When the world feels heavy with stress, divisiveness, and negativity, choosing kindness can seem like a radical act. But it’s this very radicalness that makes kindness transformative. The joy, peace, and healing that kindness brings can alter someone’s day—or even their life—in ways we may never fully realize. Being a kindness and joy warrior isn’t just about spreading positivity; it means recognizing awe in every moment and seizing every opportunity to bring light to others.
The Awe in Everyday Life
Every single day, there are moments that are begging to be noticed—those small, sacred moments of awe that remind us how beautiful life is. Whether it's the vastness of a Kansas sunset or a smile from a stranger at the airport, these moments are the heartbeats of a meaningful life. When we take a pause to really see them, they deepen our gratitude and remind us of all the good that exists in this world. Life isn't just about the milestones but the smaller moments, too—the ones that, when noticed, invite joy and wonder back into our hearts.
Transformative Encounters: A Language Beyond Words
Recently, I was flying home and met this beautiful soul from Frankfurt, Germany, in the airport. We didn’t share a common language, but our connection went so much deeper. She handed me her ticket, needing help finding her gate, and in that moment, I felt this responsibility to be there for her, to make sure she was safe. At one point, when she noticed me a bit teary-eyed after a call, she quietly offered me a tissue… reminding me that kindness is a language all its own. These connections show us that we don’t need words to touch someone’s life profoundly. Just being there, with a heart open to kindness, can change everything.
Choosing Better Over Bitter
Life hands us some pretty heavy stuff. After my mom passed, I went through a season where joy felt far away, and bitterness tried to creep in. Seeing others with their moms beating cancer, I felt jealous instead of happy for them. It took a moment of real, raw honesty in the mirror to realize: I didn’t want to carry that bitterness around. I wanted to be better, not bitter. And let me tell you, that decision is like breathing fresh air. It’s a choice to move forward, to hold gratitude close, and to see life through a fresh, joyful lens. When we do that, joy finds its way back in, right when we need it.
Extraordinary Acts of Kindness in Unexpected Places
True kindness goes beyond the everyday; it’s those moments of extraordinary kindness that leave an unforgettable impact. A while back, I had surgery, and I was a little nervous. My surgeon, who didn’t have to do this, held my hand before I went under. And the anesthetist, a woman I’d never met, gently stroked my forehead until I fell asleep. These were acts of compassion and love that I’ll never forget. They taught me that kindness doesn’t always come in grand gestures; sometimes, it’s in the gentle touches, the small reassurances, the quiet presences that remind us we are cared for. When we choose to show up for others in ways that go beyond the ordinary, we elevate what it means to be human.
Spreading Joy and Transforming Lives
Living as a kindness and joy warrior means spreading light wherever we go... looking for the chances to spark joy, to share a warm smile, to be there when someone needs encouragement, or even just to listen. As Joystarters, we have the privilege to make a difference, not just in the lives of others but in our own lives, too. When we embrace joy and choose kindness, we become fuller, better versions of ourselves.
So here’s my challenge to you: Be intentional with your kindness. Seek out the awe in your life, even in the small things. When things feel tough, choose to be better, not bitter. And most importantly, commit to being a Joystarter. Show up for others and watch how it transforms not just them, but you. Let’s make kindness our superpower.
This blog post is based on Season 6, Episode 4 of the Joystarters Podcast, "Practicing Extraordinary Kindness in Unexpected Moments." Take a listen via the player below, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer video, you can also listen on The Determined Society's YouTube.
Ready to bring more joy, kindness, and purpose into your life? Join the Joystarters Club, a free community where we dive into monthly challenges, share inspiration, and uplift one another as we spread joy in big and small ways. Be part of a movement that’s all about living boldly and changing lives—starting with our own!
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