One thing I have learned is that being kind doesn't have to be a big ordeal or complicated. In fact, the simplest gestures that inhabit our daily lives sometimes are the most life-altering ones for us as the givers, and for others as the receivers. I've never gone one day where every word I said or every move I made was kind, but I'm learning. I'm learning to be more aware of myself and others and how I'm treating others as well as myself. Being kind isn't just about other people. You are just as important. I was thinking about the importance and beauty of kindness and I jotted down a few simple ways we can all let kindness overflow from us.

1. The Classic "pay it forward"

I would consider being selfless to be one of the most beautiful qualities within a human. Whether it's at a drive thru, the mall, or the school lunch line, it's a gesture like that stands out. Even if the recipient doesn't react super enthusiastically or doesn't keep the gesture flowing, it still resonates.

2. Smile

Believe it or not, looking up from your phone or the ground can completely redirect the course of someone's day. I don't know about you, but when someone looks at me and smiles there's so much beauty behind that. That sounds dramatic, but there seriously is something so powerful to me about another human acknowledging me, especially when they don't know me. Sometimes something that seems so small to the giver is something huge to the receiver.

3. Pick something up if it's dropped

If you're like me, you're very clumsy. I trip, run into things, and drop stuff several times a day. It seems so simple, but bending down and picking something up for someone else leaves an impression. You took the time to redirect your attention and help someone else out. People remember that.

4. Listen and be available

We all have emotions and passions and we need to to share them. Knowing someone cares enough to listen to them can bring relief and encouragement even if they didn't ask for any feedback. Sometimes all we need is to know someone cares enough to be available for us.

5. Ask "how are you?"

I ask and am asked 878,598 times a day "How are you?" and I usually respond and get the response of "good." Of course sometimes we really are "good." But not always. It's important to be aware of what you're asking and then be open to hearing an honest answer. A lot of times all we need is to see someone cares.

6. Write notes

You don't have to have the cutest stationary (although I like to) or the finest pen around, you just need something to write on and something to write with. Taking the time to think about someone else and spend a few minutes writing down some encouraging words can go a long way.

7. Be intentional

Whether it's buying their coffee, lunch, following up on a prayer request or something they mentioned awhile ago, intentionally seeking people out is an admirable thing. It's something not easily forgotten.

Overall, all seven of these have one main overarching thing in common: selflessness. It's not the easiest thing to posses and it's not always going to propel us. But we can all be more intentional about showing it and letting it be a part of us. Kindness goes a long, long way, my friends. Don't underestimate that.