In a world that often feels overwhelmed by challenges and negativity, it is easy to forget the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have. Yet, it is these very acts that form the foundation of a compassionate and connected society. Each one of us has the ability to contribute to this foundation in simple yet meaningful ways.
Mais Vardanian, a 29 year old Armenian blogger, calls himself an ambassador of love and kindness. He was born in Erevan, Armenia. Lived in Ukraine and Russia. 2022, was a year of dramatic change for millions of post Soviet Union Countries’ citizens. At that time Mais lived and worked in Moscow, Russia. But due to political and economic turbulence he was forced to leave everything behind and move to his motherland – Armenia. It was time of financial struggle, unfortunate business failures and deep depression. Internet and TV were loaded with negativity and hatred.
One day he was sitting in a coffee place watching people walking by. The sadness, tiredness, and depression on their faces were echoing in his heart. Moved by emotions, he ran to a flower shop nearby, bought a rose on his last money and gave it to an elderly woman who seemed to be overwhelmed with her life too. Her reaction, her tears and smile turned the entire world for Mais upside down. That day became a milestone, an ignition of his new life.
Today he travels countries with his mission to spread kindness through simple gift giving actions. All he asks in return is to smile. Just a smile.
It may seem insignificant, but this small gesture can ripple outwards, brightening someone’s day and creating a chain of positivity. Smiling is a universal language, transcending barriers and fostering a sense of connection.
His movement #kindnesswithmais rapidly becoming a popular trend among bloggers worldwide. Mais believes that kindness is the foundation of our entire existence.
“People laugh at me sometimes, saying that I should get a real job. But what can be more important than engaging people in the healing realm of love and kindness? This is what we need today more than ever. People are lacking compassion to each other. I’m here to evoke it in them. Unity and compassion will lead us to peace and prosperity.
Sharing compassion with those around us can take many forms. It can be as straightforward as listening to a friend who needs to talk, offering words of encouragement to a colleague, or volunteering our time to help those in need. Compassion creates a safe space where people feel understood and supported. It fosters resilience and nurtures a sense of hope, which is essential for a thriving community.”
This heart to heart conversation with Mais made us to take another look at what kindness really is.
Kindness is not just about grand gestures. It is woven into the fabric of our daily lives through the little things we do. Holding the door open for someone, letting a car merge in front of us in traffic, or offering a seat to someone on the bus are all small acts that contribute to a more considerate and caring world. These actions demonstrate respect and empathy, qualities that are fundamental to human relationships.
Moreover, kindness has a remarkable way of returning to us. When we give of ourselves, we often find that we receive more in return. This is not about seeking rewards, but about the natural flow of goodwill. Acts of kindness elevate our own spirits and create a positive feedback loop, encouraging more kindness in return.
It is important to remember that everyone has the capacity to be kind. You don’t need to have abundant resources or special skills; all it takes is a willingness to make a difference. By choosing to be kind, we can transform our communities and, ultimately, our world.
In times of crisis or uncertainty, kindness becomes even more crucial. It acts as a balm, healing wounds and bridging divides. It reminds us of our shared humanity and the power we hold to uplift one another. Through kindness, we can create a world where empathy and understanding prevail over division and discord.
Let us, therefore, commit to nurturing kindness in our everyday lives. Let us smile at strangers, help those in need, and share our compassion freely. In doing so, we build a foundation of kindness that supports and strengthens us all. Together, we can create a world where every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a greater good, fostering a future filled with hope, connection, and love.
