“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
~Leo Buscaglia
Have you experienced an act of kindness from someone that transformed your day? How do you feel right now remembering that experience?
It is remarkable how an act of kindness can have such a powerful effect and reconnect us to our truth. An unexpected act of kindness is like a mirror reflecting back our own value and worth and may come just when we need it most.
So many of us walk around in our day not owning our true worth. We may hold beliefs that undermine our ability to acknowledge our own value. We may have thoughts that reinforce how worthless we are and our negative thinking can drain away our confidence and belief in ourselves.
Sometimes having others reflect our goodness through an act of kindness can help us reclaim the truth of our inherent value and worth.
“Kind words are jewels that live in the heart and soul and remain as blessed memories years after they have been spoken.”
~Marvea Johnson
Having kind words to replace the negative messages we give ourselves is critical to rebuilding our belief in ourselves. Receiving a random act of kindness from someone can connect us to the present moment and remind us of the goodness in ourselves and the world. And knowing that our kind words can be powerful messengers to others can inspire us to take the time to share them!
“People may forget what you said, and people may forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
~unknown
As part of the practice of nurturing ourselves, I invite you to reflect on the following questions:
1. What act of kindness was shared with you that transformed your day?
2. What kind words can you use to affirm your own worth and the worth of others?
3. What difference could you make on this planet if you owned your true worth?
4. How can you spread more love and kindness in the world?
As Marianne Williamson reminds us, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us…. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
May you embrace your own true worth by shining brightly and giving and receiving acts of kindness and may you nurture peace in the world from the inside out!
Please share your comments below to inspire and encourage others. Thank you!
Sending you so much peace, love and gratitude,
Kelley Grimes, M.S.W.
Counselor, Author & Speaker
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Lovely post. I always have to remind myself that I have to allow myself to be open to receiving kindness. Thank you!
Thank you Barb! As Sheila said in her comment it is difficult at times to open to receive kindness. But without a doubt it is one of the most self-nurturing acts as well as a gift to give the person giving the kindness. I am deeply grateful for your comment!
Love this, Kelley! I’m going to open myself up for the next act of kindness so I can reflect on your questions. As someone who is dedicated to serving others, I think I sometimes resist being on the receiving end. Thank you for helping me realize this!
Thank you so much Sheila! I love that you are going to open yourself up to receiving the next act of kindness! I believe that our ability to serve is enhanced when we allow ourselves to receive. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! You are definitely not alone.
Recently friends of mine posted that they were looking for a romantic and relaxing getaway near the beach. I was thrilled to be able to let them stay at my place since I was going to be out of town. I was delighted to hear that they had a wonderful time, it truly warmed my heart. They were absolutely the perfect guests and I let them know that I will be happy to accommodate them any time they’re in need of a getaway when I am traveling.
The experience reminded me of how much we receive from being kind and generous. These types of offerings cost us nothing and the return is incalculable. Acts of kindness whether random or planned are even better than chicken soup for the soul! This gesture affirmed the qualities that I admire in my relationships with others including listening for what others need and being open-hearted.
So beautiful Denise! I love this example of kindness to others connecting you to your truth and affirming the qualities you admire in relationships of listening to what others need and being open-hearted! So many ripples of kindness are flowing in your life and I am so grateful that you shared them here!
Beautiful post. I have trouble sometimes receiving acts of kindness and find myself wanting to immediately give it right back, so I remind myself I can receive, and pay it forward, so that others can benefit. I just had an image of kindness being the ripples of a pond, with kindness expanding and flowing outward and touching many others.
I love your image of kindness being ripple of a pond Felicia! I also relate to the challenge of receiving acts of kindness and wanting to give some right back but that is the gift of kindness – as we are reminded of our value and worth through the nurturing act of receiving kindness – kindness flows back out into the world! Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your experience here!
Kelley, I love how your posts are so participatory. I know that many acts of kindness have saved my life and sense of self-worth. I am forever grateful for those moments I had received jewels of kindness.
Thank you so much Lea! You testimony about kindness is so beautifully written – I love that you have received jewels of kindness! Thank you for sharing!
I’m involved with lots of authors — both online and in “real life.” Yesterday I held a live event at a local bookstore and it was another local author who came early to “help” with the set-up. (I thought she was coming to help. She actually did all of the physical work.) Kindness is the hallmark of this community.
I love that kindness is the hallmark of the author community and I that we met through an online author community Andrea. I also feel a deep sense of support and kindness from the other authors. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and insights here!
Beautiful post Kelley! Always love your energy and words of wisdom!
Thank you so much Debra! Keep spreading kindness and love in the world!