A few weeks ago, Steve Hartman of CBS did a special program on how a small gift of kindness can go a long way. It was uplifting and motivating, because he wasn’t asking us to do something spectacular. Just do something small and watch the results ripple and grow.
As we start this new year, there are so many reasons to be engulfed in negativity and even despair. Wars, inflation, gun violence — most of these are things we can’t control. What we can control is our own behavior, and Hartman isn’t the only one who shows that small and even random acts of kindness can have a big impact. Much has been written about what kindness is and how to practice it. This list of possibilities includes acts of kindness most of us could easily incorporate into our daily lives — things like buying a coffee for a stranger or friend; sending a postcard or even an email to someone you haven’t communicated with recently; treat someone to flowers; compliment someone’s pet; stop and say hello to a stranger; notice someone — just notice them.
My own list is modest. Sometimes I just stop and say hello and smile to someone who is eating alone with whom I have not talked for awhile. At other times if they have a pretty scarf or a new hairdo, I comment on it. I also give a (masked) hug to someone who looks like they need it. Nothing big. But so easy when you think about it.
I don’t follow through on New Years’ Resolutions very well. I almost always fail to keep them up after a month or two. If some become habits (like going to yoga class), all the better. But most fall by the wayside. This year I believe doing several random acts of kindness each week is achievable, and I am saying in public that I will follow through. If you have an idea to share, please comment. The more ways we can think of to show kindness, the better!