A Simple Act of Kindness
 | Author:
Ellie West, Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy, and Hypnosis
Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
A Simple Act of Kindness
Ellie West
Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Time Line Therapy, and Hypnosis
Have you ever witnessed a simple act of kindness that left a lasting impression? How we treat others matters, and kindness is a courageous gesture that holds significance not only in our daily lives but also in the eyes of our Creator. As Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Kindness is indeed one of the fruits of the Spirit—a quality we are called to cultivate.
We may even believe that what we have to offer is inadequate. However, even the smallest gesture of kindness can impact someone's life.
In our daily lives, we often encounter opportunities to be kind, just as I witnessed on a recent flight. I was sitting near the rear of the airplane when I noticed a male passenger helping another elderly female passenger with some carry-on bags. The elderly passenger was traveling with her two grandsons. Each boy had a small carry-on, and the male passenger offered to help stow the bags for Grandma. She agreed, but the boys did not, as they wanted their bags near them because they had all their little treasures in those bags.
The gentleman said, “No worries,” he retrieved the bags from the overhead bins so they could stow those under the seat. He then took his aisle seat and sat beside a Dad and his young boy.
Shortly after, a woman arrived at that row carrying a baby and began talking to the Dad. It became apparent that they were a family. However, she was not seated next to them but across the aisle in the middle seat, a less coveted spot on a full flight. The gentleman in the aisle seat told her he would be willing to swap seats with her. She says, are you sure it's a middle seat? But his response was genuine and caring…he said, “I am happy to help.” It was such a small act of kindness and meant the world to the two passengers he helped during the boarding process.
Kindness goes beyond a single act; it's a way of living. It's about stepping out of our comfort zones and helping those in need, even when it inconveniences us.
We have been given a heart of compassion and kindness. While the busyness of life can sometimes make it challenging to love and show kindness, it’s during those moments that we must set aside our own concerns and seize the opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. We may even witness someone struggling, and our choices can change lives.
Living with courage and kindness is really so simple, as you are not limited by what you have. It is like a boomerang effect - what you give often returns in the most beautiful and unexpected ways. We don’t practice kindness to receive something in return; we do it because it’s what we have been called to do.
We need each other, regardless of the magnitude of our challenges. Every act of kindness, big or small, adds value and worth to those we encounter. A precious friend of mine is currently going through a turbulent time. She recently posted about receiving a care package from someone. It was a simple yet thoughtful gesture that brightened her day. Kindness can bring hope to the hopeless and fill lonely voids with joy.
There is a new journey that I will embark on, and it is entirely out of my comfort zone. But, I feel led to step into the unknown. I have shared it with only a few who support me, and it boggles my mind when someone says, “I have been where you are going, and I have received the help I needed. I want to be that for you!” This genuine and heartfelt act of kindness has made me valued and worthy of their time.
I invite you to reflect on your life and consider how you can make someone's day extraordinary through kindness. Has someone shown you unexpected kindness that has left a lasting impact on your life? By sharing your stories and experiences, you not only gain a new perspective but also inspire and encourage others.
Remember, a single, courageously kind word or action can change a life and have a ripple effect. As Aesop wisely said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
To connect with Ellie FB @coachelliewest Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, TLT, & Hypnosis
