Kindness Costs You Nothing

Kindness is free, yet its value is beyond measure. It doesn’t take much to smile, to reassure, to share a joke, or to offer comfort—but those small acts ripple in powerful ways. Today, I was reminded again and again that kindness is all around us, if we choose to notice it.

Kindness in the Clinic

The atmosphere at work was light and friendly. Patients smiled, cracked jokes, and carried a gentle spirit with them. One elderly gentleman I had spoken with on the phone yesterday teased me when we met in person: “You’ll remember me before I remember you.” And when I greeted him, “Look—it’s my friend from the phone yesterday,” he laughed and said, “See? You remembered before me!” Even more special, his wife’s name turned out to be Susan. Little connections like that make the clinic feel more human.

Then there was a patient who came in with tears welling in her eyes, anxious about her appointment. I shared my own experience—how Dr. David is thoughtful, thorough, and a good listener. She felt better even before seeing him, and after her appointment, she came back to thank me for reassuring her. That’s the power of kindness: sharing a story to ease someone’s heart.

And for me personally, Dr. David’s kindness goes even further—he is the reason I am walking better today. His care, guidance, and steady presence have helped me find strength I didn’t think I had. That kind of kindness has changed my quality of life.

Kindness Among Colleagues

A teammate was in a lighthearted mood, waving every time he walked by, even singing along when I played my Oldies station. That simple silliness lifted the whole clinic. And while I didn’t see Dr. David directly, his kindness still touched me—he ordered Ezell’s chicken for his team and made sure someone fixed me a plate, just like he always does. He doesn’t offer that to everyone, but he always makes sure I eat. That simple care means so much.

Another colleague stopped me to say she’s so glad I didn’t leave during a challenging season. In her classic way, she even joked, “If you had, I would’ve tracked someone down and run them over.” 🤣😂 Underneath the humor was gratitude and loyalty. Her kindness showed in letting me know I matter to her.

And across the hall, another colleague told me how much she loves when I join the morning huddle to give kudos—that I speak with confidence. What she doesn’t know is that I did radio for about 15 years… so yes, I know how to use my voice. 😉 Her words reminded me that kindness isn’t always about action—sometimes it’s about recognizing the strengths someone else carries.

Kindness in Everyday Life

Kindness isn’t limited to the clinic—it showed up in little places all day:

On the freeway this morning, cars were gracious about letting each other in. At home, my granddaughter brought me a Klondike bar when I said I wanted ice cream for dinner. Simple, sweet, and filled with love. In my own steps, I walked down the hallway flapping my arms, saying, “Look how well I’m walking!” That playful moment was kindness to myself—and joy shared outward.

Closing Reflection

Kindness truly costs nothing, but it gives everything: comfort, laughter, nourishment, connection, and hope. From patients, coworkers, family, and even strangers on the road, I felt it flow all around me today. And I realized something important: kindness is not just what you give—it’s also how open you are to receiving it.

🌻 Kindness is a gift we can all afford to give. And when we notice it, we discover just how much richer it makes our lives.

Kindness Costs You Nothing