Once in a while, it’s good to see small acts of kindness in the world. Especially in big cities, it can be difficult to find people who are willing to push anonymity aside and actually treat everyone equally, even if they don’t know them. I was thinking about this topic this morning while sitting on the subway on the way to work: a man who looked like he was in his late 20s gave up his seat for a mother and child with heavy suitcases, even though they had only a stop to go on their journey.
He did it with the ease of someone who does stuff like that on a regular basis and it made me happy to see that there are people like that in the world. I’m always surprised when people hold doors for me or see someone helping a group of tourists with directions. It’s rare in a society we have today that people drop what they’re doing to help a stranger or just be of assistance to someone they’ll likely never see again. Why are random acts of kindness so important in our society?
1. Random acts of kindness are quick, but resonate. Even if you were just giving up your seat on the train to someone who needs it or if it’s someone you know, listening to them ramble about their problems, you’re being kind and using your time to help them. These were short, voluntary actions – being a good person doesn’t cost a thing and even if they weren’t large actions, they could have a substantial impact on the other person.
2. They’re rare in a busy world. Just being in the city all the time, it’s a very anonymous environment and people are always running everywhere. It’s nice to see someone being helped out on the subway or given assistance because they’re lost. One of my family members once lost their wallet in a big city, but the person tracked them down to return it. When people are treated with kindness just for being human, it’s a nice feeling and helps all of us feel connected as a group, not just individuals.
3. Favors and little gestures can make a difference. You never know what the other person might be going through. They could be upset over something you’d never understand, but by you being kind to them unconditionally and out of the goodness of your heart, this could be a turning point for them. The more people help each other out, the better world we have. Every little bit counts!
4. It might just be what the person needed. Maybe they were having a bad day and you just happened to hold the door for them. That small gesture could possibly change their whole mood and make them look at life in a different way. Doing something nice for someone else can be the quickest way to improve the world we live in.
5. Everyone deserves a little kindness. Your family, friends, strangers – we’re all people. Even if you just look around you and see what you can do to ease someone’s burden or brighten someone’s day, it’s noticed. Treat your friend who’s had a bad week to lunch or help an older woman with a box that they can’t carry. It’s all important to the well-being of this world!
The little things in one’s life in general could be what makes life worth living. Maybe a good song came on the radio or you took a well-deserved nap after a long day. It’s especially important, though, what you do for others and how your random acts of kindness could be the bread and butter of their life. Get out there, sisters, and make a difference in someone else’s life!