A Little Bit of Kindness

SMAK-slideKindness, we crave it. Maybe it’s just a graceful word, a generous act or a hand extended. I think it’s all about treating those around us with the grace we’d like to be shown ourselves. In an individualist culture, kindness appears the one noticeable character trait that stands out among all others. We all need a little more kindness and we can all be a little more kind.

Leon Hobbs was a man who exemplified kindness in his daily routine. See, Leon was a bagger at the Rutland Kroger in Mechanicsville. He handed out mints to younger mothers. Leon would thank you for shopping at Kroger because your patronage provided his job. He’d speak to you whether he was helping you or another customer. You’d observe him bagging groceries with care and intent. He was just a kind guy. Leon died recently. There was a huge outpouring of community appreciation for this man’s kindness. Leon had an impact; it was the power of kindness.

It’s amazing to think that no matter where you are in life, you can make a difference.  While you might have overlooked Leon on your first few Kroger visits, you couldn’t help but be affected by his generous spirit and kindness. I believe the most effective acts of kindness aren’t the “significant” acts, but meaningful kindness is experienced in the little stuff.  What kind of little stuff am I talking about? Here’s a short list of simple kind gestures:

  • Putting the toilet seat down
  • Refilling the empty toilet paper dispenser
  • Doing the dishes or putting them away
  • A clean sink
  • Making a tidy space
  • Filling up a tank of gas
  • Doing something without being asked
  • Giving flowers
  • A hug or embrace
  • Verbalizing appreciation
  • Opening a door
  • Putting the grocery cart in the cart corral
  • Writing a card
  • An ironed shirt
  • Sending a text
  • Being on time
  • Making a phone call
  • Kind words spoken appropriately
  • Giving a parking space to another
  • Paying a toll for the car behind you
  • Paying a fast-food order for the car behind you
  • A helping hand in a time of need
  • Fewer angry words
  • A smile
  • Spending time
  • A conversation
  • Dinner in or out
  • A surprise lunch
  • Hot coffee in the morning
  • Taking a walk
  • A freshly mowed yard

What would you add to the list? What small way can you express kindness to others?  Let’s be a little more kind in our routines!