Navigation 📢 Contest: Let's celebrate International Kindness Day

Hi steemit community

I hope you’re all doing well. Today’s topic really made me pause and reflect. “Do you consider yourself a kind person?” Honestly, I had to think. Not because I doubt that I’m kind, but because sometimes the kind things we do are so natural to us that we don’t even count them. They’re just part of who we are.

So, do I consider myself a kind person?
Yes, I do — even if I don’t always notice it.

Father

I can’t recall every single act of kindness I’ve done because, truly, most of them weren’t planned or something I did to be remembered. I just acted in the moment, based on what I felt someone needed. Maybe it was checking in on a friend who went quiet. Maybe it was sharing food or provisions with someone in school. Maybe it was helping someone get something done or being there to listen when nobody else was. These things might seem small, but I believe they carry weight.

One time in school, a girl in my hostel was short on personal items. She didn’t ask me directly, but I could sense her discomfort. I had some extra, so I quietly gave her what I could. She was surprised, but grateful. And that little moment stuck with me — not because I expected anything in return, but because I could tell it helped her more than she let on.

I’ve had friends message me out of the blue, just to rant or cry or say nothing at all — and I’d listen. Not because I had solutions, but because sometimes people just need to be heard. I’ve walked friends through hard decisions, and I’ve tried to be present even when I had things going on myself. I guess that’s one thing about kindness — it’s not always convenient, but it’s always worth it.

Have I ever put my own worries aside to help others? Yes, many times. And while I can’t lie — sometimes it’s draining — I’ve never regretted it. It taught me how much a simple act or word can mean to someone who’s breaking inside. It also reminded me that kindness doesn’t always come from a full cup. Sometimes, it’s from someone who’s also trying to hold it together but still chooses to show up.

There are also times I didn’t react kindly. Times I was tired, irritated, or overwhelmed. I’ve snapped at people, ignored messages, or distanced myself. But those moments also taught me that kindness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning, apologizing, and growing. I’m still learning every day.

Even in the online space, I try to be kind. When people post their struggles or achievements, I try to leave a supportive comment or just say something nice. You don’t know how much someone may need it that day. I know how it feels when someone does it for me.

Sometimes people think being kind means letting others walk over you — but it’s not. I’ve learned to set boundaries, to say no when I have to. Kindness doesn’t mean you have to burn yourself out for others. It just means you lead with empathy and understanding, but still protect your peace.

Do I plan to keep being kind? Yes. It’s not always easy, but I believe it’s needed. This world is already full of so much pain and noise a little softness can go a long way. I hope that whenever someone thinks of me, they remember at least one time I made them feel seen, heard, or helped in a small way.

To anyone reading this who doesn’t feel they’ve done something kind maybe you have and just didn’t know it. And if you really haven’t, it’s never too late. Kindness isn’t a show. It’s in the everyday things: helping, listening, encouraging, or just being present. You don’t have to have much just a willing heart.

So yes, I believe I’m kind and I’m proud of that. I’m not perfect, but I try. And I think that’s what really counts.

So if you’re ever wondering whether the little things matter they do. Kindness doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be real. And even if no one claps for it, do it anyway. The world needs more of that.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my thoughts. I’d also love to hear from you.

Inviting @akareen @etoro @wuddi