Kindness makes the world go round

Mental Health Week 2020

This Years’ Theme : Kindness

‘It costs nothing to be kind.’ ‘Kindness begets kindness.’ We often hear these sayings thrown about and are encouraged to live by them. But in a society where the material is so often the focus, is there truly that much power in kindness?

This year so far, I’ve both received and witnessed many acts of kindness. People checking on me when I had a meltdown on the Tube, and in more recent times; people at Sainsbury’s letting NHS staff skip the queue and a shop cashier offering me hand sanitiser as I don’t have a contactless card. (Yes, I am a dinosaur.) These things literally take place within seconds but can mean the world.

Sometimes it feels easier to be mean but kindness isn’t a sign of weakness and requires no exchange. There are no true losses when we share love. Any effort to spread joy is of value. When the world is in turmoil, kindness becomes an important currency. It brings people together – like neighbourhoods enjoying music together from their balconies and volunteers delivering groceries for vulnerable people. Covid-19 is giving us much-needed reminders about sharing and the capacity we all have to positively impact others.

A lesson that I am learning (slowly but surely) is that kindness is not just for other people. While spreading joy amongst others is a beautiful thing, it is just as important to be kind to yourself; something that many of us struggle with. As someone who puts a lot of pressure on themselves, I am constantly having to remind myself that my best is enough.  So, I’m sharing some of my personal affirmations for self-kindness and remembering they are applicable for us all.

-        Every day I grow and I am proud of the person I am becoming

-        Sometimes I get things wrong but this doesn’t define me

-        I have dreams and ideas that are valid

-        I am worthy of love

In a world that is often cruel, try to be kind always.