With our Christmas campaign in motion, Hannah Montgomery, Editor, explores what kindness means to us…
We recently posted about how we’re supporting good causes this year with our Christmas kindness campaign.
It got me thinking about what kindness means – the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate – and how others define it and experience it.
For me, I think that all acts of kindness make an impact, from the smallest action to the grandest gesture. And though it needn’t cost a penny, the value can be immense.
I recall the moment my mother received a card saying the world would be a better place if there were more people like her in it. Such a simple yet sentimental message, and it struck a chord with me.
So, I wanted to find out from my fellow 44ers what kindness means to them, and how they’ve experienced it in different ways. Here’s what they had to say (sharing is caring, after all)…
“For me it’s the little things. Driving etiquette makes such a difference to my day. For example, if I give way to somebody and they wave their thanks. And vice versa – it makes me feel good. I think any act of kindness makes you feel good!”
Jo Williams, Senior Communications Specialist
“Jo often gets in before me in the morning, and if she’s there she makes me a coffee. It’s such a lovely gesture. It shows she cares and sets the day off to a great start!”
Sam Docking, Account Director
“I’ve supported people who are going through a difficult time by helping with childcare, cleaning and being a listening ear. Also, I was out with my friends recently and I bought a homeless man’s shopping for him. It was a really cold night and he was so grateful – he called us Charlie’s Angels!” Hannah Moss, Accounts Manager
“My act of kindness is close to home. Christmas is a busy time of year – there’s so much to plan and do, not to mention it’s my daughter’s birthday just two days after Christmas Day! She’s turning three and is only just learning the magic of Christmas, so it’s wonderful to watch her excitement build. With all of this in motion I’ve felt a bit frazzled recently. I was rushing around thinking about my to-do list and carrying lots of things when I tripped up the stairs and fell, hurting my knee. My daughter came out of her room to check if I was OK and when she saw me crying, she gave me a kiss and a cuddle and dried my tears away, telling me not to be sad, which I found so sweet given she’s only young. Moments like these make me feel really proud.”
Jessica Grove, Senior Designer
“Kindness is… Giving someone the non-burst poached egg while you fish your disaster out of the pan. Pouring someone else the last drop of the bottle of wine. Volunteering to change the poonami. Putting the bins out in the rain. Putting your shopping trolley back where it belongs rather than leaving it randomly in the car park. It’s contagious and it makes your life better, whether you’re the giver or the recipient.”
Nick Robbins, Account Director
Further thoughts
And finally, here are some quotes around positivity and kindness to keep in mind… (because kindness isn’t just for Christmas!)
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” – William Arthur Ward
“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” – Clare Pooley
“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
“Kindness is like snow – it beautifies everything it covers.” – Kahlil Gibran
Please keep an eye out for more on our Christmas kindness activities as the month progresses.
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