Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Turning Kindness Into A Habit


--by lanaxox, posted Feb 20, 2010

Last winter I was going through a rough patch in my life.  I had a bunch of terrible things going on around me. I felt very distant and became quite selfish. I hated the way I was feeling and one day I woke up and told myself, “You are above this, stop feeling sorry for yourself.”  

Then, I tried out an experiment, and it has DEFINITELY changed me for the better. Every day I would do at least one act of kindness - It could be anything…

  • Bringing the trash down to the trash compactor for my 80 year old neighbor,
  • Going into the store to buy something for myself (like a bit of makeup) and coming out with something for someone else (like candy for my boyfriend)
  • Sitting down with my sister or a friend and just simply listening.

And I can tell you is that it went from self discipline, something that I actively made sure I did everyday to something much greater than that - I find that now I am sincerely all about this idea! I try to do something for everybody I can think of in a day! It really does feel great.

In the last two months, my boyfriend has been going through a very tough time and has been quite miserable. I have really tried to be present for him, intensely listening to everything he said, waiting for hints to see where I could help, whether it’s a small thing or a big thing, helping him out with a place to stay or just stocking up with plenty of movies, candy, sunflower seeds, a new calculator, a hat, or a book waiting for him,

It all comes so automatically and it feels good to make someone smile.  Even if, at first, it's not naturally in you, just do it, and I promise it will become a part of you. and it will feel FANTASTIC!

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Readers Comments

sethi wrote: Thank you for who you are.
jsmc10 wrote: I love making people smile too :)
bookworm58 wrote: Doing a act of kindness every day isnt hard at all once you get started. I enjoy it very much and wish i had smile cards every day to give away. Its a blessing for you and the person you do a kindness for. Thanks for sharing with us
Juleen wrote: I love you little sis! You have changed so much! It is beautiful and amazing to see how you have grown. I am so very very proud of the woman you have become. And i know that dad is too. Xxoo
Thebomb wrote: Great job! Your change has been very noticed! Were very proud of the young woman and mom you've become. Dad would be even more proud! I too try to live my life this way and i am glad you listened to that 'little' voice that told you enough! I love you baby sis xoxo keep writing!
flowerpower wrote: I hear you 100%! I get what your saying. To be honest i wasnt so used to this giving thing but ever since i was on helpothers, it felt great! And it benifits everyone, this is a story i can relate to. Thanx 4 sharing :)
glorioski wrote: Amazing what intention and action can do!
luv4all wrote: Really good 2 read. Looking for hints to do small things and listening to others, i would follow them.

You are a wonderful person to be able to start as you did and reach where you are. Its the distance travlled that matters.
Ashlee wrote: Ths is amazing everyone should do this!
enchantedchilde wrote: Wow! It's amazing how bad things can blossom into good things if we let them, right? I know i've wasted many years on negativity myself, and it truly feels good to let it make you a better person. Congrats to you, and all the best!

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