CEO REFLECTIONS
“Random Acts of Kindness.” Four simple words — yet together, they carry so much power.
Kindness isn’t complicated. It doesn’t require a grand gesture. It simply requires awareness — and a choice. And when you choose it, it feels amazingly good. That’s why it’s hard to understand why indifference or rudeness so often wins out.
Last week, I was flying home from a short trip to Florida and was seated next to a woman who was clearly anxious about “encroaching” on my space. She twisted toward the window, trying not to let her arm or shoulder touch mine, even as the armrest dug into her side. I had paid a lot for my seat. I could have focused on my own comfort.
Instead, I asked if she’d be comfortable lifting the armrest and simply sitting naturally, even if that meant our bodies touched. Her eyes filled with tears. She told me she wished more people treated her with that kind of kindness when she flew. It was such a small act, just making room, literally and figuratively.
Why choose rudeness when kindness costs so little and gives so much? At Benevolist, we see every day how small acts create real impact. Let’s choose kindness — randomly, generously, and often. Perhaps you can randomly go to the Benevolist.org “Search Drives” page, find a cause you care about and donate and item or two to someone who could truly benefit from your kindness?
Together we can make a difference!
Cari Newton, Founder & CEO
