Can We Make Kindness a Norm Again?

Surprising kindness that brightened my day

Have you ever had a moment where an unexpected act of kindness, completely turned around your day, leaving you filled with immense gratitude?

Acts of kindness have become increasingly rare in today’s world. Yet, it is the fundamental requirement for a better world. We have the power to change this narrative and make kindness a norm once again.

An unforgettable Airbnb experience

After a long and exhausting day of travel- filled with flight delays and fatigue, I arrived at my Airbnb and it was one of the most welcoming places I had ever seen. The host had put a lot of effort into creating such a beautiful and inviting home. From huge windows bathing the house in natural light to every corner exuding love and warmth, it was evident that this was a place where kindness thrived.

This experience reminded me of the magic that can be created within the walls of a home, not through any extravagant design or size, but through deliberate infusion of love and warmth. The room where I stayed had artfully placed lamps candles, and string lights that enhanced the atmosphere. Looking out the window I was greeted by a charming and meticulously maintained garden.

What was most special was how the host constantly checked on me, ensuring that I felt comfortable. In a world where superficial interactions prevail in likes, comments, and emojis, her genuine care was truly refreshing. This made me reflect on the significance of sincere human connections and how it’s vital to move beyond virtual interactions and cultivate meaningful connections in our everyday lives.

As I had been missing home for the last few days, this experience brought immense joy to my heart. At that moment, I made a silent promise to myself that someday, I would recreate the magic I had experienced in this home.

What makes a home special? — a place of tranquility, love, and comfort. It was incredible how a complete stranger could instantly make me feel at ease.

This reminds me of a saying

“ Being kind is like being a lamp post — it may not necessarily shorten the distance but it lights up the path and makes the journey a little easier for others.”

Amidst our busy lives, it is the small, genuine gestures of kindness that have the power to make a lasting impact. The hope of encountering more experiences like this motivates me to prioritize kindness in all aspects of my life. The core essence of being human lies in being kind and understanding. Everyone goes through periods of sadness, anxiety, guilt, and struggles, even if they outwardly appear cheerful. By choosing to be kind, we can brighten someone’s day and create a positive ripple effect.

Try this: As an experiment, commit to performing one act of kindness for someone each day, for a whole week. It could be a kind gesture, words of appreciation, an act of service, or friendly support. Notice how much happier you feel by doing this.

Overcoming Hesitation and Setting Boundaries

It’s understandable to feel hesitant or even afraid of being kind to others if we have been hurt in the past by being taken advantage of. However, one negative experience should not define all future experiences. Being kind does not mean being a pushover or allowing others to take advantage of us. We can continue to be kind while also setting boundaries, choosing our circle wisely, managing expectations, practicing self-care, and learning from our experiences.

Let’s strive to make kindness not the exception, but the rule.