At the moment there is so much talk about the virus and how it is so contagious.
But did you know that the most contagious thing is actually kindness?

I know I hear you say, how can that be?
But in different studies that have been done on kindness shows the effect it has on people.

Did you know that witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health.
Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful when we’re anxious or shy in certain situation.

When a study was done practicing kindness for the self and being kind to others “About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth”.

Current research supports this idea. Science has now shown that devoting resources to others, rather than having more and more for yourself, brings about lasting well-being. 

Kindness stimulates the production of serotonin, without chemicals added, like anti depressants.
This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!

What can you do to help someone?
Maybe writing a letter, calling and have a chat with someone you know is lonely, these are just a few examples but I’m sure you can think of many more.

A great website about kindness is Dr. David Hamilton. See link below and check it out!

drdavidhamilton.com/category/kindness-2/

A poem that I came across a very long time ago and then years ago someone had this poem at their wedding.

I’d love to share this poem with you; As far as I know, it’s unknown.

Look well to this day, for it is life.
The very best of life.
In its brief course, lie all the realities and truths of existence—the joy of growth.
The splendour of action.
The glory of power.
For yesterday is but a memory.
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today if well-lived, makes every yesterday a memory of happiness.
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore to this day!

Have you ever noticed how often we rush to get somewhere or do things quickly, without enjoying the journey that leads towards what we want?

When I was born, I wanted to be old enough to crawl.
When I was old enough to crawl, I wanted to walk.
When I was old enough to walk, I wanted to cycle.
When I did cycle, I wanted to be old enough to drive a car.
When I was old enough o drive a car I wanted a car to go out!
When I was old enough to go out, I wanted to have a drink.
When I was old enough to have a drink and go out, I wanted a relationship.
When I was old enough and had a relationship, I wanted to get married. When I was married, I wanted to have children.
When I had children, I wanted them to grow up.
When they grew up, they left home.

And now I’m old. I look back and think where the time has gone?
The days, weeks, months, years have passed and often forgotten what I did have and what there was to enjoy.

So do stop and listen at times and enjoy the present moment. Be happy to enjoy what you’ve got, and can do now. The present moment is all you have. The rest is either in the past or in the future.

Eckhart Tolle ones said; ‘gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life NOW is real prosperity’.

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to enjoy life!
Although life can be a roller coaster, it’s up to you to enjoy the ride!
Enjoy the moment NOW!

Written by a lovely lady I ones met at the gym!