Kindness and gratitude are subjects that we just love to talk about, mainly because when you incorporate them into your life, not only are you adding much-needed positivity to the world, you are also nurturing yourself.
Being kind and grateful positively impacts those around you and makes you happier. Studies have shown that people who are generally thankful are less prone to anxiety and depression symptoms. But you don’t really need studies to know this.
Just think about the last time you were kind to someone without expecting anything in return or the last time you felt truly blessed.
How would you describe your mood during and after those actions? If you had to associate kindness and gratitude with a feeling, what feeling would it be?
In a word association game, many people linked kindness with words like compassion, love, and charity. That’s pretty good company.
The act of giving is humble. It promotes social interaction and, even better, it makes you feel good. For these reasons, we are going to tell you how to create a kindness cycle in your own life.
Create a kindness cycle.
Kindness creates a ripple effect, and this one is all about positivity and hope! When you perform a sincere act of kindness, no matter how big or small, people around you will be influenced by it and possibly perform other acts of kindness by themselves.
All of this may seem a bit cheesy, but it’s absolutely real. Much like when someone’s laugh is so pure that everyone in the room feels the joy and starts to laugh as well, when you act out of kindness, you inspire others to do the same.
Usually the more kindness you practice, the more productive and appreciative you’ll feel. There’s just something about being of service to others that triggers positive feelings and thoughts. It makes us feel connected to one another and capable of giving love.
Kindness is wealth.
Kindness doesn’t have to cost a penny, but it does make you rich. Realizing just how much abundance you have now will give you the motivation to improve yourself in all aspects, including your economic situation.
If you’re satisfied with what you have, you won’t feel the need to buy and spend more.
If your financial needs are covered, you will be less stressed and thus more receptive of your spiritual needs. If you don’t have to worry about making ends meet in the future, you will have more time to enjoy the present.
Sure, money isn’t everything, but it also isn’t the villain of the story, like some people make it out to be. Like spiritual guide Osho said: “If you are happy and you have money, you will become more happy. If you are unhappy and you have money, you will become more unhappy because what will you do with your money?”
When you treat those around you (yourself included) in a generous way, you’ll see how the cycle starts. We’re not talking about the law of attraction here. We’re talking about a conscious decision to enjoy giving and treating others with dignity.
Kindness can completely turn a day around. We all have bad times and we’ve all been through some rough battles. Being able to face challenges with a gentle spirit makes us stronger and wealthier.
Kindness transforms into wealth: literally and figuratively.
Giving requires boundaries.
We firmly believe that kindness makes a difference. However, the act of giving – like pretty much everything else – requires healthy boundaries.
If you give and give and give without any regard for your own wellbeing, you’ll end up feeling spent and unappreciated. Sometimes we need time to recharge, and sometimes we’re the ones who need to experience someone else’s kind acts to activate the cycle.
Please do this out of joy rather than expectations of getting something back, which is a sure way to create resentment and harvest unpleasant feelings. Be as generous as you can as long as it feels right for you. Always remember that before you help others, you must first help yourself.
How to start the cycle.
So how can you incorporate more kindness today?
Here are just some of the easiest ideas we came up with, but please do feel free to continue this list (and pass it on).
– Volunteer. At an animal shelter, a food bank, or any other charity. You can make a contribution by offering more than money; you can offer time, compassion, and expertise.
– Compliment someone and really mean it.
– Leave a generous tip.
– Offer your best advice on an online forum.
– Leave a great online review of your favorite local restaurant.
– Write a letter to a friend, family member, or partner and get specific about all the things you love about them.
– While you’re at it, write yourself one of those letters too. Self-compassion matters.
– Always say “please” and “thank you” – you’ll be surprised at the happiness this can create.
– Make a special playlist and dedicate it to someone.
– Apologize when you make a mistake.
– Be present when you meet with somebody. Leave your phone in your purse or pocket.
– Bake some healthy treats and give them away at a children’s hospital.
– Visit a nursing home and share stories with seniors.
– Forgive a person who has harmed you and let go.
– Smile.