Here's the Thing about Kindness...

Kindness is something that the world could always use a little more of, especially right now.

It’s also one thing that people often don’t understand. People often confuse being kind with being nice, but it’s different. Being nice is being pleasant with other people, no matter how obnoxious or ignorant they are. Being kind is acting in a way that you are understanding, acting on behalf of someone else, or committing a selfless act for the greater good.

Kindness is an awesome thing. What makes it awesome is that we are all capable of it, especially you and me. Even though it can cost money to do kind things, it doesn’t cost a cent to be kind. The kindness that comes from your heart is ever-flowing; we can never run out of it. At times, you may feel drained or burnt out, and that’s okay. When that happens, give yourself some time to recharge and then you’ll be ready to give again.

Being kind can be hard. You can be surrounded by people who are hard to be kind to, but being unkind to them diminishes your humanity. By being unkind, you do the world nor yourself any favors. By being a kind person in situations where it’s easier to be unkind, you are become a bigger person.

You may have been taught that kindness is weak or that being kind shows people that you’re a push-over. People who think that way just don’t understand. Those who truly understand kindness know that being kind requires maturity, self-discipline, emotional intelligence, and courage.

Sometimes, people like to do random acts of kindness. While there is nothing wrong with that, people need to understand that no acts of kindness are ever random. That’s the wonderful thing about it. They don’t happen by accident; they are always done on purpose. Every act of kindness is intentional and happened for a reason.

Another thing about kindness that people tend to misunderstand is that it takes practice. The more you do it, the better you get at it. It may be hard at first, but with time, practice, and patience, you’ll be a kinder person, and the world will be a better place because of that.

Roderick Conwi is the Executive Editor at Nourishment Notes. He is also the author of The Procrastinator's Quick Guide To Getting It Done. To get powerful insights that enhance your day, join his free newsletter.