Wednesday Real Talk

We Should Share More Kindness Every Day

Kindness isn’t soft.

It’s intentional.

When I’m on the phone, it comes naturally for me to focus fully on the caller. I repeat their name so they know I’m present. I repeat the information they share to make sure I heard it correctly and documented it right.

That’s not just “doing my job.”

That’s respect.

Today I had a patient in Montana. Snowstorm. Elderly. Her caregiver might not make it to help set up her video appointment. I could hear the anxiety building in her voice.

I told her to take a deep breath.

We would work it out.

I switched the appointment to a phone visit so she didn’t have to worry about technology in the middle of a storm.

Her voice softened.

That’s kindness.

Later, I spoke to a woman whose birthday is just days from mine. We laughed about being Cancer sisters and how we have to stick together.

It took maybe 20 seconds.

But connection happened.

That’s kindness too.

Kindness doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s being fully present with a kind demeanor.

Science actually supports this.

When we practice kindness:

• Oxytocin is released — lowering blood pressure and supporting heart health.

• Serotonin increases — improving mood.

• Cortisol decreases — reducing stress.

• Our brain activates reward centers — creating what researchers call a “helper’s high.”

So when I calm a patient down, I’m not just helping them.

I’m regulating myself.

Kindness shows up in:

• Listening without interrupting.

• Saying someone’s name.

• Thanking a nurse for always helping.

• Giving five undistracted minutes.

• Setting boundaries with grace.

And don’t forget self-kindness.

You can’t pour calm into others if you’re running on fumes.

We don’t need more noise.

We don’t need more sharp edges.

We need more presence.

Share kindness today.

Even if it’s just five minutes.

It costs nothing —

but it changes everything.

— Lady Flava 🌻