We’ve all heard that life is made up of small moments, and I’d add that it’s also shaped by the little choices we make in those moments. A smile, a thank-you, a word of appreciation—these things may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they have a way of sticking with people.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on this after giving a series of free workshops. Eight weeks of sharing knowledge, answering questions, and investing my time, all I asked in return was a short testimonial—a gesture of gratitude. One person followed through; the other didn’t.
And you know what? I am feeling disappointed. Not because I expected fanfare or lavish praise, but because it reminded me how easy it is for people to overlook the effort someone puts in for them. It’s human nature, really. Life gets busy, and we forget. But we lose something when we skip those moments of gratitude—a chance to connect, to uplift, to acknowledge.
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
It doesn’t take much to show someone you appreciate them. A simple thank-you, holding the door for a stranger, or acknowledging someone’s effort can be incredibly powerful. These small actions say, “I see you, and I value what you’ve done.”
The truth is, being kind doesn’t diminish us. It doesn’t take anything away from our time, our dignity, or our status. It’s the opposite—it fills us up. Every act of kindness adds a little more light to the world and, honestly, to our own lives.
Why Gratitude Matters
We’ve all been in situations where a kind word or gesture made our day. Maybe someone helped us out when we were overwhelmed or took the time to notice our effort when no one else did. Those moments stick, don’t they? They remind us that we’re not invisible, that what we do matters.
But gratitude isn’t just for the receiver; it’s for the giver too. It’s a way of pausing, reflecting, and saying, “This mattered to me.” It’s an acknowledgment of the good that exists in the world and a way to create more of it.
Simple Ways to Show Kindness
Here’s the beautiful thing about kindness: it’s easy. It doesn’t require grand gestures or a lot of time. It’s about small, intentional actions that make someone’s day just a little bit better.
- Say Thank You: Whether it’s a quick text, a handwritten note, or a heartfelt conversation, let someone know you appreciate them.
- Be Present: Listen when someone speaks, acknowledge their efforts, and make them feel seen.
- Pay It Forward: When someone is kind to you, pass it along. Hold the door, buy someone a coffee, or just offer a smile.
- Give Feedback: If someone has helped you, tell them. Share how their effort impacted you—it’s a gift they won’t forget.
The Crown You Wear
It doesn’t knock a jewel out of your crown to be kind. In fact, it does the opposite. It makes your crown shine brighter because it’s rooted in generosity, humility, and humanity.
When we take a moment to be kind, we’re not just lifting others—we’re lifting ourselves too. We’re saying, “I’m the kind of person who values people, who sees effort, who doesn’t take the good in life for granted.”
So the next time you find yourself in one of those small moments—a chance to say thank-you, to acknowledge someone’s effort, or to hold the door—don’t let it pass by. These are the moments that define us. And they don’t just make the world better; they make us better too.
Leave a Reply