The Psychology of Kindness: Creating Positive Change
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 9:17AM 
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?
Reader Comments (11)
You make smile today!! thanx!!
I read your blog and it made me feel better.. Last night was one of thos nights wher your mind wont stop and all I felt was hurt and being upset...i woke up hoping today is better and so far it has been, and then reading your blog made it even better,... <3333333your words are so true and pure. thank you xxxSaraEdge
Right on, Miz Jinxi! We never know just how much of a positive impact we can make. I used to work at a used-car buy-here-pay-here dealership, and the majority of our customers had low incomes and/or minimum-wage-type jobs. I tried very hard to show them the utmost of respect and dignity and always smile at them and make them feel as special as I could. There were days when I know I might have been the only person who gave them any positive treatment all day, and there were lots of people who came in with the weight of the world on their shoulders but who walked out with their heads a little higher and with a bit more bounce in their steps. In addition, like you said, even if *I* were have a crappy day, that interaction made ME feel better in turn.
Keep the kindness coming, people of the world, and pass it along!!!
Love this advice. Kindness spreads like fire.
Wow! How do I get this message out to the people of Missouri? Looks like the Caddel's are gonna have to move here and 'bare witness'(haha) to these rude peeps.
Another amazing post Jinxi!
I hope this does not make you mad, but you are one of the best Christians I know. The reason I say that is because you exhibit all of the love, compassion, forgiveness, charity and forethought I was taught was needed in order to be a good person and in turn a good Christian. It amazes me each day that I see people who proclaim their faith everyday, but are the most selfish people in the world who do not spread joy, only hate and selfishness. Maybe they can take a cue from us sinners and learn a thing or two. :)
Great post. I work in a gym and I really enjoy greeting and being nice to people and taking time out to see how they are doing. It usually catches people off guard but I always feel like its a win-win situation. It's especially nice when people realize your doing so just for the sake of it and let down their walls to accept it your kindness.
Wow Jinxi, is Mother Teresa your grandma? Hehe...This sort of thing is found in other slices of life...
Recovery from addiction teaches to help others to help yourself...The Boy Scout motto: "Do a good deed every day"....Then there's Jinxi...Just being wonderful. as always...smooches dragonfly
LOVE this and LOVE you, my dear and wonderful niece.
Just a quick note to say thank you for using my image in this post, and in doing so possibly introducing me to a new blog to go in my Google reader.
Plus it made me feel a little more positive, which is always a good thing, right?
This is a wonderful message and thanks so much for sharing it, Jinxi. I completely agree and have also seen and experienced how powerful kindness can be!
Oceans of love!!!
Wen n Da xoxo