How Will You Be Remembered?

What People Will Remember About You

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I’ve had my share of great influences on my life. Teachers, friends, and pastors, not to mention my wife, parents, and older brother.

I’ve also had a few unpleasant experiences with people I’ve crossed paths with along the way.

But the funny thing is, for most of these experiences, I can’t remember a single word that was said.

A simple truth that most of us have heard many times, but can never be reminded of enough:

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When all is said and done, people won’t care how much money you had, or how many awards you accumulated. 

They won’t even remember most of the words you said.

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‍They will only remember how you made them feel.

The Impact of Kindness

I was reminded of this throughout this past week as many of you replied to me with encouraging words after reading my last newsletter and discovering that I almost didn't hit send.

The simple kindness extended to me last week impacted me more than I could have ever imagined. 

To say I’m grateful would be an understatement.

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Another beautiful aspect of showing kindness is that engaging in regular acts of kindness also positively impacts the giver.

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Research shows that it can…

Increase self-esteem, empathy, and compassion
Improve mood
Decrease blood pressure
Decrease cortisol (Stress hormone)

Just to name a few. Also, people who practice kindness regularly, tend to be healthier and live longer.

But here’s the thing…

While most of us are good at extending kindness to those we come in contact with, too many of us are leaving out one very important and deserving person.

Ourselves.

Too many times the cycle of kindness looks like this:

Conclusion

The words you say have power. They can build up, or tear down.

This is also true for the words you say to yourself. 

Kindness is the natural outpouring of love.

Make sure you extend some of that love (and kindness) to yourself.

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Onward,
Kevin