A Touch of Kindness:
Updated: May 19, 2021
"Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind." —Henry James
For many of us, meeting and interacting with our friends, family, neighbors and colleagues is incredibly important. Having face-to-face connections and casual conversations such as meeting friends for a coffee connected us together. These small interactions brought us happiness. The global pandemic in 2020 changed our lifestyle. Meetings were held virtually. We grew acquainted with many new social platforms and adapted quickly to our new way of living.
Many people had multiple roles and responsibilities, such as taking care of elderly parents or being parents themselves with younger children: helping them while they attend school virtually, trying to ensure that online learning is going smoothly, while attending zoom calls and meeting deadlines. Showing kindness to others in this virtual setup became critical. Giving a positive compliment or an uplifting message, using many of the virtual platforms available, and connecting with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues through check-ins allows us to have a positive day.
Can we all take a moment to continue to perform an unexpected random act of kindness to at least one person each day? This could be as simple as sending a surprise message to say that you care, playing a game with someone, or reading a book for a child.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reference:
Harvard Business Review – Don’t underestimate the Power of Kindness at work – By Ovul Sezer, Kelly Nault, and Nadav Klein.
Reading your piece about a simple touch of kindness sparked a memory from a few years ago when I was rushing through a grocery store, juggling a stroller and a half‑finished coffee. I accidentally knocked over a display of canned beans, and before I could even apologize, a woman behind me knelt down, helped me straighten everything, and handed me a spare bag she’d been using for her own groceries. She didn’t say much, just smiled and said, “We all have those moments.” That brief exchange turned my frantic morning around; I felt seen and less embarrassed, and I carried that feeling into the rest of my day https://aana.com.au/self-regulation/codes-guidelines/wagering-code/ It reminded me how a tiny act—lifting a box, offering a…
Reading this reminded me of a rainy Thursday a few months back when I was juggling a stack of groceries and a wobbly stroller in the city. I was stuck at a crosswalk, trying not to drop anything, when an elderly man in a coat I’d never seen before stepped forward, offered his arm, and steadied the stroller for me. He didn’t say much, just a brief “Take care,” before moving on. That simple act felt like a warm hand reaching through the cold drizzle, and it stayed with me long after the clouds cleared https://www.abc.net.au/news/ It made me realize how easy it is to pause and notice the small ways kindness can ripple through a hectic day. Since then,…