Always be kind.
If you see someone falling behind, walk beside them.
If you see someone is being ignored, find a way to include them.
If someone has been knocked down, lift them up.
Always remind people of their worth.
Be who you needed when you were going through hard times.
Just one small act of kindness could mean the world to someone.
~Unknown
Do you remember a time when someone showed you kindness when it felt like you were alone or when you really needed it? Do you remember the feelings you had? Do you still think of that person or incident? I have a few that I recall deeply.
Adult Hears Child
When I was about 7 years old, my home life was anything but safe and predictable. Many evenings I spent hiding from my mother, who was a violent alcoholic. One such evening, I was outside and hiding in a ditch waiting for my dad to come home. I saw lights of a car that I thought was his, so I popped my head up a bit. It was late, maybe 8 or 9pm. It turns out I was wrong. It was my brownie leader. Unlike most adults I told of my home situation, she believed me. She took me back to her house and I sat in her living room eating warm soup on a TV tray. This was before people really did that. I was there until my dad picked me up. I do not have a clue what she and my dad discussed, but I do remember feeling heard and trusted. I do not recall most of the evening, but I remember that she made me feel safe.
Best Friend Forever
I have only recently realized my BFF is probably one of the most amazing and kind people I know. When we met, I was broken. I was only eight at the time, but I had lived through a great deal. I complained endlessly and she listened. I was so full of my woes that I don’t think I ever even asked about hers. She rarely complained and just listened. We enjoyed the same things and were both into sports, so we clicked. Her kindness in never walking away from what must have been, at times, excruciatingly hard to endure. She allowed me to vent and talk endlessly about myself and not feel the need to interject. That is kindness.
I hope that I can one day return that to her. I am learning to listen instead of speaking my comparison. I thought telling someone about a similar experience was a way to connect and show commonality, but I think it depends on the situation. To do it all the time, is turning the focus onto yourself. This is a difficult habit to break, but awareness is a start.
Foe to Friend
I have a dear friend who, after me relentlessly bullying her in grade seven, became my buddy in the summer. She forgave me for picking on her and we continue to be friends to this day. We were even roommates for eight years. She once told me she let it go because I changed and stopped bullying her. I think it was her who changed me, but it was far too long ago to remember. I do recall that she wrote out the lyrics to a song I loved during that summer. That was 1989 and back when she had to stop the tape and rewind it to get the words right. There was no Google for that, and we had to put in the time. That is kindness and love. I have countless stories that I can tell about her kindness towards me and many other people. I believe she is one of those people who will touch just about everyone she interacts with because she really does care and is incredibly kind. The world needs more of her.
Light in Dark Corner
At my current role in my company, I own one particular colleague credit for making me feel welcome in a rather negative setting. He is one of the kindest people I know, and I will forever be grateful for making me feel like a part of the team rather than an outsider. He took me under his wing and made sure that I was included in announcements and meetings. During the pandemic, he has checked in on me every now and again. In a world full of negativity and uncertainty, he is the shining star. 
He includes me in everything and, when it is obvious that I am being left out, he makes sure to emphasize my invitation. He makes sure I am doing okay when he does not have to go to that trouble. I have other colleagues who are kind and thoughtful as well, so I am lucky in that regard. Those first few months in my position were exceptionally challenging and he, more than anyone made sure I was okay and brought me into the team without judgment. I will always remember that kindness.
Your Turn
My point is that a small gesture from you might make the world of difference to someone else. I can think of countless times when people have been kind to me. Even a customer service agent or server who gave that extra effort could have a huge impact on your day. I can tell you about numerous good experiences with people just doing their jobs, but putting some extra effort or asking that question that makes you feel seen.
Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you when you were in need? Is there a way you can thank them, or did you thank them already? Do you know of someone who could use a little extra kindness? What can you do to make them feel cared for or seen? Can you do it today? Sometimes that person needs you now rather than later. It could just mean spending a few minutes asking how they are doing and then really listening. Tell them how important they are.
I hope you are all enjoying the start of summer and staying cool. It has been way to hot here in Beaumont. We are enjoying swimming, biking, and a little basement card making in our house.
Take care and be kind!
