Why KINDNESS is the Most Important Value to Harness

Can you remember the last time somebody was kind to you? How did it make you feel? Now imagine how others must feel when you are kind to them. Kindness is vital to the human existence and is an important value to harness. In fact, it is the most important.

Everyone should work on showing a little more kindness to others.

What is Kindness?

Kindness is being friendly, generous, and considerate to others and yourself. Being kind often requires courage and strength, as it involves the willingness to celebrate and give attention to someone else. It is also about giving honest feedback when doing so is helpful to the other person. Moreover, kindness includes acting and speaking in a compassionate way to others and yourself. However, do not confuse kindness with weakness. You can be kind and still have boundaries. It is not a replacement for avoiding difficult conversations or standing up for yourself. Just be kind when you are in those situations. Consider, 'how would I want to be treated if I was in X situation?'.

Why Kindness is Good

Each act of kindness is changing the way we see ourselves and others, as well as how others see us. As our kindness positively affects others, we feel more compassionate, confident, useful, and in control. We also find ourselves feeling more appreciative and optimistic. Furthermore, there is nothing as rewarding as giving back to others. Kindness and being generous can change the world. Moreover, one small act of compassion can make a significant impact on someone's life, including your own.

The Benefits of Kindness

From being kind to your partner, family, friends, and colleagues, as well as strangers, kindness has many benefits. Even in business, kindness is an incredibly powerful tool for building your business, retaining your customers, and attracting referrals.

• Brings you happiness

• Brings happiness to others

• Improves relationships

• Enhances mental and emotional well-being

• Releases feel-good hormones

• Eases anxiety

• Reduces stress

• Is good for your heart

• Can help you live longer

• Can prevent illness

• Can slow down the ageing process

How to be Kind

There are many different ways to practice kindness. The main thing to keep in mind is to open your eyes and be active when you see people in need. A kind word, a smile, opening a door, or helping to carry a heavy load can all be acts of kindness. Sending a ‘thank you' note, helping an elderly neighbour, and refusing to gossip, are all acts of kindness. Moreover, kindness begets kindness. So, when you are kind to those around you, they will in turn be kind to you. However, you should never be kind with the expectation of receiving something in return. Instead, incorporate the smallest acts of kindness into your everyday life.

If we can learn to treat ourselves and others with more compassion, perhaps we will find that the superficial outcomes we seek are less important than we once thought.

by Amy Kauler