There are few moments in life more heartwarming than seeing our children exercise kindness.
And pride is the perfect response in those situations. We all want our kids to find fulfillment and pursue happiness in the right places.
Study after study reports that being kind is one of the quickest paths to satisfaction. Kind people are shown to be healthier, happier and less depressed. They experience a greater sense of self-worth and life fulfillment. And kindness is appealing.
Those who give their time and money and expertise to others never regret it. They discover exactly what kind people did: a better way to live.
Of course, the same kindness that shapes children and fills their hearts with satisfaction does the same thing for adults! When we are kind with our resources, we experience a satisfaction and fulfillment in life that cannot be found anywhere else.
But in a world that works overtime convincing us to spend our money on our own self-interests, we often need to be reminded of the joy in giving. We are bombarded all day long with marketing messages promising we will be happier and more satisfied if we accumulate more and more possessions. But it’s not true. If accumulating things brought lasting happiness, don’t you think we would have found it by now?
Sometimes, it helps to go back into our rooms and quietly consider again the opportunity of kindness.
I want to suggest six benefits to you, and I’d like you to personalize what they mean for you and your family.
If kindness is difficult for you, I want you to insert the word “women,” or “men” or “parents” into the blanks below. If generously releasing what you’ve been given comes more naturally to you, I want you to insert the word “children” in the blank, to consider what kindness can mean as you work to form the discipline into the hearts of children, yours or others.
§ Kind ___________ have a healthy understanding of how much they already own.
People who give to those in need quickly realize how much they have to give.
§ Kind __________ value what they own.
People who give away possessions hold their remaining possessions in higher esteem. People who give their time make better use of their time remaining. And people who donate money are less wasteful with the money left over.
§ Kind __________ live happier, more fulfilled lives.
Studies have shown that kind/generous people are generally happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life. And once they find this satisfaction through kindness/generosity, they are less inclined to search for it elsewhere.
§ Kind __________ find meaning outside of their possessions.
I hear that it is in American way to wrap up self-worth in net-worth… as if a person’s true value could ever be tallied on a balance sheet.Kind people find their value in helping others and quickly realize that their bank statement says nothing about their true value.
§ Kind __________ have more fulfilling relationships.
People always enjoy the company of a kind giver to the company of a selfish hoarder. People are naturally attracted toward others who have an open heart to share with others. And a good friend is the best gift you could ever give yourself.
§ Kind __________ have less desire for more.
