When the word kindness is mentioned, what comes to mind is being nice towards others, showing compassion. Kindness generally is perceived as being considerate and generous. But then, does it entail niceness towards others only? I personally believe that the clause 'without the feeling of pity' should be added. Sometimes, pity is usually mistaken for kindness. The ability to act kindly towards others without letting that feeling of pity flow into it is what I tag 'Kindness'. That simple act of complimenting others, standing up for elders to sit, helping people around are all acts of kindness.
When I was younger, my mom made us practice different acts of kindness and I still remember one particular experience vividly. We went to a church programme and she asked I and my sibling to give up my chair for this particular man. We unwillingly did it because it meant we had to stand till the program was over. That was about seven years ago but I remember how appreciative the man was and how he lectured us after the program. 'It is good to be good' was the term he kept on repeating. I never forgot that as it was a not so bad experience after all. After that experience and with the way the man was so appreciative, I found it easier to give up my seats for elderly ones as I grew older.
At this stage in life, where everything is centered on being 'that bitch' and 'chasing the bag', we see that most of the values such as kindness that we were taught are now being overshadowed by violence and self-centeredness, we often overlook the fact that a simple 'your dress is pretty' can improve someone's day. You even find the person's happiness wearing off on you.
Someone I know once tagged 'the act of giving up seats for elders, sick people and pregnant women, the act of complimenting others' an 'attention seeking' act. I tried my best dissuading her from that notion and I was happy when one day, she complimented someone right in front of me. I was quite happy she took to practicing kindness because if everyone begins to practice an act of kindness every day, the world will be a better place.
There was also this one kindness experience I had with a very close friend of mine. I was feeling kind of sad as I hadn't really been finding a particular course easy. I didn't tell her about my difficulties only the fact that I was having exams. The next morning, even though I hadn't told her about the course, she sent a sweet little text wishing me good luck. I was really really encouraged after reading that text of hers. I made sure to thank her so well as her message really inspired and made my day.
Kindness doesn't have to be intentional, it doesn't have to be pre-planned. It is something that can be performed anytime and anywhere. A little action of yours can be what motivates something to take a greater step in the course of their lives.
What's kindness without cheerfulness?
Is this even possible? Can you actually tell someone "ohhh, here. Have a seat" with a frowning face? Of course not. You have to plaster a cheerful smile on your face while showing that act of kindness to others. Kindness works hand in hand with cheerfulness.
Being kind to people is a very beautiful thing I must say.
Be nice to someone!
Show kindness to others!