Kindness is about showing up in the world with compassion and acting for the greater good of all. While being nice is about being polite, pleasant, and agreeable and doing what we think we should, kindness goes a step beyond.
Kind humans know that life is hard, messy, and complex. Yet, they understand that people are doing their best with the tools, resources, and experience they carry. Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.
Many people view kindness as a weakness, but it's quite the opposite. It is a sign of strength. It is moving from "me" to "we," seeing the bigger picture, and loaning someone your strength and support. Supporting someone by doing whatever you can, wherever you are, with whatever you have is a sign of who you are. You're choosing to put the word kind back into humankind.
Kindness is doing the things that may go without acknowledgment and thanks. Authentic and intentional kindness doesn’t expect anything in return. We can practice kindness for kindness’ sake, not for the personal gain or the approval of others.
Kindness is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, status, and identity. I don’t think the saying “kindness makes the world go ‘round” came about without reason.
Most of us will have heard that "doing good is good for you" or "it’s better to give than to receive." It may be a surprise to learn that the research genuinely supports this. When we show up for others kindly, the benefits go both ways. Practicing kindness for the sake of kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others and ourselves.
Being kind is about showing up as your true self and inviting others to come as they are, too. It is meeting yourself and others with compassion and understanding in the present moment. Each of us can be why someone believes there are good people in this world.
Think about the power that a kind gesture, a kind hand, a kind word, or a listening ear can have on someone in a moment when they feel like their world is crumbling. Think about the way that it can make an already-good day that much better. Now think about the positive impact on the giver’s physical and mental health. The power of kindness is remarkable.
We may never know just how big of an impact our small acts of kindness have on someone else. But we know that kind humans doing kind things are exactly what this unwell world needs more of.
In a world where you can be anything, why not choose to, be kind?
Green Chile Chicken & Bean Soup
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
- 1 large poblano chile, seeded and chopped (about ½ cup)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 small garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 (15½-oz.) cans of white great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (1 lb-12oz.) can of green enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 medium-sized chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1 lime, juiced
- Garnishes: Thinly sliced radishes and sour cream
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add poblano and sweet onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth, enchilada sauce, salt, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Add chicken breasts to the pot. Bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken breasts, shred, and return to the pot. Add 2 cans of whole beans and one can of beans, smashed. Continue simmering until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Garnish with radishes, sour cream, and additional cilantro. Serve immediately.
