A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way

By Elton James Gagni, Senior Editorial Associate

What Does a Little Kindness Goes a Long Way Mean?

The saying “A little kindness goes a long way” tells us that even doing small nice things for others can make a big difference. It’s like dropping a pebble in water – the kind of act spreads out and can make someone’s day better. This reminds us that even small actions of caring matter and can bring positive effects on people and situations

How Kindness Helps Us to Go a Long Way?

When all you see around you is chaos, from the news that you consume to the current situation you are in, you tend to lose your sense of self and your surroundings. As you continue with your struggles, you also feel lesser of a person than you were a few months ago. You feel more tired, lose hope, and eventually just give up because you don’t have the will to even get out of bed. 

As you try to pick yourself up every waking morning or even as you lie awake in the middle of the night, you need to remind yourself that there is still something you can do. That you can still appreciate the little things. That there is still something good to look forward to even in these tough times. All it takes is a simple act of kindness.

We should never fail to remind ourselves to be appreciative of our blessings and be grateful for the things we have. There are a lot of people struggling out there and while we can only do so much with social distancing, we also have a chance at making a difference by being considerate, compassionate, and kind.

Here are 3 ways how you can apply a little kindness that goes a long way:

1. Be Kind to The Community

It is understandable that you yourself are trying hard to simply get by with what you have, but you need to keep in mind that what you may have, others may not. While you have to fend for yourself and your family, it’s also good to reconsider if you can spare something for those who do not have as much.

Remember, it’s not only your family who’s struggling. We’re all in the same boat so a little compassion and kindness will mean so much for the people whose lives you’ll be making an impact on. 

I am suddenly reminded of a quote by Adrian Helmsley played by actor Chiwetel Ejiofor in the movie 2012, “The moment we stop fighting for each other, that’s the moment when we lose our humanity.”

2. Be Kind to Your Family and Friends

As simple as asking how they are or even reminding them to stay safe and hydrated would mean so much because it’s a sign that you care. Being kind does not always mean you have to give something. Sometimes, it’s being thankful and grateful that you have each other to depend on, and making them feel that they are not alone.

It’s not always fun and exciting when it comes to family and friends. This very moment is probably one of the toughest challenges that we need to get through. But we can survive it if we all have the right support system.

Now’s your chance. Send them a message or a virtual hug, or a real hug (it’ll be our little secret). There’s never a wrong time to be kind to someone, especially if that someone is driven to a corner and is at the brink of insanity.

Last and most important of all. 

3. Be Kind to Yourself

Oftentimes we neglect our own struggles because we’re too worried about other people. Other times, we simply invalidate our own worries.

What’s funny here is that we tend to prioritize other people over ourselves because we think it’s selfish if we helped ourselves first. In this day and age of self-love, we need to keep echoing that it is OK to not be OK. It’s fine to not be fine. We need to be extra kind to ourselves and acknowledge the anguish that we are feeling. But as we acknowledge our own pain, we also need to find a way to manage and not disregard it. 

Find someone to talk to, or at least someone you trust, and tell them that you’re not OK. If you feel uncomfortable, tell them that you don’t want to talk about it, but it’s also important that they’re there for you when you muster the courage to speak up. It’s also the little things that matter most now. Want to eat chocolate or ice cream? Want to watch a movie or read a new book? Want to declutter your house or rearrange the furniture? Go. Right. Ahead. Do what would make you happy. That alone, you owe to yourself — kindness.

Make a Contribution To the Community Today!

My Dream in a Shoebox is an educational outreach program in the philippines that aims to empower more children to dream for a brighter tomorrow by supporting their educational needs. My Dream in a Shoebox believes that it doesn’t take much to be compassionate and it also doesn’t cost much to be kind. What is too much and costly, though, is not doing anything to improve our situation, even in a small way. From our people to our partners, clients, and all the members of the community, we all deserve a little kindness.

Feeling unkind to yourself lately? What’s weighing you down? Let’s have a chat over at info@teamasia.com and let’s spread kindness together.