Why Kindness Matters

Kindness is often seen as a soft skill, a simple act of goodness, or a fleeting moment of generosity. But it can be a transformative force—it has the power to shape lives and build connections.

Kindness Builds Stronger Relationships & Strengthens Resilience

At its core, kindness is about connection. Whether in personal relationships, workplaces, or communities, genuine kindness fosters trust and strengthens bonds. A simple thing such as a thoughtful gesture, a listening ear, or a supportive word, can connect people and create a culture of compassion.

A little while ago, I was talking to someone whom I had worked with previously. We knew a little of each other and some commonalities such as we both liked animals, but we did not know each other well. Early on during the call, I shared something vulnerable about my personal circumstances - all of a sudden the person then shared their current experiences and then we both connected on a level we did not expect. The call lasted long than expected, but we both felt better for being able to share with each other.

Kindness Creates a Ripple Effect - Its a strength, not a weakness

One small act of kindness can inspire others to pay it forward, setting off a chain reaction of positivity. A single generous deed, can spread beyond what we see, impacting lives in unexpected ways.

In a world that often values competition and self-preservation, kindness is sometimes underestimated. But choosing kindness—especially in moments of difficulty—requires courage and emotional intelligence. It’s not about avoiding conflict or being overly agreeable; it’s about leading with empathy and lifting others up.

How You Can Practice Kindness Every Day

Kindness does not have to be large acts or grand, they can be the smallest of moments but still make a big difference. Some examples are;

At home or in the community

• Reach out to a friend who you haven’t spoken to for a while

• Send a message or letter to someone you've been out of touch with

• Send flowers to a family member or friend, out of the blue for no reason

• Check in on someone you know who is going through a tough time

• Gift a gift or a thank you to a neighbour

• Make something and leave it in a public place with a note for others

• Wish a passer-by a good morning or afternoon

• Pick up some rubbish lying around in the street

On social media or an internet forum

• Write something nice or encouraging on a post you appreciate

• Find a quote, picture, or story you like and share it on your network

• Look for positive groups, influencers or publications to follow and read

• Consider if taking a break from a specific forum or platform will help

At work

•  Say "hi" to colleagues and ask how they are – whether that’s face-to-face, or virtually if you are working from home

• Consider having a virtual lunch or call with a colleague

• If you have a meeting scheduled, consider if you can both go for a walk during the meeting so you get some time outside

• Put a quote or phrase on your Teams profile to make others smile

• Say thank you to a colleague who has helped you

For you

• Plan a fun activity that you do not normally have time for

• Pick up a hobby you may not have done for a while

• Look through things in your home, photos, books and items that have sentimental value

• Take some time to actively rest and do nothing

We do not have to be kind to everyone, everyday, but through kindness we can make the world a better place, one act at a time.