Kindness is the light that brightens the world.
In today’s fast-paced and hectic world, it’s easy to overlook the power of kindness. We’re constantly juggling work, studies, social lives and personal challenges, which sometimes makes us forget the impact of small goodness acts.
Yet, in a world where people are often caught up in their own lives, acts of kindness can feel like a breath of fresh air.
Whether it’s holding the door for someone, offering a compliment or simply listening, kindness has the power to break through the noise and bring people together.
Now, more than ever, spreading kindness is essential. It builds bonds, reduces stress and serves as a reminder of the shared humanity we all experience.
Let’s explore the beauty of kindness and learn how some Humber Polytechnic students include these meaningful acts in their daily lives.
The beauty of being kind
Being kind doesn’t just help others—it can profoundly improve your own well-being. When you offer kindness, you tap into a sense of purpose and fulfillment that boosts your mood and enhances your mental health.
Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can help reduce stress, increase happiness and promote a sense of connection with others. It also fosters empathy, as you become more aware of the needs of those around you.
Whether in your personal life, at work or in your community, kindness strengthens relationships and builds a foundation of trust and respect.
Being kind makes the world a better place—not just for others, but for yourself too.
Small gestures matter a lot
I spoke to Jessica Lobo, a global business management student. She believes that kindness is incredibly impactful because everyone is facing their own struggles and even small gestures can create a lasting impression.
In her first week in Canada, a stranger helped her get change for the bus after her Presto card had run out of balance and she didn’t have a bank account yet.
“Even though it was just a dollar, that simple gesture meant the world to me,” Lobo said.
The experience not only helped her in a moment of need but also reminded her that there are genuinely kind people in the world, a lesson that has stayed with her ever since.
Lobo also practices kindness in her own life by sharing food, which she believes is one of the best ways to connect with people.
“Sharing food is my way of spreading kindness and bringing people together,” Lobo said.
Kindness reflects strength and compassion
Hamza Shahzad, a film and multiplatform storytelling student, views kindness as one of the most valuable things we can offer. He believes that true kindness goes beyond simple gestures—it’s a reflection of strength, compassion and the ability to uplift others even when facing personal struggles.
“It takes real heart to be kind, especially when you’re struggling yourself,” Shahzad said.
For him, kindness isn’t just about the small acts we perform but about embodying the strength to offer support in difficult times.
“Whether it’s donating clothes, sharing kind words or simply listening without judgment, I believe small gestures can have a big impact,” Shahzad said.
Shahzad tries to spread positivity in every interaction, whether it’s holding the door, sharing a smile or offering support.
Spreading positivity
Mitali Sharma, a student in information technology solutions, believes that kindness has a unique and powerful way of making people feel seen, heard and valued.
“It’s not always about grand acts, but the small, consistent moments of care that can make the most significant impact,” Sharma said.
She recalls a moment on her friend’s birthday when he made a donation to a charity providing cakes and essential supplies to children in need. Witnessing the joy and relief that small gesture brought to those children made her realize just how much of a difference even the simplest acts can have.
While Sharma acknowledges that she hasn’t done anything grand, she strives to infuse kindness into her everyday interactions.
“Kindness is about showing up for others, even when you have little to give,” Sharma said.
During festivals, Sharma makes it a point to donate to those in need, believing that even small contributions can make someone’s life a little easier.
The ripple effect of kindness
Kindness isn’t just about making someone smile at the moment—it can have a much bigger impact. A simple act of kindness can inspire others to do the same, starting a chain reaction that spreads far and wide.
When you do something nice for someone, they might feel inspired to help someone else, creating a ripple effect that goes beyond just one interaction. Even small acts—like helping a classmate with their work or giving a compliment—can make a big difference and leave lasting impressions that shape a more supportive world.
It’s all about building positive, meaningful connections with others. Acts of kindness help strengthen those connections, making our communities more caring and connected.
By practicing kindness, we contribute to a happier, healthier environment where everyone can thrive.
Kindness is a powerful force for change. When we show kindness in our everyday lives, we help create a more caring and inclusive world. It reminds us that success isn’t just about personal achievement, but about helping others and working together.
Being kind to yourself is just as important. When you take the time to care for your own well-being—physically, mentally and emotionally—you become more capable of extending that same kindness to those around you.
By choosing kindness, we build a world where empathy and cooperation thrive. Even the smallest gestures, towards others and ourselves, can make a big difference.
So, let’s make the world better with more acts of kindness.
Feature image courtesy of Mei-Ling Mirow via Unsplash
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