Have you ever gone through life trying to find something, anything, better than life as you knew it? Purpose, passion, love? I certainly did. I grew up with toxic people around me and spent close to two decades in therapy working to heal and build a better life as a result. I became the kind person I craved since my childhood.

The shift was further influenced by being a caregiver to my late daughter Sania, who had special medical needs all her life. She was nonverbal, which forced me to learn her needs based on her emotions. Something incredibly inspiring happens when you spend 19 years caring for someone you can’t hear but can only see and touch. Sania inspired me and instilled more mindful kindness in me.

I’ve taken this kindness and shown it to everyone I cross paths with, regardless of status. The kindness I show isn’t for the person it’s shown to but for myself. I feel good when I do good, even when I’ve been wronged.

I think the absolute best model of how powerful creating something with kindness is in my relationship with my children. It’s been the reason I’ve had a loyal following on social media and the reason my content goes viral. I treat my tiny humans the way I wanted to be treated. And what beautiful, bright, kind, loving beings my children are.

Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, considerate, and compassionate towards others. It involves showing empathy, understanding, and a willingness to help or support someone without expecting anything in return. Kindness can manifest in small acts of thoughtfulness, such as offering a kind word, lending a helping hand, or simply listening with empathy. It's about treating others with respect, dignity, and warmth, regardless of their background or circumstances. Ultimately, kindness is a powerful force that has the ability to create positive connections, foster goodwill, and make the world a better place for everyone.

Not to be confused with being nice. “Nice” typically refers to pleasant or agreeable behavior, often on the surface level. Someone who is nice may be polite, courteous, and pleasant to interact with, but it doesn’t necessarily imply a deep sense of empathy, compassion, or genuine concern for others’ well-being.

On the other hand, “kindness” goes beyond surface-level behavior. It involves a genuine desire to help, support, or uplift others. Kindness is rooted in empathy, understanding, and compassion. It’s about being considerate of others’ feelings, being willing to lend a hand or offer support, and treating people with respect and warmth.

In essence, while being nice is generally positive, kindness carries a deeper and more meaningful impact on both the giver and the recipient.

I firmly believe this world would be a better place if we treated others the way we want to be treated. And I don’t know about you, but kindness is most certainly the most beautiful way to treat ourselves.

If you're interested in learning more about parenting with kindness and incorporating these practices into your family routine, you can find additional guidance in my comprehensive guide here.