Have you ever heard the statement “Kindness begins with me”? I remember the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12). I was reminded of this statement as I pondered on the word “kindness” and what it really means. Kindness is defined as being friendly, generous, and considerate (dictionary.com). Kindness is an opportunity to do something good for someone else. Kindness is a choice to act and do something or say something to another that will encourage and help build them up.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Deceased Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) said, “Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes…Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christ like person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes…When we are filled with kindness, we are not judgmental” (General Conference, April 2005).
With this understanding of what kindness is, how does kindness begin with me?
Kindness begins with me by putting a smile on my face. This act alone can be one that brightens someone’s day. It begins with me smiling at someone, and then they smile at someone, and so on. One single smile can make a big difference in their world, and to others as the smile gets passed on from one individual to another. It not only brightens other people’s lives, it can brighten our own life! When we smile, it improves our body language, which then can improve the way we are thinking. One smile on our face can help us stand more erect and show greater confidence. Putting a smile on our face can do wonders for how we feel about ourselves.
Kindness begins with me by the thoughts I have about myself and others. Positivity in my own thoughts will show in my actions. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.” If we integrate positive thoughts about ourselves, we will then be able to think positively about others. Thinking positive is a choice we make. We can choose to focus on the negative thoughts/things or we can choose to focus on the positive thoughts/things in our lives and in the lives of others.
Kindness begins with me by being observant. When I am watchful and observant, I can look and see opportunities to help and serve others. One day, I was volunteering at Sandy Courts, in Utah, doing mediations. When I was finished, I was walking out to my car. This lady that had been a support person for someone in a mediation asked me to come to her for a moment. She was somewhere in her late 60’s perhaps. She then told me thank you for my service. She thought it was a wonderful service that us volunteer mediators were doing for the people. She didn’t have to give me that complement. I was not even the one that mediated for them, yet she did. To me, she was observant and watchful for an opportunity to brighten someone’s day, which she did!
Kindness begins with me by being willing to be an instrument in God’s hands to help someone in need. By learning to take the Holy Spirit as our guide, we can receive guidance and direction as to how, when, and where we can help those that might need a kind thought, a hug, a friend, a surprise visit, one piece of chocolate cake, or whatever they might need and are not willing to convey. When we hear that inspiration, we should:
Write the prompting down.
Act on it.
Record the feeling we had from following the prompting and the outcome if we get to see it.
Kindness begins with me by expressing gratitude in all things. When I express gratitude to God, my family, my body, my friends, my neighbors, and my co-workers it can change my outlook on my own life. Expressing gratitude helps me want to be a blessing to others and to be there for them.
Kindness truly is a characteristic of charity! When we are kind it shows love for others. In our world, we definitely can use more kindness to show more love.