The Ripple Effect Of Kindness

Although I am usually very careful with online transactions, I received a notification yesterday of two unknown online purchases for the same amount, but from separate companies, both debited to my credit card without my knowledge.

It´s been a few years since I have been scammed in this way, so when I began investigating the matter it soon became obvious that online fraud has become rife in recent years. It’s much more complicated and frustrating to sort this out with vendors and the bank than it used to be. It was certainly a lesson for me to be more careful in future.

However, an unexpected blessing came from the mishap, as it often does. At the end of the first phone call I made to report the issue, the call center agent who assisted me thanked me for “being so nice to him.” When I asked him what he meant, he said my voice had soothed him and that he consequently felt a great sense of calm. He explained that people usually begin these call by yelling at him, as if he is somehow to blame.

“Well, it´s hardly your fault,” I said.

He continued by saying that customers are usually very angry and upset. Although he is trained to handle such calls, and understand the frustration of the callers, one never really get used to the feeling of being attacked and insulted – simply for doing your job.

I felt blessed after our interaction to know that I had impacted someone´s day positively. It reminded me that our words and actions really can make or break someone´s day.

It reminded me of the time when I used to work for an airline, many years ago. Our service training was heavily focused on customer care, particularly as this particular airline didn´t have a great reputation for punctuality or customer service in those days. Management was making a concerted effort to rectify their bad reputation.

My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness ~ Maya Angelou

One of the interesting things I learned on that course was how we are physiologically uplifted when we show other kindness, because kindness stimulates the neurotransmitter oxytocin, also known as the ‘lobe hormone.’ This is why a kind thought, deed or gesture feels so good. It is a blessing we should teach our children and each other every day. Our future depends on it.

It is written in Proverbs 16, “Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Kindness makes us happier and healthier. Furthermore, because of the ripple effect kindness tends to have, being kind is likely to prompt the receiver to pass on some kindness too. I like to think of it as ‘viral kindness.’ The Buddha said, “Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”

The call center agent’s gratitude reminded me that we should all aim to sow kindness where there is hatred, and peace where there is conflict. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love.”

So, perhaps in the new year ahead, we should think about how a little kindness and tolerance can go a very long way. Be kind to a random stranger today. It will add some sparkle and joy to your life.