It came as a surprise. Last fall I told my next-door neighbour that it was time to get a snow blower--it was getting too hard for me to shovel off my driveway after heavy snowstorms. Shortly afterwards, Don sent emails with links to sales items on both a snow blower and a heavy duty electric cord.
After I purchased both the snow blower and cord, he helped me assemble and test it. Then when we got a heavy snowstorm, he walked over to see how my blower was working and even volunteered to finish clearing my driveway. His eagerness to help must have given him an emotional boost. It gave me a lift too.
While I was drafting this post, (co-incidentally handwriting with my pen inscribed with “Be kind”), I discovered a relevant article on small acts of kindness. In her book, Conversations with Kindness, British author Bernadette Russell tells how her life changed when at the post office she gave money to a young man who couldn't pay for a stamp. “It made me think about how maybe some people are more likely to receive kindness than others and how one way to respond to unkindness is with kindness.” This began a daily practice for a year--leaving a bookmark with a kind message inside a book in a thrift shop, showing tourists the way to a train platform, helping an elderly man struggle with his bags.
She was surprised to discover how much she noticed other people being kind. There was another side-effect, too: “I started becoming aware of how often I received kindness – which was often.” She believes that people who are treated with love, kindness, forgiveness and compassion can change. “I think [kindness] has truly radical, world-changing and life-changing power,” she said.
Her story points out that we often feel uplifted when we do small things for other people. Why is that?
Research has shown that our brain releases dopamine, giving us a warm feeling of euphoria when we do something kind for others. But the good feeling doesn't last. To be most effective, acts of kindness need to be repeated frequently, as Bernadette Russell discovered.
Perhaps this is why as writers, we sometimes feel euphoric when we write what is inspiring.
When we know that our words will go out to others.
When we know that our words ring true for the benefit of others.
Even when we don’t know where our words will land, or with whom.
As I write this post, I’ve been greatly challenged to add more small acts of kindness to my life. It’s also caused me to think of more ways to incorporate kindnesses into my writing.
I’m reminded of what the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:10: "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." Showing kindness is part of those good works. It reflects the reality of how Christ is in us.
Let's make kindness a habit, both in our daily lives and in our writing. If we do, we’ll not only get that endorphin lift, but we’ll also be doing a small part of what God intends for us.
After I purchased both the snow blower and cord, he helped me assemble and test it. Then when we got a heavy snowstorm, he walked over to see how my blower was working and even volunteered to finish clearing my driveway. His eagerness to help must have given him an emotional boost. It gave me a lift too.
While I was drafting this post, (co-incidentally handwriting with my pen inscribed with “Be kind”), I discovered a relevant article on small acts of kindness. In her book, Conversations with Kindness, British author Bernadette Russell tells how her life changed when at the post office she gave money to a young man who couldn't pay for a stamp. “It made me think about how maybe some people are more likely to receive kindness than others and how one way to respond to unkindness is with kindness.” This began a daily practice for a year--leaving a bookmark with a kind message inside a book in a thrift shop, showing tourists the way to a train platform, helping an elderly man struggle with his bags.
She was surprised to discover how much she noticed other people being kind. There was another side-effect, too: “I started becoming aware of how often I received kindness – which was often.” She believes that people who are treated with love, kindness, forgiveness and compassion can change. “I think [kindness] has truly radical, world-changing and life-changing power,” she said.
Her story points out that we often feel uplifted when we do small things for other people. Why is that?
Research has shown that our brain releases dopamine, giving us a warm feeling of euphoria when we do something kind for others. But the good feeling doesn't last. To be most effective, acts of kindness need to be repeated frequently, as Bernadette Russell discovered.
~ ~
Perhaps this is why as writers, we sometimes feel euphoric when we write what is inspiring.
When we know that our words will go out to others.
When we know that our words ring true for the benefit of others.
Even when we don’t know where our words will land, or with whom.
As I write this post, I’ve been greatly challenged to add more small acts of kindness to my life. It’s also caused me to think of more ways to incorporate kindnesses into my writing.
I’m reminded of what the apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:10: "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." Showing kindness is part of those good works. It reflects the reality of how Christ is in us.
Let's make kindness a habit, both in our daily lives and in our writing. If we do, we’ll not only get that endorphin lift, but we’ll also be doing a small part of what God intends for us.
Donna Ferguson, "Rewind and be Kind: What happens if you do one act of kindness every day?" Accessed March 30, 2025.
Thank you, Sandi, for sharing your story of kindness. Your observation that your neighbour may have received an "emotional boost" from showing kindness paired with your reception of it means benefit to all. And how lovely that even the smallest deed of kindness "reflects the reality of Christ in us." Your post motivates me to look for kindnesses shown to me today, as well as for opportunities to enact them.
ReplyDeleteTHanks, Lorrie, for the Lord prompting you to look for kindness shown to you as well as opportunties to enact the same!!
DeleteVery nice post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by during your difficult time, Tracy.
DeleteThis reflection on kindness is deeply moving—it's a powerful reminder of how small gestures can ripple outward, transforming not only those who receive them but also those who give. The story about Bernadette Russell’s daily practice beautifully illustrates how kindness can become a habit, reshaping the way we see the world. The connection between kindness and writing is especially thought-provoking, emphasizing how words, like actions, can carry meaningful impact.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I’ve just shared a new post—you might enjoy it: www.melodyjacob.com. Hope it adds something thoughtful to your day.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Melody. It was a wonderful summary. I'm happy it meant much to you.
DeleteSnow removal seems to be a great motivator for kindness among neighbours in Canada. Hoping kindness will become a habit that changes people inside and out. What a wonderful choice to be kind. Thank you, Sandi.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon, for stopping by. Yes, I think kindness will inspire many of us who write and read these blog posts to "Choose kindness" as a habit.
DeleteThank you for your post, Sandi! I love endorphin lifts and your words gave me a big one. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alan!! Glad I gave you and endorphin lift!
DeleteThanks for this inspiring post, Sandi! The world can sure use more kindness, especially these days it seems!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Susan! THanks for your comment.
DeleteI enjoyed your post, Sandi. Thank you for introducing us to the British author Bernadette Russell and her discoveries as she pursued both giving kindness and being mindful of the kindness she received. I agree when you say, 'let's make kindness a habit, both in our daily lives and in our writing.'
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda, for noting how we need to make kindness a habit. I've sure been more conscious of doing small acts of kindness since writing this post.
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