“One kind word can warm three winter months.”
As eloquently expressed in this Oriental saying, a small kindness can go a long way.
Can you remember the last time someone was truly kind to you?
Kindness is displayed by taking an active interest in the welfare of others.
Some people view kindness as weakness. They feel that a person must be hard, even rude at times, so that others can see his strength. In reality, though, being kind often requires courage and strength.
Believe it or not, according to the Mayo Clinic sharing kindness can make you healthier & happier
The act of helping others actually activates the part of your brain that makes you feel pleasure. It also releases a hormone called oxytocin that helps modulate social interactions and emotion — the higher your oxytocin levels, the more generous you may be.
Author Charles D. Warner wrote: “It is one of the beautiful compensations of . . . life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
One way to be kind is to take action when you see people in need. A sense of community is created when people are kind to those who need help.
While researching for this blog I stumbled across something on the internet that warms the heart. Blaskie Firewood & Logging located in the Ottawa Valley provides firewood logs to those in need. This is fittingly coined ‘Warming Hearts’. Owner Steve Blaskie will send out the message looking for nominations for families/persons in need of free heat. This comes out of his own pocket therefore he understandably sticks to those in his area. In our interview Mr Blaskie told us:
I came up with the idea a few years ago when there was an issue with hydro and the elderly and those on fixed incomes couldn’t afford heat. I wanted to pay it forward to my community. I try to run 5 to 6 loads a year for those in need. What reaction has he had from the community we asked? I’ve received positive feedback and kind words. His helping those in need has even encouraged others to get involved. Some of my regular customers have contributed toward my diesel costs. If they insist I take some money to help out, I will then tell the next family who receives the charity wood that the gift is also from that person.
Well, Steve Blaskie from Warming Hearts Ottawa Valley you are an inspiration to us all!
Why not watch for opportunities to express kindness to those around you?
You’ll love this story of how one woman’s act of kindness created a ripple effect that changed her family’s life.
Give without expecting anything in return and you will often get something back without realizing it.
