Always Choose Kindness
A few months back, I came across a simple line on social media that stopped me mid-scroll: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” It felt like a quiet truth we so often forget. Because the truth is, none of us wear our struggles on our faces. The Uber driver who greets you with a smile might be worrying about his next EMI. The chaiwala who hands you your evening cutting might have skipped his own meal. Your colleague who cracks the loudest jokes during the break might be silently battling something heavy. And even you, showing up every day, doing your best, might be carrying more than anyone can see.
And in those moments, the least we can do for one another is to be kind.
Kindness doesn’t need a big stage. It isn’t about grand gestures or heroic acts. More often, it’s hidden in the small things: giving up your seat on the bus, choosing not to send that sharp reply, or telling yourself “it’s okay” after a mistake. Think about 3 Idiots, where Rancho’s constant kindness whether standing up for Raju and Farhan or encouraging others to follow their passion changes lives forever. Or Taare Zameen Par, where a teacher’s compassion helps Ishaan discover his true potential when the world only saw his flaws. Even in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., kindness is portrayed through “jadoo ki jhappi,” reminding us that sometimes, all it takes is a simple hug to heal someone’s pain. These stories show us that kindness is the quiet strength that makes life worth living.
The funny thing is, we often wait for a “reason” to be kind, as if it must be earned. But life doesn’t work that way. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to “deserve” a gentle word. You don’t need to achieve something before allowing yourself kindness: whether it’s rest, forgiveness, or joy.
Sometimes kindness is as simple as pausing. Speaking gently. Listening without judgment. Letting someone feel seen. Being softer with yourself. And these small things? They change the atmosphere around us. Think about it, the smallest flame can light up a dark room. The smallest kindness can shift someone’s entire day.
And honestly, sometimes the only thing standing between us and a better world is us forgetting how powerful a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand can be.
So here’s your nudge: Choose kindness. To yourself. To others. To the messy, beautiful moments you’re living through. Say yes to the smile. Say yes to the helping hand. Say yes to the tiny joys that make life lighter.
Because in a world where we can be anything : strong, successful, admired; the most beautiful thing we can be, is kind.
