Kindness is Contagious

by Juliana Fabio, LCSW

We all want to feel hopeful and connected in this world, and most of us genuinely long for positive interactions. Yet it’s surprisingly easy to slip into noticing only the negative. One harsh comment, being cut off in traffic, feeling left out of a gathering, or having a tense conversation with a family member can send our mood spiraling. These experiences are real, and our hurt is valid. But when we become hyper-focused on what went wrong, our nervous system begins to scan for more of the same. Our minds start to anticipate disappointment instead of noticing moments of goodness that are quietly unfolding around us.

What if we gently shifted that lens?

What if, instead of waking up prepared for stress, we began our day intentionally looking for kindness? Not forced positivity or ignoring hard emotions—but widening our awareness so that moments of warmth and connection have space to exist. Research consistently shows that what we focus on becomes what we see. When we look for irritation, we’ll find it. When we look for compassion, we’ll find that too.

Imagine weaving small acts of kindness into the fabric of your day—not as a performance, but as a grounding practice. You might bring your partner a cup of coffee in the morning as a quiet gesture of care. You could text a few friends simply to say you’re thinking of them, that you love them, and that you hope their day unfolds gently. Maybe you carry an extra bouquet of flowers and hand a few stems to strangers on your morning walk. At work, perhaps you complete a task that eases a coworker’s load or leave a note of gratitude on their desk. You could bring baked goods, share a compliment, or express appreciation in a way you’ve been meaning to but haven’t gotten around to.

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand. It can be intentional. It can be subtle. It can be planned.

Try writing a message to someone who has made a difference in your life—be specific about what you appreciate. These moments of heartfelt connection not only uplift the receiver, but they also shift something inside of us. They create a sense of purpose, grounding, and connection that our nervous system recognizes as safety.

Kindness is contagious. It softens us. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than our individual frustrations. And most importantly, it helps us come back to ourselves—a quieter, steadier version of who we want to be in the world.

You never know whose day you might brighten. And you might be surprised at how much lighter your own heart feels when you start looking for goodness rather than waiting for it to appear.