Have you ever been out and about and had that moment where someone held the door open for you, let you go first in line or let you pull out in front of them on the highway? Even better, you are sitting in line at the local coffee shop and you get to the window and are told that someone in front of you paid for your order. It tends to release a set of endorphins that make us smile and often gives us a good feeling for the rest of the day. Likewise, when we do something special like that for someone else that same wonderful feeling seems to come over us.

When you think about it, not one of those things I mentioned hardly costs anything, yet the value the act brings is priceless. Finding an opportunity in the day to bring a little kindness to someone else doesn’t take a lot of effort, but the dividends it pays to our psyche and soul are something that money could never buy.

Throughout the course of this program I have encountered some of the kindest people on the planet. People who share their talent and creativity freely. People who have given of their time and resources to help seniors smile. People who have taken the time to write us beautiful notes and words of encouragement. Finally, people who know and practice kindness as an integral part of their every day living. We have seen humanity at its finest and that has made us smile.

I believe that we are all born with the kindness gene. The ability to grow and nurture it lies totally within our hands. Sometimes it is our life experiences that drive us to be a more kinder person. Often it is how we are raised and taught that makes us kinder people. Alternatively, some people reject kindness because of the bitterness caused by unfortunate life experiences. Others can’t seem to shake the selfish gene to learn to put others first.

When you encounter people who live their life in kindness it is very easy to spot and they tend to put off a light that makes them someone that you just want to be around. Heaven knows that the world could use a little more kindness these days. As you are out and about during your day today, look for that opportunity to share a little of your kindness with someone. Who knows, they just might show a little kindness right back.

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron