The Psychology of Kindness: Creating Positive Change

Photo by Cristina92While at the local market today, one of the workers who is normally quite upbeat seemed a little down. I didn't feel it was appropriate to ask what was bothering her, but I could tell that she needed a little extra love to bring her spirits up. We talked for a bit and I tried to sneak in some positive reinforcement to make sure that she knew how wonderful I thought she was. And I really do think that.

After we parted, I thought for a moment about how important some acquaintances that I sometimes take for granted, really are in life. Her smile and kind acknowledgments always make ME feel good when I see her, so it was my turn to make sure that SHE felt a little happier, even for just a smidgen of her day.

Life is full of ups and downs; twists and turns; good and bad. Each situation is different and everyone deals with trials and tribulations in their own ways. I have found that focusing on others always seems to make me feel better if days are rough. Even when times are at their most positive, shifting attention onto those you care about can do wonders for lifting spirits even higher.

Photo by Tyashki

Giving extra attention to someone might seem like the least important of activities, when you really just want to get through the day...but trust me, try it sometime and see how contagious kindness really can be.

You know that old "let someone go first phenomenon?" The one where you let a car turn out in front of you, and then chances are that they will do the same sometime later that day, because they remembered that you did it for them? Well, the same principle applies with sharing love with those around you. If you go out of your way for someone, chances are that they might do the same for someone else.

I think that's a pretty great cycle to keep in motion, don't you?

• Inspire someone today.

• Take a little extra time to show appreciation for someone today.

• Smile at someone who needs it today.

• Make someone feel special today.

You can create positive change in others simply by being positive yourself. Why not give it a shot? It can't hurt, eh?