Sunday Inspiration: Kindness as Lifestyle
So, the holidays were so busy you didn’t quite get around to making any New Year’s resolutions. Or, perhaps you’ve already forgotten what resolutions you made. Or, maybe they’re just too silly to take seriously — “I resolve to start eating more healthy but first I have to eat all the junk food in my house, so I won’t be tempted.”
Thanks to Growing Bolder, where I first saw this, here’s a simple but significant resolution, goal or wish — whatever you want to call it — that is guaranteed to make you, and all those you care for, much happier: Make kindness not an act but a lifestyle.
I like that, don’t you? The simplicity, the wisdom. We’re being called on to be mindful of moments in our lives when a simple act of kindness will make someone — whether family, friend, or stranger — happier and more satisfied. We don’t have to donate a kidney — though that could make a huge difference to somebody — instead as part of our daily lives we can speak words of kindness or offer a smile or a touch. That act of kindness will lead to another — perhaps giving food to the food bank — and another — maybe sitting with someone in the hospital — until before we know it, we’re living a lifestyle of kindness.
A lifestyle of kindness. Talk about something that has a ring to it.
I invite you to join me in making this a year of kindness and caring. Frankly I don’t think our world has ever needed it more. And we can make a difference.
I love this idea. You don’t have to worry about failing like with most resolutions. Just be kind. If we live our lives being kind we don’t have to constantly think about what our New Year’s resolution was. I wish you love and peace in the new year.
I think many of us do actually do these kind things., without thinking that they are special. Whether it is sending a note or just a quick phone call.
However, should you ever be on the receiving end of these things, you will realize the special blessings that they are. And if you have been the recipient, you know how special they are. Hopefully although we have busy lives and forget occasionally, we should listen to that little voice inside our head that reminds us of someone in need. And take a little time to follow through. I usually feel better about bringing some cheer to the person than I think the person themselves! Such a good feeling! It just makes me smile! In fact, I have a call to make…
I agree, Pat. But I do love the idea that we just think of kindness as a way of life, not something special we do once in awhile. I’ve thought about this a couple of times since I saw that photo, and the sentiment reminded me to be kind for no good reason. Just because kindness is a lifestyle. I like that.
We never know what another is going through, so a smile or a kind word is a little something we can do. You could make a small difference in someone’s say! ?
I’m in!
Kindness does become such a great habit and is a win/win…the more you exercise this, the more opportunities come your way and you are also lifted up. The other thing is that positive attracts positive. To those who pray, asking to find opportunities to make a difference really works.
We need a world with more kindness and less judgement is present. We never know what a person is going through and how feeling that someone has noticed them and really does care can make all the difference.