Let's celebrate International Kindness Day

Greetings and welcome to my participation on this contest as we Kindness on an international level.

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Do you consider yourself a kind person?

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Well, I've always thought of myself as a kind person, but then it's funny how I sometimes need to stop and really think about why. I guess it's because I try to put myself in other people's shoes. Like, if I see someone struggling with challenges, I always offer to help if and when I can. No matter how little and I don't consider it a big deal, but just knowing that it can make their day a little easier maybe by carrying their loads or even adding a kobo to their transportation.

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This is because, I think kindness is about the little things we do instead of just negating them to be too little. It could be about listening to a friend when he or she is down, even if we're busy. It could be smiling at the cashier at the store, just because so the person too can smile. It's also about being patient with my little sister when she's driving me crazy. These small acts, they add up.

Also, I try to be kind to myself. I know, it sounds weird, but it's important. I can also mess up sometimes, we all do. So when I do I try not to beat myself up too much but learn from it and move on. By being kind to myself, it helps me be kind to others. Of course, because if I'm always down on myself, from where would I get the energy to be there for others?

Therefore, I see myself as a kind person because I try to be thoughtful by putting myself in the position of those who need the help, be helpful, and understanding. I know it's not always as easy as I've said, but it's something I strive for every day.

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Have you ever performed an act of kindness? If so, tell us about your experience. How did you feel afterward? And if you haven't, do you plan to someday? Tell us how you would do it, what you have in mind?

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Who hasn't? Well I've on numerous occasions if there is anyone who hasn't. Although certain times, we tend to feel bad after being kind either because the person whom we've been kind to doesn't appreciate it or tends to take us for a fool. For example, like giving a beggar money for food or transportation and you see this same beggar use the money for something else.

In all, I've tried to not really be kind for the reactions of the person but rather on how it makes me feel. Recently, I did something that made me feel really good. I helped my neighbor, who's been having a tough time lately as she's trying to accommodate having a little and all. Her husband is not always around and her kid is barely 9 months old.

Editted using Pixellab app. image source; cleanpng

It all started when I saw her struggling with a bag of items. I was heading out, but I couldn't just walk past so I ran over and offered to help, she was so relieved. We walked back to her place, and the bag felt like it weighed a ton. When we got to her door, I helped her put it inside. She kept thanking me, and her smile was so genuine. She was so grateful that she even offered me some chin-chin, which I must say was delicious.

The whole experience made me feel amazing. For me, it wasn't about the chin-chin or the thanks but knowing that I had made someone's day a little easier. Seeing the relief on her face and the genuine warmth in her eyes was what made it special.

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Are you one of those people who puts aside your own worries to help others?

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Oh yes I am, and I must say sometimes I hate myself for it as it's becoming an addiction to which I have no control over anymore. Like I could be struggling with my own stuff and will still stop to help someone else.

Well, it's not that I don't have my own worries, because I do and you can agree with me that life throws curveballs at every one of us as we all tend to face one challenge or the other. But then, I seem to have this ability to put those worries on pause when I see someone struggling.

I guess I can say I am the kind of person who understands that sometimes, the best way to deal with my own problems is to shift my focus outward. This way, I don't get to dwell too much about my own situation. However, there are certain cases to which I will put myself first, because in certain situations, I can only help those in need of I've helped myself.

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I want to take this opportunity to invite @ruthjoe, @ikwal and @bossj23.

Thank You for your Time

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NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.