Letters to Myself: Entry Nineteen
Prompt: What Small Kindness Will I Never Forget?
Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that stay with us the longest. A thoughtful word, a helping hand, or simply being present in a difficult moment can feel monumental. Reflecting on those acts of kindness reminds me how much they shape us and how important it is to pass them forward.
Answer to the prompt:
When I think about the small kindnesses that have shaped me, I realize they’re not small at all. They may seem simple in the moment, an act of service, a gentle word, someone showing up without expecting anything in return, but those moments often carry the most weight in my memory.
For me, kindness has often shown up through intimate conversations and check-ins from the people I love. Friends and family who reach out just to see how I’m doing, who remind me that I am seen, valued, and cared for. Their gestures may feel ordinary to them, but to me they are extraordinary.
One act I’ll never forget was during a rough time for myself, and my brother invited me over. I spent the day with my niece and nephew, holding them, watching them play, and feeling grounded in their presence. To my family, it was just a casual day. But to me, it was everything. It reminded me that I am not alone, that I am more than just “getting by.” That kind of kindness makes you feel whole again.
That’s the power of these moments, they don’t just brighten a bad day, they remind you of your worth. Without kindness, life can feel isolating and heavy. With it, you remember the light that still exists, even in dark times.
So while this reflection started as a memory of one kindness, it’s also a call to action: spread kindness wherever you go. It doesn’t have to be grand. Help a friend out. Lend your time. Offer encouragement. Speak words of love. These acts ripple outward, building trust, respect, and connection.
At the end of the day, kindness is what sustains us. Both in giving it freely and in allowing ourselves to receive it. That’s what I want to remember, and that’s what I’ll never forget.
This post is part of my "Letters to Myself" series — a weekly free-write blog where I explore personal growth, curiosity, and healing through simple prompts. Sometimes reflective, sometimes fun, but always real. Thank you for being here.
References:
Photo by Kyle Gare