Can kindness spark kindness? I think so. I have a friend who taught me this a number of years ago. She is one of the most selfless people I know and I am so glad to have met her. I remember one day, she decided to take me out and treat me to a 2-course meal during a busy and stressful time. It was such a thoughtful gesture and it left me feeling really loved. I remember saying something like, ‘What can I do for you in return?’ and she simply replied, ‘Pass on kindness to someone else. Make someone else know that they are loved and special and may that inspire them to do the same.’ 

When someone puts in effort to make us feel loved and valued, I think our natural and immediate response is usually to want to repay them. On a more subconscious level, I think it increases our awareness of the people around us and the way we treat them too. It can challenge us to be kinder and more loving towards others and this has been the case in my experience. I have been so inspired by this particular friend and the way she puts others before herself. It encourages me to give more of myself to others too. 

I remember hearing a talk a while ago and the speaker shared something on this topic that has stuck with me. She talked about how fun it can be to give and how herself and a particular friend enjoy trying to ‘one-up’ each other with their kindness. She explained that it had become a funny challenge for them and that they enjoy getting more and more creative and elaborate with their ideas. 

It really struck me and it’s challenged me not only to be more generous, but to get more excited about giving. 

I throw the challenge to you too. Kindness can never be overrated and its impacts can be so meaningful. There’s never a wrong time to show kindness and a small gesture can go a long way in sparking light and love. 

Leona x