Recently I was the recipient of a very meaningful gesture. It was from a very dear friend that knew I was going to be struggling with something coming up. To my surprise she left at my doorstep a wonderful gift bag filled with all of my favorite things sure to get me through this tough time.
The gifts were delightful; the gesture was beyond touching! Just think if the world was filled with people as kind as this friend of mine. What an amazing world we would be living in. No more bullying and harsh words would be translated to words spoken with love and kindness.
What does it take to get to a world like this?
I certainly don’t have all the answers but I do know it doesn’t take grand gestures that are beyond the reach of many. I think it really just takes everyone trusting each other enough to be their authentic selves. And giving each other the benefit of the doubt.
None of us is perfect, words come out wrong and actions can be misinterpreted. But by giving each other the benefit of the doubt more often, we are bound to see more kindness in this world.
And… getting to know each other more is key as well. In my case, my friend’s very kind gesture was sweet not only in the gesture but that she filled that gift bag with everything that showed she had taken the time to get to know me really well. This was no surprise to me that she had done this but the gesture warmed my heart. Inside that precious bag were gifts that only a true friend would know to get me, would know that I would enjoy the most. That level of thoughtfulness touched my heart to the core.
Why is it so hard to get to this level of kindness?
Let’s face it, life can fill us with insecurities, hardships, and challenges that overwhelm us. When in these states we aren’t always our “best selves.” And when we aren’t the best versions of ourselves it sometimes comes out in how we treat others.
So how to do become more confident in ourselves and our abilities to avoid these feelings? Well, there are no easy answers other than to say that it can take a lot of personal work and growth. While some of us readily seek this out, others of us may have the best of intentions but are lost as to where to start.
The Circle of Kindness
So perhaps a starting point is paying each act of kindness forward until it doubles in our lives. Then triples, quadruples, etc… If we all approach life with this attitude, the beautiful gesture I received from my dear friend will be something we all receive in our time of need. The world will become more vibrant with hope, love and kindness. If…we all take the time to do our part.
Have you Found a Way to Continue the Circle of Kindness?
Have you found a way to pay it forward when you have been the lucky recipient of a kind act? What did you do? What acts of kindness have impressed you the most?
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14 August 2020
It’s so important to be kind. It costs us nothing, and as your post highlights, it it incredibly powerful, powerful enough to change the world…if we can all keep paying that kindness forward and make it apart of how we live.
Exactly Giulia! If we all keep paying it forward again and again….
What a beautiful idea Lisa! I hope to live in that world someday. I especially agree that it doesn’t take grand gestures – just every day acts of kindness.
Yes, yes, yes Clarissa. Sometimes it’s those every day gestures that mean the most to us in life. I know my gift package meant the world to me in so many ways.
Aww, your friend sounds so sweet! A few months ago, one of my friends couriered over a care package with my favorite nespresso capsules and a yoga ball as well. I entirely relate to how it feels, and I agree we ought to show more care and concern for the people we love. Sometimes, even a simple how have you been to a friend we haven’t caught up with for a while works wonders too. Thanks for sharing, Lisa!
It sounds like you have a wonderful friend in your corner too Ming – isn’t it a blessing!
This is a great post and you obviously have really thoughtful friends. Kindness comes in so many forms and doesn’t have to cost anything so its such a shame when people can’t be kind to each other. Even just a smile and greeting someone can make their day, especially if they feel invisible.
I love your point about especially if they feel invisible – so many of us do all the time or from time to time.
Aww! This is beautiful! That’s why I’ve always loved giving gifts! If I know someone is struggling or needs a smile, I try to send them a surprise to help!
You are a blessing Daisy – your tribe is lucky to have you in it!
Kindness is such an important thing and we all need to do it more often!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Most definitely Amie!
This is so great. meaningful gestures are so important to do!
They sure are, aren’t they Charity? 🙂
It sounds like you have a really lovely friend! It’s nice to think about if the world was a much nicer place, but I sometimes think the negativity we see makes us appreciate gestures like this so much more x
I completely agree Sophie – it makes the special moments all the more special.. 🙂
The act of kindness that impressed me the most is when the old lady let my mother and sister into her house without even knowing who we are. The best gift we could ever have in our life! Great tips, Lisa! It’s so lovely to have friends nearby!
It’s the most beautiful thing in the world when you find treasures such as this.
kindness is needed to get through this tough and challenging times.
glad you’ve got such an amazing friend.
thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts!
Thank you Hari – I wish for all of us to have such great, kind friends in our lives
Kindness is so important and it’s sad to say I don’t see it very often these days! I hope the world can change for the better.
? Marissa Belle × marsybun.com ?
I do too Marissa!
It’s so so important to try and be kind – it costs nothing and can make a huge difference!
Tash // A Girl with a View
I completely agree Natasha!