Kind

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."

― Plato

April 5, 2023

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Lisa Ulshafer

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Being kind is an important trait that is highly valued in every society. It involves being compassionate, considerate, and understanding towards others, regardless of their circumstances or beliefs. Kindness is a positive attribute that can have a profound impact on people's lives, helping to build trust, promote cooperation, and foster healthy relationships. In a world that can often be harsh and unkind, practicing kindness can be a powerful way to make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

Here are just some of the benefits you experience when you are kind: 

• Increased happiness: When you're kind, you're likely to feel good about yourself and the impact you're having on others, which can lead to increased feelings of happiness and well-being.
  
  
• Improved relationships: Kindness can help to build and strengthen relationships, whether with family, friends, or strangers. When you show kindness, people are more likely to feel comfortable around you and to trust you.
  
  
• Reduced stress: Engaging in acts of kindness can be a great way to reduce stress, both for yourself and for others. By taking the time to do something nice for someone else, you're likely to feel a sense of satisfaction and purpose that can help to alleviate stress.
  
  
• Enhanced self-esteem: Kindness can be a great way to boost your self-esteem, as it allows you to see yourself as someone who has a positive impact on others. When you feel good about yourself, you're more likely to be kind to others, which can create a positive cycle of behavior.
  
  
• Improved health: Studies have shown that being kind can have physical health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. When you engage in acts of kindness, you're also likely to experience a release of the "feel-good" hormone oxytocin, which can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.

Here are 10 strategies to become more kind:

1. Practice empathy: Try to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their feelings and perspectives.

2. Perform random acts of kindness: Do small things for others without expecting anything in return, like opening a door, offering a compliment, or helping someone with a task.

3. Be present: Focus on the present moment and pay attention to the people around you. Being fully engaged can help you respond more kindly and thoughtfully.

4. Cultivate gratitude: Take time to appreciate the good things in your life, which can help you feel more positive and inclined to be kind to others.

5. Check your assumptions: Sometimes our assumptions about others can lead us to be unkind or judgmental. Take a moment to challenge your assumptions and consider other perspectives.

6. Practice self-compassion: Being kind to yourself is also important. Treat yourself with compassion and understanding, and don't be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes.

7. Practice active listening: When someone is speaking, give them your full attention and listen without judgment. This can help you respond in a more empathetic and kind manner.

8. Seek out opportunities to help: Look for ways to volunteer or help those in need, whether through a formal organization or by simply offering to lend a hand to a friend or neighbor.

Being kind can have a positive impact on both yourself and those around you. It can improve your relationships, increase your happiness, and make the world a better place. While it can be challenging to cultivate kindness, it is a worthwhile pursuit that can be achieved with practice and effort. By implementing strategies such as empathizing with others, practicing gratitude, and engaging in small acts of kindness, you can become more kind and bring more goodness into the world.