I believe in kindness.
The Dalai Lama is quoted as saying:
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
Personally, that’s the type of religion I can very definitely get behind.
I define kindness as treating others with the same level of respect and regard I would like to be shown myself. It’s that golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
In the midst of busy lives that demand so much of us however, it is easy to lose sight of the type of person we aspire to be. It is easy to postpone kindness in the name of just keeping ahead of everything that needs to be done.
But demonstrating kindness doesn’t need to be a grand giant gesture and it shouldn’t be a burden. Sure a big gesture is great, but there are many ways you can simply LIVE a kind life.
Here are 8 easy ways to be consistently kind:
- Don’t Gossip
What other people do with their lives is none of your business. You’re not walking in their shoes. Gossip says far more about the person gossiping than it ever could about the person who is being discussed.
- Show Interest
Show genuine interest in the lives of others. We all have a desire to be heard, seen and respected. Ask questions about people’s lives and genuinely listen to their responses. Give people a chance to feel important.
- Smile
Smiling is the easiest way to spread a little good energy. You don’t even have to know a person, yet you can still show them a little kindness and warm up their day with a smile.
- Acknowledge Others
Take the time to say hello and acknowledge people when you walk into a room. A quick “hello” in the morning can set the day up on a positive note when you are relating to others. It shows the other person you care.
- Treat Everyone With Respect
We are all cut from the same cloth; divine sparks of magic in human form. We may have different roles in life, but that doesn’t make any of us more important. A truly kind person will show everybody respect regardless of their job or title.
- Share Your Toys
If you are blessed to have all you need, be willing to give a little. We teach our children to share their toys so don’t be a greedy adult. Where you can, give. It may be time, money or resources, but look for opportunities to share with those who are less fortunate than you.
- Show Appreciation
If somebody does something for you, take the time to acknowledge it. A simple and genuine “thank you” can warm the heart of another. Always take the time to acknowledge when you are grateful for what someone has done for you.
- Keep Trying
Kindness matters. Some days we will naturally be better at demonstrating it than others, but every day brings a fresh opportunity to live up to the type of ideal you aspire. Keep kindness front of mind and always look for little opportunities to brighten the day of someone else.
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Hi. I’m Kate Snowise. I’m a Life & Executive Coach who helps people who want the good stuff out of life, get it. I’m passionate about helping people understand themselves, and what they need out of life to be authentically happy. I have an MSc in Psychology (the positive kind of psychology that concentrates on what is right with you). I offer individual coaching that specifically helps people clarify their thinking, understand themselves, grow into their potential and re-gain balance. Click here to learn more.
To download a copy of my free mini-guide – 8 Tips Towards Creating a Thriving Life – click here.