Have you ever noticed how a simple act of kindness can leave a lasting legacy?
Image credit: verkoka
Kindness is often thought of as a simple gesture, but its effects can be profound and lasting.
I was reminded of this recently as I reflected on a memory from when I was just ten years old.
During that summer, our family friends came to stay with us, and they were all huge fans of horror movies.
I, on the other hand, was not. They scared the bejesus out of me!
These friends really wanted to see Cujo -- a horror movie based on a Stephen King novel about a killer dog. In retrospect, the movie was neither good nor all that scary, but to me, as a 10-year old who could never sleep after watching any scary movie, the thought of seeing this movie terrified me.
I felt a knot of anxiety in my stomach, which wasn’t just from the thought of seeing a horror movie; it was also from the pressure to conform to what everyone else wanted to see.
Still, the fear of horror movies was greater than the peer pressure, and I decided to stay home.
What happened next, though, changed everything for me.
My dad, knowing how much I disliked horror films and sensing my disappointment at being left out, surprised me by asking if I wanted to go see a different movie.
I did! I had been pushing to see “Metalstorm in 3D: The Destruction of Jared-Syn.”
(Sidenote 1: Yeah, Metalstorm is truly a terrible movie. Much worse than Cujo. And arguably one of the worst movies of all time. But to my 10-year-old mind, the commercials made it look SOOOO COOOOL! And it was in 3D!!)
(Sidenote 2: In case you were wondering, to my recollection Jared-Syn does not actually get destroyed. Which is surprising, considering the title. You’d figure someone would have caught that. But that is just an example of the level of incompetence this movie displayed.)
So my dad took me to see Metalstorm. Just the two of us.
It was an incredibly simple act of kindness that made a tremendously lasting impression on me.
Even after 41 years, I remember that day vividly: the excitement of sharing a movie I wanted to see, the special time spent with my dad, and the relief of being in a space that felt safe and enjoyable. It was a small gesture, but it was significant. My father’s thoughtfulness turned a potentially isolating experience into one filled with warmth and connection.
This memory serves as a powerful reminder of how kindness can shape our lives and influence our perceptions long after the moment has passed. I still think about that moment at times when my own son (now almost 10) has similar moments where a simple act of kindness could support him the way my dad supported me.
It highlights the importance of being aware of those around us and how a small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook these moments. However, I encourage you to seek out opportunities to be kind—whether it’s surprising someone with a small gesture or simply lending an ear. Your actions can create ripples that positively impact others in ways you might never fully understand.
If you're interested in exploring the theme of kindness further, I highly recommend listening to my recent interview with MJ Shaar, where we discuss the profound impact of kindness in our lives and workplaces. MJ shares valuable insights backed by research, emphasizing how kindness is not just a nice gesture but a powerful tool for productivity and connection.
After that, be sure to check out my latest solo episode of Yes, And, where I delve into how "emotion drives content." I discuss how our feelings influence our communication and how embracing kindness can transform our interactions, both personally and professionally.
Thank you for reading, and remember: one simple act of kindness can make a world of difference!