HERE’S THE THING, WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE MORE KINDNESS.

Recently my husband sent me information on a book about kindness. I quickly swiped it away thinking it had nothing to offer me. A few days later as we were driving together, he asked me if I had listened to the podcast. I hadn’t so he turned it on. And honestly it hit me so hard there were moments I couldn’t even breathe because I didn’t want to miss a word.

I always thought that kindness was just something that everyone did. Just the little things that we do for one another that inspire joy and hope. But it is so much more. If you haven’t started listening to the Business Made Simple podcast by Donald Miller, you are seriously missing out. This podcast isn’t just for entrepreneurs (though it’s excellent for those as well), its for leaders, for people who want to continue to improve, for those who want to continue learning and so many more. In this particular podcast he discussed a book which was recently released entitled “Your Hidden Superpower: The Kindness That Makes You Unbeatable at Work and Connects You With Anyone” written by Adrienne Bankert. 

Not only is Donald Miller an excellent host, but Adrienne was incredibly well spoken, wise, and so intelligent. The book roughly translates to this: there is a difference between being nice and being kind. Being nice is about being polite and well mannered. Being kind is embracing the other person and creating a safe space for them to be themselves. Adrienne explains this concept in the business world as a culture shift which influences customers by kindness.

I’m tempted to take that a step further. If you truly, whole heartedly, want change in your life and want to live an uncommon adventure, you have to make changes. One of those changes should be adding more kindness.

Steve and I have always wondered why people seem to be so comfortable around us. It’s the oddest thing. We will meet someone randomly and then all of a sudden we’ve heard their entire life story, we’ve shared our struggles and we’ve walked away refreshed. For some reason people just seem to like us, to want to talk to us, and most importantly to trust us. I always thought it was because Steve had the “it” factor which made him amiable to everyone and frankly, I was quiet and asked questions that allowed people to share their stories. But after listening to this podcast, I realize it’s so much more. We are kind. 

I don’t say that to boast, I say it because it’s just plain true. I never realized before, because I thought everyone was kind, but really, a lot of people aren’t. There are so many people who can be nice and pleasant but once they walk away, they aren’t kind. Steve and I made a choice years ago that we were going to be kind to people. We choose to go out of our way for others. To talk to the people no one else wants to. We choose to meet people where they are at and love them regardless.

I remember when I was working at the nursing home and I was talking to one of my coworkers. She started expressing to me that she disliked Christians because they were so close minded and mean. I gently told her that I was a Christian and her tone flipped. She literally said “I just assumed you were really nice. I’ve never met a Christian like that”. Sad.  

I think often people associate kindness with a feminine quality. Like, men aren’t allowed to be kind, or gentle. Like it’s some sort of girly thing. The reality is that it is a human thing. One of the reasons I fell in love with Steve is because of his kind heart. Even before we dated he was always kind and loving to everyone around him no matter what. 

So here it is, the final thought. Just be kind. I’m not asking for you to be nice (though you absolutely should). I’m asking you to be kind. Reach out to someone when they are on your mind. Send your friend a $5 gift card for coffee when you know they are having a rough week. It’s not about random acts of kindness; it’s about intentional acts of kindness. It doesn’t take long and it doesn’t take much for you to brighten someone’s day. Choose to be uncommon in a world of people choosing to be common.    

P.S. Be sure to check out the book mentioned above or click the picture to view on Amazon! I promise it’s worth your time.