Begin with Kindness! Monthly Motivation includes a new printable

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
~ Scott Adams

I’ve talked before about kindness. In previous posts, I’ve discussed how kindness can make you more successful, and offered ways to share kindness with others. And if you follow my Instagram feed, I often share inspirational kindness quotes. But right now (and speaking for myself) I think it’s more important than ever to do a self-check. There’s so much unrest worldwide, and in the U.S. there is political divide like I’ve never experienced before. Rather than disagreeing, and maybe agreeing to disagree, people are demonizing anyone who doesn’t hold their views. People are shamed, cancelled, labeled and dismissed. Understanding and compassion is in short supply.

I’m not sure the ride is going to get any easier any time soon, but, I think each of us can make a difference if we choose to treat people with empathy and compassion. And that can begin with simple acts of kindness. So for this Month’s Motivation, let’s look at a few reasons why kindness can make a difference in your life and the lives of those you touch.

Kindness builds relationships

Kindness can create social connections and bonding. As children and even as adults, we look for kindness from our family and friends. In some form, we give and receive kindness every day. Kindness moves us. We remember past kindnesses, and it strengthens, heals, and lifts us up. In the end, every successful relationship is supported by kindness, according to Dr. John and Julie Gottman, founders of the Gottman Institute. 

Kindness increases happiness

Kindness creates a positive loop in our mind. Acts of kindness activate areas of social connection, pleasure, and trust in our brains. Being kind makes us happier and happiness makes us kinder. And when we’re happy, we’re more likely to feel giving and kind towards others.

Kindness is healing

Kindness can decrease or help prevent diseases. Positive emotions from kindness boosts the vagus nerve which regulates blood sugar, helping our bodies to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Kindness lowers our stress and anxiety levels and increases endorphins which leads to decreased pain.

Kindness also helps us to heal. Studies show that kinder care can reduce pain, lower blood pressure and create less anxiety for the patient and caregivers. When healthcare is delivered with kindness it can speed healing, thereby shortening hospital stays.

Begin with Kindness

Even small acts of kindness are good for you and for those you share a kindness with. When we are kind with no expectations, we can build meaningful connections to others and create a calmer, happier, and healthier life for ourselves and those we interact with. Changing the world for the better really does start with us. Let’s begin with kindness.

Download your free Begin with Kindness printable by clicking the button below

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