You have probably heard at some point today that 13 November is World Kindness Day.
Mark Twain: “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
How kind am I, and how many kind people do I know? What do you call kindness? What characteristics should a kind person have, in your opinion? A smile, honesty, a quiet voice, a gentle look, letting someone go first, holding a door open, “Put something on, it’s cold”, praise, compassion, understanding the other side?…
Kindness takes different forms and has different names for each of us, but for all of us it means the same thing – respect. Respect for the gift called Life, respect for living beings, respect for those close to us – respect for ourselves.
They say that if you don’t respect others, you don’t respect yourself either.
So look around you, look at your everyday life and ask yourself, honestly and privately, whether and how much you respect the people who are part of your life – and you will find out how much you actually respect yourself. When you are kind and pleasant to another person, that feeling fills not only them but automatically you too. You can tell yourself, aloud or silently, “yes, I really respect people…” Whether that is true, you will know – unmistakably – from your emotional reaction. When it is true, you are flooded with a fine sense of peace, calm and warmth; if it is just a lie (one that sounds good), you will feel unrest.
No one has ever found happiness by making others unhappy. They may have gained a momentary, passing advantage, but lasting happiness and peace – certainly not, and never will.
So share joy, share kindness, say kind words… Try to leave every person you touch with your presence during the day in a better state than you found them. It really isn’t hard, and it costs nothing!
01A short reminder of the “magic” words (M. Mandić)
- Please – a powerful magic word that, with a smile, can open any door. Use it often – it has been shown that people will do you a favour sooner and more willingly if you ask nicely.
- Thank you – scientists have found that expressing gratitude contributes to a sense of happiness and satisfaction and makes us healthier.
- Here you are / How can I help? – widely used and certain to add to kindness and a good impression. Said as “Hello, how can I help you?”, it should be the main tool of anyone working in sales. People like being offered help, and helping makes both the person helped and the helper happier.
- Sorry – it is hard to admit we are wrong, but doing so can greatly improve our relationships and quality of life. Scientists have found that guilt is a heavy burden, so they recommend easing the pressure with a sincere apology.
- No – you can do a lot in life, but not everything. So it is perfectly fine to say no to some things without feeling uncomfortable. Sometimes we have to say “No” even to good things – the rule is simple: do things properly or don’t do them at all.
- Because – words that can help you get what you want. Research shows that people who explain what they are asking for are more likely to get it than those who ask without explanation.
- OK – things often don’t turn out as planned, and we have to accept them as they are. Getting upset over every little thing is bad for our physical and mental health. Simply let things take their course, at least where they do no serious harm.
