STRONGER TOGETHER: Beyond Words and Actions—The Enduring Power of Kindness

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the profound impact of small acts of kindness in our daily lives and how they create lasting connections and a more compassionate world.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

These words capture the heart of kindness and its unique ability to leave a lasting impression on the hearts of others, shaping memories and connections that can endure a lifetime. It’s not about grand gestures but the simple, genuine moments that make others feel valued and seen.

In our fast-paced, digitally driven world, the significance of kindness is sometimes overshadowed by the hustle of daily life. Yet it’s often in these small, unassuming acts that we discover the true essence of our shared humanity.

A colleague once shared a story from her childhood that beautifully illustrates this. As the new kid in school, she felt painfully shy and out of place. On her first day, she sat alone at lunch, until a girl from her class came over, sat beside her, and offered half of her sandwich with a warm smile and friendly conversation. That small gesture changed everything; it made her feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

Decades later, she doesn’t remember what they talked about or even what was on the sandwich—but she remembers exactly how she felt. That simple act of kindness left a lasting impact, inspiring her to be a welcoming presence for others.

Kindness is a universal language that transcends barriers, connecting us on a deeply human level—and its impact goes beyond the moment. Research shows that kindness benefits both the giver and the receiver, boosting mood, reducing stress, and fostering well-being. Within communities, kindness becomes a powerful bond, building trust and a sense of belonging across generations, cultures, and socioeconomic lines.

World Kindness Day, celebrated on 13 November 2024, is more than a reminder; it’s an invitation to embrace kindness as a way of life through small, everyday actions that collectively contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world.

Whether it’s a compliment to a colleague, a thank-you to a service worker, or a supportive word to a friend, these moments matter. They create a ripple effect, fostering a world where people feel valued and connected.

Imagine the world we could create if each of us committed to one small act of kindness each day.

So, here’s a challenge for us all: let’s choose kindness—not just for one day, but every day. Kindness has a way of coming back to us, shaping the world around us for the better. With each small act, we can make others feel seen, appreciated, and connected, just as one child’s simple gesture continues to resonate in a heart decades later.