When I scroll on my social media newsfeed, I would chance upon videos where influencers/ social media personalities give random people stuff. My heart would swell initially, and tears would collect in my eyes. But now, I feel like some are just riding on the trend to chase clout. I’m so sorry for being so cynical. I’m not saying that all of them do that. Just look at their number of followers in the millions and multiply that a thousandfold and you can imagine how much money they’re making from it.

I still believe that true kindness should never be documented, and it’s irrelevant who’s watching when you extend yourself to others. What truly matters is that God sees your heart, and it is precisely this pure, unrecorded generosity that fosters genuine connections and helps develop lasting friendships.

I’ll be sharing the top 5 kindness quotes that I believe everyone should remember and a bit of a story why.

5. Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life

A smile to brighten someone’s day is an act of kindness in itself. And when you see somebody looking down, why not give that person your brightest smile? I hope we adopt the Western trait of greeting others, even strangers and asking them how they’re doing. Working with an American and an Australian company exposed me to this, and it seems Filipinos can benefit from adopting this trait. Also, holding the door open for someone. Why can’t we do that? It’s such a simple act of kindness, but many of us can’t even have the decency to do it. Most people feel like it’s beyond their level. I have witnessed this so many times. And the few occasions somebody had the courtesy is because they saw that I’m a PWD.

4. In a world where you can be anything, be kind

Even if you’re the wealthiest person in the room, you can still be the kindest. That’s why I really admire philanthropists like San Miguel’s Ramon Ang, who went out of his way to provide financial aid during the height of the COVID-19 crisis.

Also, I wonder why people who are not so pretty and not even smart can be mean to others. Like, hello? Di mo kinaganda yan te. I have encountered so many people like this during my time in Starbucks. There was even a time when one ordinary-looking girl demanded that her orders be delivered to her table when it’s been a policy that customers must present the receipt at the handoff counter to claim their drinks. But she would insist because she and her girlfriend were smoking outside. I took my stand and explained the policy to her, but she really got mad and yelled at me. I asked her to calm down and told her I’d sit with them outside to explain further.

So I took off my apron and sat with her and her girlfriend. Because honestly I would like to know why she’s acting that way. Could she be a haciendera with maids at her beck and call since she exited her mother’s womb? Or an alumni of a prestigious university? (Not that being an Atenista or Lasalista gives you the pass). But lo and behold! She graduated from an unheard-of community college somewhere in Novaliches! Sorry, nothing wrong with that. But, I mean iayon ang ugali sa ganda. I dedicated an hour of my time with her to explain the policy in detail, but she insisted that whenever she visits, she’ll expect her order to be delivered to her because this has been a practice in all Starbucks stores she goes to. I did not argue anymore; it was pointless. Again, people kindness.

3. Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world, no matter what you look like

On the contrary, even if you’re not very pretty, when you’re kind you radiate a certain kind of glow. It’s like you have a halo and you’re sent from the heavens.

2. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle

We don’t know the story of the person sitting beside us on the train or the girl at the cashier taking a long time to finish a transaction. Let’s not be quick to judge and get angry at every situation. That slow cashier might be inundated with family or financial problems. She might be slow to grasp the situation in front of her because she’s at her wit’s end, thinking about where to get the money for her child’s medication. Let’s be a little more patient. Another minute won’t hurt, right? This is also a reminder to myself because I can, at times be very impatient.

1. To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens

Sometimes, even if you know you’re right, but if it would crush the other person’s feelings, it might be best to let it go. Sometimes, we may be tempted to prove ourselves right or to impose our opinions, beliefs, or solutions on others. However, his may not be what others need or what is best for them. Especially in the heat of an argument, when you feel that emotions are high, and your reaction can jeopardize the other person’s feelings or even health, don’t push it. Even if you’re the most intelligent person in the room, but if you choose to be ruthless and heartless in an argument, then that just makes you a jerk. ( Of course, lawyers are exempted from this, lol)

Final Thoughts

In addition to being a cherished value, kindness is a skill, a conscious choice, and a form of beauty. It extends beyond mere words, manifesting as action, an emotion, and a guiding principle for life. This virtue benefits those around us but also contributes to our own well-being. By embracing kindness, we unlock solutions to various challenges, fostering positive change within ourselves and the broader world. Be kind today and pay it forward!