Bringing Back Kindness

In school, teachers often inquire about our aspirations for our children by the year’s end. Personally, I’ve always prioritized the simple wish that my kids return home each day happier and kinder than before. It’s concerning how our society increasingly emphasizes certain skills, neglecting fundamental human qualities like kindness. 

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are prevalent among individuals of all ages, cultivating kindness can serve as a powerful antidote. Research shows that acts of kindness stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, practicing kindness has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression levels.

Having worked as a life coach and happiness advocate for over a decade, I’ve witnessed a shift in the attributes deemed crucial over time. Thirteen years ago, parents emphasized confidence and communication skills for their kids, whereas today, resilience, grit, and determination take precedence. While each trait holds value and can pave the way for success, I’ve observed a rise in competitiveness, with kindness often taking a backseat. We need to form a more conscious effort to bring back kindness and here are our top 3 practical suggestions on how you may do so:

1. Lend a Hand (from the Kids Box Set)
   Helping others makes us become less self-centered and become more aware of those around us. It gives us the space to learn to be more positive and gives a sense of purpose when doing good with positive impact to others. See if there’s something you offer to do for a friend or family, or perhaps just take initiative to help them out on obvious areas they might need help in.
2. Give a Compliment (from the Adult Box Set)
   We all know how wonderful it is to receive a compliment – so give one! Be magnanimous and generous with your compliments, make sure it comes from a place of authenticity.
3. Let It Go (from the New Moms Box Set)
   Holding on to toxic situations, negative thoughts and experiences from the past limits us from being present. If prolonged, we stop noticing and appreciating the wonderful things around us. Whether it’s about a personal action or something done by others, choose to be kind to yourself and let go of negative feelings. It might help to journal or write these things down on a piece of paper to get it out of your chest, scrunch or tear it up and commit to moving away from it.

Amidst stress and busyness, it can be challenging to prioritize others’ needs. Yet, we often make excuses for failing to extend simple courtesies, like holding the door open or expressing gratitude. While self-care is important, pausing to act, speak, and think with kindness can lead to personal growth and increased happiness.

As society evolves, I fear for the ability of younger generations to exhibit kindness in their actions, thoughts, and speech. Though it’s natural to prioritize self-interest, developed societies necessitate mindfulness and compassion, even amid the pursuit of progress. Kindness, at its core, entails being caring, compassionate, and generous.