There are many awareness days, weeks and months throughout the year, but one that stands out to me this November is World Kindness Day. The goal of this international celebration is simple: make kindness the standard instead of the exception. Celebrations often include setting aside time to perform random acts of kindness, creating new ways to pay it forward, and connecting individuals to causes that need their generosity. World Kindness Day is a time to pause and remember that kindness can heal and transform the lives of individuals and communities alike.
As the saying goes, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” When I look back over three decades of working as a natural health practitioner, the significance of World Kindness Day is particularly powerful. Over the years, I have met so many people with truly debilitating and life-limiting symptoms; they have struggled to find answers to their digestive and gut health struggles; they reach a point where their symptoms affect every aspect of their life – physical, emotional, and mental.
I have seen first-hand how when we are in any kind of pain, and not getting the support or answers we want, It’s relentless and exhausting. However dark the days may seem, there’s a light that can often be the difference between enduring and giving up: kindness. Simple, heartfelt acts of kindness, especially for those struggling with their health, can carry a power far beyond what others may realise.
The power of kindness in challenging times
Lately, I’ve witnessed a great deal of kindness outside of my professional life. Over the past year, my elderly mother’s dementia symptoms have rapidly deteriorated, leading to several hospitalisations. It’s been a challenging and emotional time, but the kindness and care we’ve received have been truly heart-warming.
Mum has been in and out of King’s Mill Hospital in Nottinghamshire, where she’s been looked after with such compassion that, as her daughter, it’s been deeply reassuring. I must give a special mention to Mick and Steve, the two lovely paramedics who came when she needed to be taken to the hospital. Their gentle reassurance made a frightening situation feel more manageable. I must also mention Juliet, the wonderful community carer, who stayed with Mum and me until the paramedics arrived, offering comfort, helping to ease our stress.
Once at the hospital, the kindness continued. Andy, the coordinator in the Emergency Department, was so attentive, calm and efficient. Then there’s Mr. Kulkani, the senior orthopaedic surgeon, who is not only incredibly skilled but also warm and approachable; Rachael, the ward sister, who makes sure everything runs smoothly while showing care for both the patients and their families. It’s a great comfort to know Mum is in such capable hands.
After sustaining a broken hand, Mum was on the orthopaedic ward and I have to say, the level of cleanliness is something you’d expect from the finest private care. The brilliant white sheets, spotless pillows, and immaculate toilets (which I always inspect) show just how much attention is paid to every detail.
During this time of personal stress, I’ve been reminded how powerful kindness can be – something I’ve always believed in professionally but experiencing it first-hand as a daughter has deepened that understanding even more.
Why kindness matters – for everyone
Working with people who deal with pain and digestive and gut health issues has taught me that kindness isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Here’s why:
- Kindness creates connection: When you feel out of sorts, it can be isolating, both physically and emotionally. Acts of kindness break through that isolation and remind you that you are seen, heard, and cared for.
- Kindness eases the emotional toll: Physical pain is hard enough, but it’s often the emotional toll that feels unbearable. Kind words or a helping hand can lift the weight of that emotional burden, if only for a moment.
- Kindness gives strength: When you struggle with health issues, every action can feel like an uphill battle. The encouragement and support of others gives you the strength to keep fighting, to keep moving forward, even when you feel like giving up.
- Kindness is healing: While kindness can’t always take the pain away, it can heal the wounds that pain leaves on your heart. It brings comfort, warmth, and hope in a way that no medication ever could.
The importance of accepting kindness
Let’s take a moment to look at the other side of kindness – the ability to accept it. For years, I struggled with accepting help or kind gestures. I’m fundamentally a self-sufficient, independent person and always much happier giving than receiving. I never want to feel like a burden to those around me, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you don’t deserve kindness, or that you should be able to handle everything on your own. But the truth is, no one can carry this weight alone.
Learning to accept kindness with grace was a crucial part of my healing journey when I had chronic fatigue and depression back in the 1990s. Allowing others to help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a recognition of the strength that comes from community and connection. It took time, but I’ve learned to appreciate those who offer their kindness, and I’ve found that in accepting it, I’m also giving something in return: the opportunity for someone else to show their humanity.
The enduring power of kindness
As we mark World Kindness Day, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the kindness that has been shown to me over the years.
In a world that often feels hurried and indifferent, I encourage everyone to pause and consider the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have, especially for those who may be struggling with health issues. Whether it’s a smile, a text message, or simply sitting in silence with someone who is suffering, these gestures may seem small to you, but they might just be the lifeline that person desperately needs.
Know this: you are deserving of kindness. Accept it, appreciate it, and know that it’s okay to lean on others when things feel too heavy to bear. Because in the end, kindness is what binds us all together, and it’s what make the tough times a little less painful for all of us. If you have any questions about a digestive and gut health issue or would like to know more about a tailored supplement protocol, please get in touch.
