Who doesn’t love a juicy secret? This secret is not exclusive but is applicable to all people. The month of February is known for being the shortest month of the year, Black History month and the month of love. Although we just celebrated Valentine’s Day, I would like to offer a challenge to keep the love flowing. Everyday for the rest of this month consider a kind act to do for someone and then do it!
Kindness is an expression of love and one remedy to sadness that can be offered any day, hour or month of the year. It can be a simple or elaborate act such as sharing a kind word or spending a day helping a friend get organized. By showing kindness these selfless acts have a great personal benefit…..boosting personal happiness.
Researchers asked 400 elementary school kids, between the ages of 9 and 11, to report on their level of happiness and to share which classmates they wanted to work with on school projects. Teachers asked half of the students to perform acts of kindness towards others. The other half of students were asked to keep track of enjoyable places they visited. Once the four-week period ended, the students were asked to report on their happiness and choose classmates they wanted to work with. While both groups reported increased happiness, the kids that performed acts of kindness chose more classmates to work with on school activities. The researchers concluded, “We show that kindness has some real benefits for the personal happiness of children, but also for the classroom community” – Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, Ph.D. (read full review at PsychCentral News: Kindness may be key to happiness for kids)
That’s right, if you are experiencing a lull in your mood do something nice for someone else. Their smile might light the spark in you. We are all connected and when we walk in our purpose we contribute to the greater good of others that propels them in their purpose. As one of the fruits of the spirit, kindness is offered from the soul. It is a good thing that is sincere, loving and relationally connecting. Remember kindness is a choice!
Have you felt unhappy, frustrated, disconnected and misunderstood lately? In these moments it is easy to be unkind to others especially if others have been unkind to us. Snapping sarcasm, offering unnecessary criticism, or giving someone the silent treatment all invite negativity and breed more of the same.
5 Quick Suggestions for Acts of Kindness that Will Help Others & Lift Up Your Spirit
- Start in your own home by choosing your words carefully. Harshness, teasing and disregard lead to disconnection. Being courteous, loving, positive & honest lead to connection.
- Volunteer in your community
- Offer to help your neighbor
- Go play BINGO at a nursing home
- Offer your ear to listen to someone’s story
Get creative! Even considering ways to be kind to those around you can create a sense of connectedness and community. Fill your heart with happiness . Be kind, Be loving, Be happy.
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Shahidrah Cowgill – who has written 34 posts on Fundamental Foundations Counseling Center.
