A simple act of kindness can have a huge impact.
For example (and this is by no means an exhaustive list), saying “hello” to the passerby, asking someone how they are doing, calling a person by name, saying “thank you for your service” to veterans and first responders, checking-in with a friend or family member to tell them how much they mean to you, are all small acts of kindness that can go a long way.
Small gestures like these take but a moment, but the effects and memory of them can last a lifetime for the recipient. Indeed, it could change the trajectory of that person’s day, or maybe even their life. There are billions of people on our planet, so it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd. We as humans often just want to be seen, heard, and feel that we matter. That’s why merely acknowledging the existence of another person is so powerful.
However, despite their powerful effect, these simple and powerful gestures are easily overlooked. It seems to be a function of both the tunnel vision of our busy daily lives and a general sense of overwhelm as to the amount of despair and plight in the world today. It seems impossible that one person could actually make a difference of any significance or even have the time in their lives to do so. Yet, the ability to leave a lasting imprint on our world is easier and more achievable than one might think. Remember, to the world we may be just one person, but to one person we may be the world. That’s why the biggest impact does not necessarily come in grand acts or large feats, but in these small daily actions and encounters with others.
Think about the compound effect that just one small act of kindness can have. Doing so just once daily yields 365 separate acts of kindness in a single year to possibly as many as 365 different people! Moreover, a powerful domino effect can emerge as a recipient of a kind act will want extend kindness to another, who will also want to do the same, and so on. The net effect of this cascading kindness is exponential and cataclysmic. Think about it, a single act of kindness could essentially lead to billions of other acts of kindness. Kindness of that magnitude certainly has the ability to change the world.
Yet, remember that changing the world is a matter of perspective. Even if global change may not result directly from a simple “hello” or other small gesture, doing so will certainly make a large difference in that one person’s world. That’s significant and sizable enough. What’s more is that your act kindness will also likely make a difference in you, too. Helping others gives us a sense of purpose and connection that provides soulful fulfillment and opportunities to learn and be better. Thus, your small act of kindness can come full circle and might even change your own life for the better.
May you continue to be the change you wish to see in the world, one person and one day at a time.
