But is that right? I guess that’s depends on your definition of “right”.

Is it the way you want to live? That’s an easier question to answer. How does the absence of kindness make you feel? What happens inside you if you’re happy and smiling at people and they just scowl back?

Do you start to feel upset that they didn’t reciprocate? I know that’s how I’ve felt at times. But then I try to wonder what’s going on in there life that might be causing them to not respond “as I’d like them to”. I put that in quotes because I also have to remember that just because I WANT someone to do something or be a certain way doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Sigh- more letting go needs to happen.

But that is something to think about – why are you smiling at them? For you or for them? Even if it’s for you that’s ok. Doing small acts of kindness increases the release of oxytocin- the so called “love” or “bonding” hormone. And that’s a good thing.

How hard is it to do something kind? Really? What can you do that’s kind? How can you comfort someone? Even just a little bit? How would you feel if someone did something kind for you?

Can you make a list of things you can do that would show kindness to someone? Try it. Then go down the list each day and say “I can do that today”. And maybe pick a “target” person, group or organization to bestow your kindness on.

Let us know how it goes.