Kindness Is A Decision Worth Making

The simple choice that transforms lives, including your own.

Photo by Stefano Valtorta on Unsplash.

I had missed a deadline. No excuses. I messed up.

The person responsible for collecting registrations for a nonprofit conference was a friend of mine. That didn’t make it any easier. I was embarrassed and anxious about asking if I could still turn in my forms late. I had let others down, and I knew it.

At one of our regular gatherings, I saw her and realized I couldn’t put it off any longer. Trying to lighten the moment, I asked, “How much do you love me?”

I braced myself for a sarcastic reply. Something like, “What do you need?!” (I’ve shamefully used that line myself when people ask me loaded questions.)

Instead, she simply said, “A lot.”

Her answer humbled me. I asked if I could still submit my registration. She smiled and said, “Of course.” I knew it would mean extra work for her, but she didn’t hesitate. She showed me grace. She showed me kindness.

Kindness is one of the few things in life that costs little to nothing, but can change everything. It doesn’t require money, a budget, a perfect mood, or even a job.

Simple acts of kindness, whether shared with strangers or loved ones, can ripple outward, creating joy, healing, and even unexpected returns.

The Cost of Kindness

Kindness is often mistaken for weakness or dismissed as something reserved for people with extra time or emotional energy. But kindness doesn’t cost money. It costs intention.

Slow Down

Kindness isn’t rushed. It asks us to pause in a fast-paced world, to resist the urge to hurry past people and moments that matter. Slowing down gives us space to be present and intentional.

Notice Others

Kindness begins with awareness. We have to look beyond ourselves and recognize the needs, emotions, and presence of those around us. Noticing others is the first step toward making a meaningful connection.

Have Compassion

Kindness chooses compassion over convenience. It means choosing to care even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or time-consuming. Compassion asks us to prioritize people over our own comfort.

I host two weekly trivia shows. One night, a man walked up to my table mid-game, wanting to join. We were nearly halfway through, and I was focused on keeping the pace.

I’m not proud of my first thought:

“Dang man, we’re halfway through. You’ve never played, don’t know the rules, and now you’re grabbing stuff off my table?”

Thankfully, none of that came out of my mouth. I made sure he had what he needed, and he returned to sit with his wife. I wasn’t rude, but I knew I could’ve been more welcoming.

After reading the next question and starting the song, I walked over to their table and explained how the game worked. I told them where we were in the round and encouraged them to jump in. They smiled and said, “Okay.”

They chose not to play that night, but after the game, I visited their table again. We spoke for a few minutes, and they told me they’d definitely be back.

I regretted not being more supportive at the start. It reminded me that kindness sometimes means slowing down and being more mindful of the people who show up.

Without them, there wouldn’t be a Trivia Night at all.

That moment reminded me that even small choices in how we treat others can echo far beyond the moment itself.

The Ripple Effect

Kindness doesn’t stop with the person who receives it. One thoughtful act can inspire another, creating a chain reaction that reaches far beyond the original moment.

Whether it’s holding a door, offering a compliment, or simply listening, these small gestures can change the atmosphere of a room, a workplace, or even a community.

Psychologists have found that kindness is contagious.

If you act kindly toward another, there's also a propagation effect—that person goes on to act more kindly. There's a profound contagiousness to kindness. - Tyler VanderWeele (Harvard)

This ripple effect is powerful, especially in times of stress or disconnection.

Research also shows that kindness boosts both mental and physical health. Acts of generosity have been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and increased happiness.

Even witnessing or recalling kind acts can elevate well-being and strengthen social bonds. Kindness not only helps others, it builds a healthier, more connected world.

The Reward of Kindness

Kindness doesn’t just benefit the receiver, it nourishes the giver. There is an old proverb that says,

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind.

That nourishment shows up in many ways: a lifted mood, a sense of purpose, and even physical health benefits.

Acts of kindness trigger the release of dopamine and oxytocin (chemicals that reduce stress and increase happiness).

Kindness also strengthens our relationships. It builds trust, deepens connection, and reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

When my friend answered my question about loving me with, “A lot.” I felt the dopamine and oxytocin, and was reminded of how much her and husband meant to me and my wife.

Even small gestures like a smile, a compliment, or a helping hand can make us feel more grounded and fulfilled.

This is where kindness connects with the Simply Disgusting mission: helping people make better decisions and live happier lives. Choosing kindness is one of the simplest, most powerful decisions we can make. It’s free, but it feeds our soul.

If kindness nourishes our soul, then the next step is simple. Start feeding it daily through small, intentional acts.

Kindness in Action

I’ve already mentioned several simple, practical acts of kindness. Kindness doesn’t have to be grand to be powerful. These small choices add up, and they’re available to us every day.

Let me insert something important here:

Kindness should be given freely, regardless of whether the recipient is grateful.

We’ve already discussed how the giver benefits from being kind. That’s reason enough to keep showing up with compassion.

Here are a few practical ways to show kindness:

• Listen fully when someone speaks.

• Hold the door for someone.

• Compliment a coworker or a stranger.

• Offer help without being asked.

• Let someone merge in traffic.

• Send a note of encouragement.

• Forgive quickly and let go of grudges.

Each act is a decision. It’s a moment where we choose compassion over convenience. When we choose kindness, we’re choosing a better version of ourselves.

A friend was worried about how a financial decision he made would affect the way others viewed him. I told him not to worry and reminded him that he deserved the benefits of his decision.

I shared with him a few personal examples I’d seen in his life that made me believe he was worthy of that blessing. I could see a weight lift from him as he teared up.

Now, don’t think I’m all that and a bag of chips. The reason I was able to encourage my friend is because someone once encouraged me in the same way.

Kindness ripples.

Call to Action

Kindness is free. It pays off in ways we often don’t expect. It nourishes the soul, strengthens relationships, and creates ripple effects that reach far beyond the moment.

Take a moment to reflect:
When was the last time you gave or received an act of kindness?
How did it make you feel?

I challenge you to take one small step this week. Choose one act of kindness, big or small, and do it intentionally. Then, if you’re willing, share your story. You never know who might be inspired by it.

Kindness is a decision. Let’s keep choosing it.

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