Kindness. It’s a wonderful gift to give …and receive. You don’t have to physically go out and buy this present, or wrap it in colorful paper and bows. You already have this perfect gift. Being courteous, thoughtful and appreciative, are positive, heart-and-mind qualities that you and I already possess. They’re ours to share freely with our family, friends and co-workers, as well as people working in our local post offices, supermarkets, and favorite cafés.
KINDNESS - A FREE GIFT:
Being a friendly, pleasant person costs nothing. Doing a kindness or good turn for someone without expecting anything in return, is a generosity of heart that can’t be bought. In fact, it’s impossible to put a price on kindness. So before you head out the door each day, why not take with you a spirit of caring and grace. Here are tips on how to give the gift of kindness and discover it’s good for your health.
TRY THESE TIPS:
- Look for occasions to be a kind-hearted gift-giver – to express appreciation to others, to be encouraging or supportive. It’s such a treat for those you meet to be given respect and kindness - not because they’re nice to you, but because you enjoy being a nice person.
- Help your children give the gift of kindness at home and school by being considerate and well-mannered. I’m so grateful that my mother taught me to say “thank you” to her, every time she gave me something or did something for me. It’s so natural now for me to be kind and thank everyone – the driver who stops for me at a crossing, the hospitality worker who makes, or brings me, my coffee.
- Make the effort to share your kindness-gift at every opportunity. There are many instances with family, neighbours, co-workers or classmates where you can give them warm-hearted praise or special attention. Simple words of kindness grease the wheel of life making it more enjoyable for everyone.
- When you leave home each day, take with you a gift-wrapped “heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Bible. Colossians 3:12
- Be selfless, generous, kindly, forgiving. “If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us.” Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p.9
- If you’ve had a kindness shown you, pass it on. Be ready to give the gift of kindness, no matter what. You never know who it will bless. Your kind word or act could change someone’s entire day for the better. It’s why kindness is good for your health.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Beverly Goldsmith writes about the connection between spirituality and health and is a Practitioner and Teacher of Christian Science healing. Twitter: @GoldsmithBev
Photo attribution: © Glow Images