Kindness
Kindness lands hardest when it arrives unannounced
What type of kindness? A short answer. “Any kind is better than no kind.”
“Please” and “thank you” cost little and are certainly a good start. Then the acknowledgement or apology: “I was wrong, I’m sorry.” “What can I do to fix this?” Small tokens that level our interactions, enabling others to know we see them and their needs. This easy-kindness accelerates connection, fosters participation, and enables growth.
Then there’s seeing someone for who they are—or who they are trying to become. Understanding that everyone has flaws, and they might be trying just as hard as you.
“Sawubona.”
Let them tell their story—don’t narrate it for them.
And the kindness of community—not seeking to maximise short-term personal gain, doing work that activates participation and provides a path to progress.
Kindness compounds. It makes us and things better. Try it.
Last week I was fortunate to be the recipient of a very thoughtful act. An honest mistake led to an oversupply of food, I was asked if I’d like it. In the time I felt so grateful. Later, thinking back, I realised it was because I had least expected it.
Kindness lands hardest when it arrives unannounced.
Nick
P.S. Happy Birthday Murphy
Bonus pic. Couldn’t decide. Question. What message do you see in Luis’ image (the top one) Leave a comment.