Kindness .. food for thought

The dictionary defines kindness as the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful. Or it is an act that is a spontaneous gesture of goodwill towards someone or something

I've been thinking a lot about kindness over the last few weeks simply because I've set myself a task of being kinder this year. But I've been wondering what it's all about. Is it about doing that 'deed for the day' or even the one kind act? Is it spontaneous as the definition above says or is it a lifestyle? Is it about doing small little things each day or about that big spectacular thing once in a lifetime?Looking back at those definitions I don't think they truly capture the fullness of the word.

The problem with understanding kindness is that it doesn't simply exist on its own. It walks hand in hand and partners with goodness, mercy, love, compassion, favour, tenderness, thoughtfulness, honesty, patience, understanding … I think you get my point. As with most things kindness requires sacrifice. It's about doing something intentionally that cost.

This post isn't about giving you the answers to kindness but to get you thinking about what kindness actually is, how it operates in your life and the lives of those around you. So as you go through this month and through the wellbeing challenge use it as an opportunity to reflect and share kindness with yourself and others.