When we witness kindness, our mood is elevated and we act more altruistic ourselves, according to research published by the journal Psychological Science.
Recently, while waiting at a stoplight, a man who had two boys with him was standing on the side of the road. Before I thought too hard about it, I rolled down my window and gave him $10. I pulled forward, planning to go on with my day, when I saw the person in the car behind me also give him money. Then I was shocked as the person in the car behind them reached out and handed the man a jacket.
Before giving this man money, I was starting to think cynically, wondering if he could do more to provide for his family or if he would ask for more money.
Those thoughts only lasted for a second because I was proud that others came forward and that the man was gracious for the aid he received.
Acting with an unselfish regard for others does not always come naturally. But when I make the effort to give without expectations of reciprocity, I am fulfilled and energized.
It’s sometimes difficult to appreciate everything around me, but after witnessing kindness or giving charitably I see the world from a new perspective.
I am hesitant to tell others when I give, because I have always been taught that giving should be done in secret. Matthew 6:4 reads,
Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
But witnessing acts of kindness has me thinking… not only do kind and generous acts leave you feeling uplifted, but the impact reaches beyond the giver of kindness and the recipient.
Kindness is no longer only about you and the person you are helping, but also about everyone else. It reaches all who witness the genuine goodness. We can speak about generosity and still be humble.
Kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. It only takes one step to make a positive change in the world.
If you want to know more about how you can give generously, visit The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at randomactsofkindness.org.
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