Kindness is an ideal that is easily accessible to all of us. We all know that a small kindness can make our journeys lighter and more enjoyable and can put a smile on our face days or weeks.
We are all fortunate that kindness is a limitless supply and available to everyone. The smallest gesture can bring a smile to light the shadow of an unpleasant situation or remove tension from a difficult task, but it's effects can echo and extend far beyond the moment. We can be sure that we will receive a kindness in return but giving is its own reward.
My Thoughts:
I have come to the conclusion that as far as kindness goes, I am selfish. I am kind because it makes me feel good to be that way and that is where the selfish bit comes in … I like to feel good about myself. I like to know that, in whatever small way I have made someone else happy. But the best bit is that it is even better when they have no idea that it was me.
The concept of Pay-it-Forward is nothing new, but it is a great way to boost your own self esteem. I’m not talking about the major big-league stuff that goes on but the tiny little, almost insignificant things that could mean so much to someone else.
Although, that said being nice to some people will always be wrong in their eyes. I once held a door open for someone that had their arms full, to be promptly told, in no uncertain terms that they could manage without help from anyone. They then went through the door I was still holding open and promptly yanked it from my hand and slammed it shut in my face. I have to say that initially this made me laugh, but then basically I find it sad that some people are so caught-up in whatever it is that has caused them to be so negative. Then again, there are those that take a delight in being as nasty to others as they can … I suppose that is what makes them happy.
Although sadly, doing things for the right reason will never be good enough for that type of person, I think the trick to walking away from this kind of encounter unscathed, is to realise that by giving them the opportunity to be nasty, you have still pleased them.
So, best to just laugh it off.