Radiate Kindness

A few years ago, I bought a shirt that had this quote on it and I have loved it ever since.

In a world where you can be anything,

be kind.

Anonymous

This summer, I took a class on being culturally responsive in the classroom, but many of the ideas and topics discussed can be applied to day to day life as well. One idea that stood out to me is the importance of listening. We need to listen to one another’s experiences and we need to listen to one another’s feelings. Just listen! It’s not appropriate to always insert your thoughts or opinion. Many times our thoughts or opinions are actually going to cause more harm than good. One of Jermaine’s many qualities that I admire is his ability to look at a situation from many perspectives and to let go of all judgment. So… after a few experiences and conversations, I made the commitment to focus on kindness and to eliminate negativity in my life. #KindPeopleAreMyKindaPeople. This summer, I have been focused on radiating kindness and I have found a new sense of peace…and happiness!

Since my husband and I recently bought a home, we have had various people come to the house to adjust, fix, deliver, or install something.The electrician who came to install our ceiling fans and light fixtures asked us to write a Google review for him. Yesterday, Jermaine received a notification that over 600 people have read his review. Jermaine’s small act of kindness is continuing to positively impact the electrician’s business. It also gives us joy and happiness that we were able to bless his business.

Since making the commitment to being more intentional about radiating kindness, I have started calling my grandmothers, who are both widows, each week. I enjoy hearing about their week and staying in touch with them. One of my grandmothers noted how she enjoys that I listen to her. So many times we ask one another “How are you?” in passing, but we don’t take the time to actually listen to their story and what is on their heart. After talking to them, I think about how I can pray for them. I find joy each week when I talk to them.

& since Jermaine and I have been focused on kindness, kindness has also found us. Throughout the summer, we have met SO many kind people. For example, the window covering specialist made a special trip to our home to install paper blinds over the glass of our front door while our blinds were being made. The technician who came to mount our TV on the wall also looked at our doorbell that suddenly stopped working. These kind gestures really brightened our day and left our home happier than before.

So, how can you be a light? How can you radiate kindness?

A few ideas:

• Smile at someone
• Hold the door open for your co-worker
• Pay for the person’s coffee behind you
• Call a family member and listen to them
• Ask someone how you could pray for them
• Write someone a letter telling them that you are thinking of them
• Compliment a stranger
• Paint rocks and hide them around your neighborhood
• Leave a generous tip
• Let someone go in front of you in line
• Use sidewalk chalk to write positive messages on a walking trail

Closing Thoughts

Growing up, one of the golden rules in our home was “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Sometimes we start to have laser focus and we forget about the people around us. We forget about what really matters in life. Remember everyone has a story and you don’t know the battles that someone is facing. Your kindness could impact someone’s life more than you will ever know.

Our world needs a lot of love and kindness. I want to be apart of the change…and you can be, too!

So, now my challenge for you is, how can you radiate kindness this week?

As always, thanks for reading. I really enjoy sharing my heart with you and I hope you are having an amazing Sunday.

Peace + Love,

Molly