It’s time for another Tell Us About challenge — and this month’s prompt is Kindness. If you’re new here, Tell Us About is a monthly blogging challenge hosted by a small group of lovely bloggers, where each month we explore a single word or theme from our own perspectives. Last month, we wrote about September, which felt like such a comforting, nostalgic theme. This time, though, we’re turning inward with something a little deeper.
What Kindness Really Means (and What It Doesn’t)
Kindness is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot, isn’t it? We all like to think we’re kind, and for the most part, we probably are — but real kindness goes beyond being polite or smiling at strangers.
True kindness isn’t about people-pleasing or saying “yes” when you mean “no.” It’s not pretending to be fine when you’re not, and it’s definitely not letting people overstep your boundaries because you don’t want to seem difficult.
Real kindness has strength behind it. It’s honest, compassionate, and sometimes uncomfortable. It can look like not joining in gossip, walking away from negativity, or having the courage to tell someone a hard truth — but with love.
The Harder Side of Kindness
Being kind doesn’t always mean being “nice.” Those two are often confused. “Nice” smooths things over, avoids confrontation, and keeps the peace at all costs. “Kind,” on the other hand, cares enough to be real.
There have been times when I’ve had to learn that lesson the hard way — saying no to something that didn’t align with me, even when it felt awkward. But afterwards, I always felt lighter. Because kindness without self-respect isn’t kindness at all — it’s self-erasure.
Sometimes, kindness is silence. Sometimes, it’s walking away. And sometimes, it’s simply not reacting.
Kindness, Energy and Spirituality
For me, kindness ties directly into energy. I believe we carry energy everywhere we go — into conversations, rooms, even online spaces. When you offer genuine kindness, you raise your vibration. It’s not about being saintly — it’s about choosing to move through the world with awareness.
That doesn’t mean draining yourself for others. In fact, the kindest thing you can often do is protect your own peace. You can love someone and still need distance. You can care deeply and still say no.
Kindness isn’t just an action — it’s a frequency. It’s the energy you bring into your day, your work, your relationships, and the way you treat yourself.
Everyday Kindness
I think the simplest acts are the ones that matter most — sending a message just because someone popped into your mind, letting someone go ahead of you in the queue, smiling at a stranger, or speaking gently to yourself when you mess up.
None of it has to be grand. In fact, it’s usually the smallest, quietest moments of kindness that ripple out the farthest.
Closing Thoughts
Kindness, to me, is an ongoing practice. It’s not about perfection — it’s about intention. Every day gives us a new chance to show up with softness and strength, even when life gets messy.
How do you define kindness? I’d love to hear your take in the comments — or even better, join us in this month’s Tell Us About challenge!
Don’t forget to check out my fellow Tell Us About co-hosts
- Sally — In a world obsessed with personality types and traits, it’s important to remember that kindness is a choice everyone can make. Within a World of My Own
- Marsha — Marsha writes about the yin and yang of kindness as a concept. Marsha In The Middle
- Rosie — Rosie talks about A Year Of Doing Good. Rosie Amber
- Mary Katherine — MK is on holiday! and won’t be joining this month. MK’s Adventures in Style
- Sue is on holiday and won’t be joining in this month — Women Living Well After 50
- Debbie is on holiday and won’t be joining in this month — Deb’s World
