“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
Kindness and good manners are character companions that cannot be separated. You cannot show good manners without being kind and you cannot be kind without good manners. Why are they so closely connected? Because they both require thinking of others more than thinking of yourself. Kindness touches all and is never performed without results. Barbara DeAngelis said “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”
NOT HARD TO BE KIND
Success-Minded People understand that it is not a difficult thing to be kind. Simple acts of kindness happen every day in many ways. A smile and a kind word can change a person’s attitude and therefore change their day or their life. Many a person who has suffered hardship has been brought back from the edge of despair by a simple act of kindness from a stranger. Mark twain once said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Kindness touches the heart of a person like little else.
WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE
Success-Minded People are aware of the feelings of others and avoid saying hurtful words or unkind jokes. They know that the words they say can bring healing and joy or hurt and destruction. Therefore they are careful not to say unkind words even in a joking way. Blaise Pascal said “Kind words do not cost much. Yet accomplish much.” Likewise, unkind words can cost dearly and do much damage. Success-Minded People watch their speech as well as their actions.
SOMEONE HAS IT TOUGHER
“Wherever there is a human being,” Seneca said, “there is a chance for a kindness.” Success-Minded People know that life is hard for everyone. As you look around you will always find someone who is going through something tougher than you are. We do not have to ignore our pain, but we cannot allow our pain to cloud our eyes from wanting to help others. If you look for ways to be kind to someone else, even in your own time of pain, you will find that it helps you as much as them.
ONE CHANCE
William Penn, the great Quaker Leader and first Governor of Pennsylvania put it perfectly when he wrote: “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” We only have one go through in life. It is not a rehearsal or something you get any redo. If you can show a kindness, say a kind word or make someone else a bit happier you need to do it now. Once today is gone it is gone forever. Do not miss your chance to change a person’s life with kindness.
© 2011 John Patrick Hickey
