When was the last time you experienced a random act of kindness?

Last week, I received a call from an old friend out of the blue and it was such a pleasant, unexpected surprise. We hadn’t caught up in awhile and he just wanted to know how I was doing. It was a simple gesture to be sure, but it had a powerful and lasting effect on me. Even hours after I’d hung up the phone, I couldn’t help but feel touched.

We often think that it takes a lot to make a difference in someone’s life, but often, it’s the littlest of actions — like a quick call from an old friend — that have the power to lift us up the most. For example, think of the happiness we feel when we receive something as simple as a postcard in the mail, a bouquet of fresh-picked flowers for no reason, or even just a genuine compliment.

As powerful as these small acts of kindness are, however, these exchanges are also rare. All of us, at some point or another, have suppressed our best intentions due to self-consciousness or inconvenience, haven’t we? After all, it can feel awkward and out of place to offer fresh cookies to our neighbors … or even just to smile at a stranger.

Even so, it’s important to remember that despite the potential for awkwardness, performing acts of kindness will always be worth it in the end. In fact, sometimes the most insignificant acts of graciousness are the exact pick-me-up that another person needs.

As the mystic Rumi reminds us, “Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love, which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing.”

So ladies, let’s commit to cultivating and sharing the kindness within us, through whatever small means we can. Who knows? Perhaps if we allow ourselves to pour into the lives of others in this way, we too will find our own hearts filled.

What’s been an act of kindness you’ve received that’s greatly touched you?

This article was originally written for Darling Magazine.
Image via Instagram