The Power of Kindness

 

Have you ever heard the story of the valedictorian who thanked their friend in their speech? 

Now, I don't know if this story is real of it its work of fiction but it's a story that is beautiful and shows how one small act of kindness can change a person's life for the better. 

The story goes something like this.  

On the first day of high school a young teen was having a rough a day.  He didn't feel like he had made any friends and was depressed and sad.  While walking back home the teenager was bullied by other students and they knocked his books out of his hands.  The teenager was heartbroken.  While he was on the ground another student walked up and helped him up and introduced himself.  This act of kindness started a friendship that lasted all through high school.  The student became more confident throughout the years with the help of his best friend and had eventually been selected as class valedictorian.  During his speech he told the story of his first day at school and how his best friend helped him when he felt he was at his lowest point.  He went on to say how one that day he was ready to go home and commit suicide, but it was the small act of kindness from his best friend that changed his mind.  

This story has always stuck with me throughout the years.  It is a reminder that our actions have a huge ripple effect that we may never know can happen.  

A quick smile can shine a small ray of positivity with someone having a bad day.

Giving a small compliment to someone can make them feel good about themselves. 

Helping a child with a hard homework problem can help them learn how to solve future problems. 

All these examples are vague and they are vague for a reason.  That's because the act of kindness is so specific but the results are always vague.  We may never know what our actions will do but that doesn't mean they aren't making a difference and it shouldn't be a reason why we should not be kind.  

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, it's the small things in life that make the most impact.  And if that small thing is done through the lens of kindness, then I believe you have increased the positive impact of that act.  

When it comes to kindness, don't think about it does.  

Kindness isn't about the result but the act itself.  

That's all that really matters.