Kindness as the Cure
This article was originally published on LinkedIn
As we all know, COVID isn't the event we've experienced this year: a social justice movement, civil unrest, unemployment, childcare and a political climate that is the angriest I've ever witnessed. We were already in a mental health crisis and then here came COVID. One of the questions I've been faced with and I suspect many of you have too is: what can I do?
Enter the Campaign for Kindness. When I saw Lockton had partnered with Dr. Michelle Robin from Small Changes Big Shifts to launch this campaign beyond our office walls, I knew part of what I could do is share it with all of you. Dr. Robin is an encourager and messenger of HOPE. I feel compelled in which to invite your participation. You can watch this episode of The Checkup from the link above or you can listen here. Dr. Robin talks about:
The Four Quadrants of Wellbeing. I encourage you to check these out on her website! Just like employee benefits isn't just medical, your wellness isn't just one factor.
How kindness changes our brain chemistry and releases feel good hormones.
The role gratitude plays. Here is a gratitude app to help you get started or build those gratitude muscles!
We're not all in the same boat but we ARE in the same storm. Link arms with people around you to weather the storm.
What is a pearl and how do we find it in the big and small ways?
We all have a jam. A medicine. It's uniquely ours and is our gift to those around us.
Feeling depressed or anxious? Extend a kindness to someone.
It doesn't have to be a grand gesture. Kindness comes in all shapes, sizes and varieties. It's also never too late to join the Kindness Campaign.
I've been very much inspired by Dr. Robin's message. You can follow her podcast here. I've long said my life wouldn't be what it is today were it not for the kindness of others. I was the kid neighbors brought in for dinner and who my friend's parents would welcome for days on end with no questions asked. I was the young, single mom working two jobs who always had free and loving babysitters for my son. I was the eager and ambitious rookie at Premera Blue Cross who was mentored and coached by people to whom I will forever be indebted. The life I have today is built on their kindnesses. As I look around, I see so many opportunities to be that kindness for someone else. Yes, I'm craving kindness but Dr. Robin has shown me I can satisfy that craving by being kind to someone else. It's a powerful realization to know deep down - no matter what goes on around us, we can control our response. We all have something good and kind to contribute to those around us. so I will ask you - What's YOUR medicine and will you join me in pushing massive amounts of it into your circle, where ever that may be?