The Cost of Kindess

There is something about simply being kind that cannot be underestimated. The power of the connection between people is so strong, yet so many choose to go at life alone, afraid to reach out. This goes for both those in need of kindness and those who choose to deliver. We are known as humankind for a reason. Kindness is an integral part of our life experience.

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late,” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
You may never know the impact of your kindness on another, however your kindness could potentially change someone’s entire day or life. That may seem a bit melodramatic, but it’s true. A smile, a kind word of encouragement, you just never know.

I was talking to an amazing song writer earlier this year, discussing how love truly is the language of our existence, and without it, we cannot survive. Kindness is a bi-product of love, the heartbeat of the universe. When we give of ourselves freely, without an agenda, just giving, we provide a beat for the pulse where one may not have existed. Our kind words and actions are life giving.

If you have ever had someone give you a complement or offer you sage advice on a problem that you were facing, you know just how good it feels to receive kindness.

A couple years ago while waiting on my prescription, I noticed a young couple scrambling to find enough money to pay for their prescription. I could see they were embarrassed and the young lady was visibly ill. The young man with her was so obviously in love with her; he just wanted to be able to take care of her and at this moment, he couldn’t. I quietly motioned to the other clerk that I’d take care of the cost of their prescription. The couple didn’t see this interaction and I’d hoped that I could get away before they knew that I had paid for the prescription.  I didn’t have my way and they graciously thanked me.

Why did I not want them to know? I believe that kindness is not something that should be on display. The young couple were about the age of my kids. I thought to myself that I would hope that someone would do the same for my kids if in that situation. I could see that they were embarrassed that they didn’t have the money for the prescription, but they needed help and I could assist.

When we live to be the reason that people believe in the goodness of humankind we affect the pulse of the universe. It’s like chi cardio! Kindness doesn’t have to cost a thing, but there is a huge cost without it.
Think of just how beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. You will never have a completely bad day if you allow kindness in at least once. If you can be one thing- be kind.

We rise by lifting others. Make this your mission this week. Make it happen!