The Quiet Strength of Kindness

On Mother’s Day, my friend and neighbor, Cari, sent me the following photo and note:

“Happy Mother’s Day! I loved this quote so much from your newsletter that I put it on our weekly quote board.”

Cari gave me permission to share this photo when I asked to use it for this month’s blog. What a kind, generous, and thoughtful gesture. She didn’t have to send the picture or the note. She didn’t have to use the quotes on her family’s quote board. She didn’t have to say yes. But she did.

And because of that small, deliberate act of kindness, I felt something we all long to feel—I felt seen. Heard. Like the work I do matters. And that feeling stayed with me.

At its core, isn’t that what kindness does? It reminds someone that their life, their effort, their presence—matters.

When I was growing up, one verse I often heard was:

“Be ye kind, one to another.” – Ephesians 4:32

It was more than a suggestion; it was a directive. A call to action, to live in a way that uplifts rather than tears down.

Many faiths and traditions echo this same value. In the Old Testament:

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26

Kindness is something we practice, speak, and pass on.

Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us:

“Kindness is the essence of mindfulness. It opens the door to joy, peace, and understanding.”

In a world full of noise and speed, kindness asks us to slow down. To choose presence. To show up with intention and care.

So how does kindness show up in real life? It’s…

• Letting someone go ahead of you in line, even when you’re late.

• Choosing not to fire off a reactive email, but instead responding with clarity and calm.

• Checking in on someone who’s been quiet.

• Listening—really listening—to the person in front of you.

• Pausing instead of judging.

• Softening toward yourself in a moment of failure.

• Saying, “I’m thankful for you,” even when there’s no occasion.

I believe kindness is a strength. Not the loud, showy kind, but a quiet, resilient strength. The kind that holds people up. The kind that carries us through.

Unkindness discourages me. Words that cut, dismiss, or diminish—They erode trust and safety.

But words that offer kindness, care, and respect? They build something. They remind us that we belong to each other.

Kindness is not weakness. It’s not passive. It is a daily practice. A courageous choice. A force for good in the face of conflict, fear, or uncertainty.

As we move through this season—whatever it brings—Choose kindness. Work on not making assumptions. Be more present with those who entrust us with their stories and their struggles.

In your corner,

Linda

“Whatever happens, stay alive. Don’t die before you’re dead. Don’t lose yourself, don’t lose hope, don’t lose direction.” – Virginia Woolf