What’s Your Impact in this World?

Summary

The article reflects on the reciprocal impact of kindness, illustrated by the author's personal experience with Dinesh Sharma, and emphasizes the benefits of kindness on personal happiness and societal good.

Abstract

The author shares a personal story about the power of kindness, recounting how an act of kindness from Dinesh Sharma inspired them to pursue their HR designation and volunteer to help immigrants in Canada. Years later, the author discovers that their own volunteer work has inspired Sharma, creating a "full cycle" of inspiration. The article underscores that kindness can lead to increased life satisfaction and happiness, citing scientific research. It advocates for selfless giving without expectation of reward, suggesting that such acts enrich the giver and contribute to personal growth. The author encourages readers to choose kindness in 2022 and beyond, highlighting the potential for even small acts of kindness to make a significant impact.

Opinions

Kindness has a profound and often unseen impact on both the receiver and the giver.
Acts of kindness can inspire others to pay it forward, creating a positive cycle of influence.
Engaging in selfless acts of kindness and volunteering can enhance one's sense of fulfillment and potentially lengthen life.
Observing kind acts can increase overall happiness.
The purest form of kindness is giving without the expectation of receiving anything in return.
In a world challenged by pain and fear, choosing to be kind can foster positive change and personal growth.
The author believes that readers can make a meaningful difference through acts of kindness, regardless of recognition.

You never know how your kindness is inspiring others

I recently came across this image which reminded me of the importance to be kind to others no matter the circumstances. It also reminded me of an interaction with a person who had a positive impact on my life.

Last year, I reconnected with a person who impacted my thinking about 10 years ago. This guy, Dinesh Sharma, reached out to me via LinkedIn because he had learned about the work I was doing to help immigrant professionals succeed in Canada. He was starting to put together great initiatives such as a mentoring program for his new association Brilliant Minds Group, and wanted to get my opinion and general advice on best practices.

We talked for a while on Zoom and agreed to collaborate. I was a little surprised when he mentioned that I had inspired him. Towards the end of the call, I said something that surprised him.

Dinesh, there’s something you should know. In the summer of 2012, you were the guest speaker of an event for newcomers in Markham. You probably don’t remember it, but I do remember you because I was one of the newcomers in the audience. You inspired me greatly to pursue my HR designation and help other immigrants in Canada. You volunteered and showed so much kindness that I thought of doing the same type of volunteering after settling in, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing for the past five years.

So… the person who had inspired me when I was a newcomer to Canada was now saying I inspired him with my recent volunteer work. I felt that this was truly a “full cycle”. His kindness made a positive impact on me, and my kindness inspired him to continue helping newcomers.

Kindness boosts Happiness

Most times, we don’t know the impact that our words and actions have on others, but it’s important to choose kindness every time.

Being kind to others, even a stranger, and actively observing acts of kindness will boost our happiness.

I believe that the best way to serve others is by giving with the goal to just give, not to receive. The purest act of kindness does not expect credit or a self-serving purpose. While receiving appreciation helps us become popular and makes us feel good in the moment, selfless giving will help us enrich our inner self and future growth.

Just like the text on the image says, you can show kindness with the smallest acts, by smiling, listening, and giving a hug. If you have more resources or time, volunteer for a cause you believe in.

In our current world of pain, fear, and sadness, we have a choice to be kind and inspire positive change to another human being who may need it at that precise moment. Your kindness will open doors, fill a void in your heart, and help you grow.

May this new year 2022 be a year where you choose to be kind and make a positive impact, even if others don’t tell you about it.

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