone yearns for someone who will genuinely listen without judgment or interruption. EVERYONE. No one is free from this rule. To some degree, all humans want to feel heard, and valued. This is why social media has grown so much. It functions as the amplification we need so others can tell us we matter. This is our human conditioning.

Active listening involves giving our full attention, maintaining eye contact, and empathetically acknowledging the emotions and experiences shared by others. This creates a space for individuals to feel seen, heard, and understood. Studies show active listening improves communication, fosters trust, and enhances relationship satisfaction.

b) Perform Random Acts of Kindness:

Engaging in random acts of kindness can have a significant impact on both the giver and the recipient. Something as simple as offering a smile, holding the door for someone, or expressing appreciation to a colleague.

Research shows that performing random acts of kindness enhances well-being, boosts self-esteem, and promotes a sense of connectedness and positivity.

Some studies also found that individuals who engaged in acts of kindness experienced increased life satisfaction and positive emotions.

Give it a shot!

Kindness transcends the mundane stagnation of daily life. If today is the same as the last and the same as the one before the At and the one before and the one before and the one before…well then, you get the point.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022103117303451