Another holiday has rolled around, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of global problems. Unfortunately, we all have access to way too much information, and there’s little break from the firehose of troubles. That said, the holiday season serves as a bit of a break to help us gather ourselves and remember that every act of Kindness matters. The fact is that kindness fosters unity, reduces anger and division, and bridges the divides.

Why a small act of kindness matters.

Small acts of kindness can seem so simple but, for some reason, so challenging to do. But here’s the thing: Kindness Matters and can have a significant impact on people and society as a whole. So, why does kindness matter? The following are just a few reasons:

• Human connection. A small act of kindness creates a human connection. It fosters a sense of belonging.
• Positive impact. Kindness provides a positive for the giver and receiver. It releases those feel-good endorphins, leading to better well-being.
• Ripple effect. When we treat others with respect and empathy, we break down barriers, and we see the humanity of other people.
• Building trust. By showing kindness, we strengthen interactions and relationships. In turn, it reinforces a sense of security and belonging.
• Negativity counterprogramming. We know there’s a lot of negativity and conflict worldwide. Kindness serves as an essential counterbalance, providing hope.

Small acts with significant impact.

A small act of kindness can do a lot. For instance, we can celebrate teachers. We can celebrate our communities. And we can volunteer.  Moreover, the more we view the world through a lens filled with empathy, the better we feel. If each of us can share kindness, together, we can have an impact that makes a difference. So, what are the things we can each do to make the world a better place?

1.     Smile and greet others.

One of the simplest and easiest acts of kindness is smiling at someone—even a stranger. A friendly smile is a gesture that can create a positive atmosphere. When you smile at someone, you immediately create a more positive atmosphere. The biggest message you relay to someone else when you smile is that you see and acknowledge them.

2.     Active listening for kindness

So many of us live in a reality that has us rushing all the time. We have to run to work. Rush home. Rush to pick up kids at school. However, another simple act of kindness is to practice active listening. When we actively listen to others, we show understanding, reinforce connections, and communicate better.

3.     Express gratitude

Another simple yet powerful way to spread kindness is to show gratitude. Saying thank you doesn’t take much time, but it can make a big difference. People like to be thanked because it means someone else has noticed them. So, if you want to foster a sense of unity and generosity, express gratitude often.

4.     Offering help and kindness

One of the most influential acts of kindness involves offering help to those who need it. It doesn’t have to be a significant and epic act of kindness. It could be as simple as holding the door or giving the seat to someone on a crowded train. When you offer to help, you acknowledge someone else, break down walls, and make a connection.

5.     Practice patience

Again, we live in a world that keeps everyone busy and doing things. Want to know what happens when we’re in a constant rush? We become increasingly impatient. So, a great act of kindness is to learn to be patient with yourself. And once you master remaining calm during challenging situations, remember to be patient with others to reduce tension and anger.

As we enter into the holiday season, we should know there are tools to make the world a better place. Small acts of kindness are powerful ways to decrease division and the inevitable anger that comes from it. By embracing compassion and realizing that it’s not something that only takes a lot of small gestures, we can incorporate the idea of ‘be kind’ into our lives. Moreover, when we’re kind, we allow others to reciprocate. But it starts with each of us. So, let’s work to make a better, kinder, and gentler world.

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