Kindness and Respect

The potential kindness of human beings can be so powerful and wholly transformative.

The conscious choice of a person or a group of persons to express kindness into the world through their words and actions can lift others, motivate their best selves, and shine light into an often darkened world. Add respect to that mix and those dividends are enhanced and multiplied.

The actor Mark Ruffalo recently did something simple and effective. Actually it was the second year running he had done this. He bought a $100 gift card from Starbuck’s. He posted the card, along with the bar code, on his Twitter account, inviting anyone who saw it to go get a cup of coffee on him or to add dollars to the card so others could benefit. A while later he did the same with a Barnes and Noble gift card, offering a free book to those who wished to take advantage.

No big deal, right?

It so often seems that we take all for granted, expecting others to show kindness to us while not making a lot of effort in the outward direction. The effort to do a kind act or to speak a kind word is minimal.

Challenge yourself to give it a try. You will lighten someone’s burden in life, even if just for a moment. You will be a richer, more fulfilled human being.

It is worth the effort.