Whether it is a momentary interaction or a lasting relationship, we are all interconnected. Each day, we have a multitude of interactions that can affect our mood and our outlook on the day.
Have you ever been caught in a rainstorm and had someone hold a door open for you as you ran to escape the water? Perhaps a person let you cut in front of them in line at the grocery store because you had a single item and they were shopping for a family of four. Did it make you smile?
We often forget how impactful random acts of kindness can truly be. A simple gesture often has the power to turn a person’s bad day around and lighten the mood. Conveniently, it often requires very little effort. Can you imagine if we all took the time to practice one random act of kindness each day? How would that change the emotional landscape around us?
Tips for Starting Your Kindness Campaign:
- Understand that Kindness Is Contagious – In each moment, we have a choice to be respectful and kind or negative and rude. Both of these options are contagious. Keeping this in mind will help you choose kindness almost every time.
- Be Aware of Your Personal Social Responsibility – We are all responsible for making this world a better place. Each morning, we wake up and decide how we are going to face the day. By choosing to treat others the way we want to be treated, we set the stage for our kindness campaign.
- Consider Simple Options – Never underestimate the power of a simple act of kindness. By holding open a door, smiling at a person who often gets overlooked, recognizing someone’s hard work, or picking up something that was dropped by a person with full hands, the kindness campaign begins.
- Don’t Overlook Natural Opportunities – We live in a busy world where we are often focused on our expansive to do lists. Be aware of the simple options and the natural opportunities. As you pull into your driveway and see your elderly neighbor taking out the garbage, offer assistance. When you experience something nice, write a thank you card. Be present in each moment and encourage yourself to recognize the positivity the world around you.
- Find Joy in Thinking Of Your Next Act – Simply put, it feels good to know that you are putting smiles on the faces of both friends and strangers. It feels even better to think about your kindness campaign going viral. Allow yourself to find joy in your efforts to make the world a happier place.
When we feel good about ourselves, it can be felt by all of those around us. When we make someone else feel good, it has a similar effect. This is how kindness goes viral. We compliment a colleague on her presentation in the staff meeting, and it elevates her mood. In turn, her happy state prompts her to hold the door for someone as she is leaving for lunch. Kindness is contagious. It’s time to spread the virus.
For more ideas about spreading kindness, visit www.kindnessgirl.com.