When was the last time someone did something kind for you? Not something grand. Just a small act that made your day a little easier to carry.
A colleague helping you meet a deadline.
A stranger holding the door.
A smile when you needed to feel seen.
A paid-for coffee you didn’t expect.
Kindness is simple. But simple does not mean small.
In a world that constantly asks us to move fast and compete, kindness is a way of slowing down to remember that we are human first before anything else. Every November 13, the world pauses to celebrate kindness; a reminder that even in difficult times, compassion is still possible.
Why Kindness Matters
Kindness has a ripple effect. One act can inspire another, and then another; turning a stressful day around, repairing a misunderstanding, reminding someone they are not alone. Research shows that kindness boosts serotonin and oxytocin. That ‘feel-good’ hormone that lowers stress and lifts mood. It’s not just good for those who receive it; it’s healing for those who give it, too. Kindness helps workplaces grow. It strengthens friendships. It builds communities where people feel safe, valued, and respected.
What Kindness Looks Like in Everyday Life
We often imagine kindness as grand gestures like paying a hospital bill, donating millions, or saving a life. But most times, kindness is quiet. It sounds like ‘I understand. Take your time.’ It looks like sharing what you know, checking in on someone, or acknowledging effort, even when the result isn’t what you expected. Sometimes, kindness is simply choosing patience when frustration would be easier.
It looks like: Sharing knowledge, Offering a listening ear, Checking on someone who has been quiet, or just acknowledging someone’s effort, even if they did not get it perfectly. Sometimes, kindness is simply choosing patience when frustration would be easier.
How We Can Practice Kindness Today
Here are small but meaningful actions we can try:
- Send an encouraging message to someone
- Give a genuine compliment
- Ask, “How are you, really?” and listen
- Offer help before waiting to be asked
- Let someone else go first in a queue
- Share something useful without expecting anything back
None of these require money or extra hours; Just intention.
Kindness at Sterling
At Sterling, we believe kindness strengthens culture. It makes teamwork smoother. It makes our work environment more human. It helps us show up for our customers and for each other. We grow better when we choose empathy. We work better when we respect each other’s pace. We build better when we remember that everyone is doing their best with what they have. So today, and every day after, let us choose kindness. Not because the world is perfect. But because it needs more of it.
A Gentle Challenge
Before you close this article, think of one person you can be kind to today. Just one. A colleague. A friend. A family member. Yourself. Send that message. Offer that help. Share that smile. Kindness grows. The more we practice it, the more it becomes who we are.
