Everyday Acts of Kindness

We’ve all heard the concept of “Pay it Forward” or seen the bumper sticker “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.” When I spotted a faded one on a clapped-out old jalopy recently, it got me thinking: what if kindness was intentional, rather than random? What if I could begin to bring everyday acts of kindness to the forefront of my consciousness?

I’ve begun taking a moment to thank the cleaners who keep our public amenities hygienic as an Everyday Act of Kindness. After all, I’m grateful that I don’t need to fit antiseptic and a toilet brush in my handbag every time I venture out!

By choosing to put kindness centre stage, we discover there are many opportunities to practice these not-so-random acts.

A simple compliment can totally make someone’s day.

When you look a stranger in the eye and smile, you create compassion and connectedness. If they happen to smile back, that’s a bonus!

Think of the busker who offers their time and talent. Do you pause to appreciate their music, slip them a coin, a smile, a kind word? Or do you rush past? Our own busyness can block the many ways others offer us comfort, ease and joy.

Our world can be harsh, judgmental and even cruel at times. The news, advertising and social media often encourage criticism, judgement and fear, all of which can lead to seeing ourselves as lacking.

In an environment that too often tells us to do more, have more and be more, a simple act of kindness inspires us to catch our breath, to pause and to smile.