On November 13th, 2016 marked the annual #WorldKindnessDay. While it may be one of my favorite days of the year, it got me thinking: Shouldn't we be kind every day?
The apothegm, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” has been proven false time and time again on the basis that words have the power to not only maim, but to kill as well.
Our society lacks a fundamental quality that could very well bring peace to us all: kindness. Many others, including myself, have made it their mission to spread kindness in the world. It is surprising how unwilling people are to take responsibility for their actions, for their words.
According to the Huffington Post, “Kindness gives us healthier hearts,” when one commits a kind act there is usually emotional warmth that tags onto that. Emotional warmth produces oxytocin in the brain and through the body. Oxytocin is also responsible for the release of nitric oxide in blood vessels ,which expands blood vessels. The release of the nitric oxide reduces blood pressure so the heart is protected, therefore meaning that kindness can protect one’s heart due to the chemical releases that ensue. It is an incredibly easy feat to accomplish and out of it, you can feel good both from a health standpoint and a moral standpoint . Showing this kindness outwardly will also help you in any relationships you have. It creates more of a bond between two people.
A lot of times we think that showing kindness to other people is solely for the benefit of the other person, but that is not completely true. Making a difference in the lives of others actually ends up leaving more of a mark on ourselves than anyone else. Doing something for someone else makes us feel good and gives us purpose. Nothing is better than making someone else's day.
Making a difference does not have to be some type of elaborate ordeal. It can be as simple as helping an elderly lady get something off of the shelf at the grocery store, holding the door for someone, or even just saying "good morning" to someone as you pass them. You never know what people are going through.
I will tell you a secret that I have learned- being kind in addition to being of service to others is the key to the most profound joy. Love heals. Kindness heals. I challenge whomever is reading my article this week to go out and make a difference in someone's life.
The world needs your light, don’t keep it hidden.
