Kindness
As we start a new year, we typically hope it will be a good one.
In my humble opinion, one way to make it a good year is to focus on our own
expressions of genuine kindness.
Kindness is a big word. Its
synonyms provide a little insight into the vast nature of kindness.
One who is compassionate expresses a propensity for sympathy & mercy.
Benevolence implies altruism, a charitable nature, the tendency to be
looking out for others more than oneself, & a stalwart commitment to doing
good.
One who is benign is gentle & mild.
A
gracious
person exudes a kind warmth, a courteous
elegance, & shows a propensity for tact, charm, & good taste.
Someone
who is thoughtful is contemplative
& encourages the well-being & happiness of others.
Those
who have an innately kind disposition or
character are said to be kindhearted or kindly.
One
who is courteous shows gracious
consideration toward others & displays good manners & etiquette.
One
who is sympathetic shows a
susceptibility to the feelings of others & sometimes an altruism inspired
by that susceptibility.
One
who is empathetic has the capacity
to understand others’ points of view & can strongly identify with another’s
situation & emotions.
Here’s
to a new year filled with all the many facets of kindness.
Big thanks to this week’s sources Thesaurus.com, The 1959
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Wordnik, Merriam-Webster & the OED