I took this picture in Lake Tahoe quite a few years ago. It is probably one of my favorite photos I have ever taken. Visually, I liked the natural gradation of the water to sky, juxtaposed by a simple message someone took great care to carve in the wood railing. Being “kind” is both a simple yet important message that can never be emphasized enough in this world.

Having been a bit more contemplative lately as I go through some tough times, I wanted to shine some light on situations where people should put some more thought into acts of kindness and empathy.

A pleasant greeting, expressions of gratitude, and a simple smile are always appreciated, while also being easy enough to reciprocate when someone shows that kindness first. Then there is being kind to those who are in obvious need. Efforts like opening doors for those who are physically disabled, helping the elderly with their groceries or other burdens, giving food to the homeless, etc. The effect of kindness is beneficial to both the giver and receiver of such acts. Not only can it make someone’s day, but it can also provide the giver a boost to their mental and physical well-being.

Then there are other situations where your little bit of kindness can go further. Sometimes, you just never know what sort of tough situation a person must contend with. There are those who outwardly look fine, but are dealing with unseen factors. People like cancer patients who are undergoing chemo, but wearing wigs and doing their best to feel “normal.” Many people appear healthy, but are in fact dealing with underlying health issues that slow them down, limit their energy, and sap them of the stamina and strength necessary for what would otherwise be a basic task for someone in better health. Some people have sensory impairment, and may be unable to notice audio or visual cues.

Or someone may be struggling mentally and emotionally. They may have recently lost their job, and are in a deep financial crisis. Or they are suffering from the effects of trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, dealing with severe depression, or simply feeling very alone, handicapping them from making good common decisions that day.

Your small act of kindness may have an outsized impact on people in these situations, and be more appreciated than you will ever realize. You may find yourself holding the door open for a cancer patient who is extra thankful that they didn’t have to sanitize their hands after touching a dirty door handle. You could be moving a heavy box for someone who just had surgery. Perhaps you footed the dinner bill for a friend who is too embarrassed to let you know they just lost their job. Your words of encouragement and the offer of a shoulder to cry on could mean everything to someone who is struggling to just get through the day, and you may never know just how much your offer of warmth and humanity served as a comfort and an inspiration.

And that’s my point. Kindness should not be conditional on what you see/judge and should be extended to everyone, if you are in a position to do so. You really don’t know what someone is dealing with in their lives. Everyone is dealing with something, even if you cannot see it. When you only show kindness to those who you feel need it, or who are most deserving, you deprive both yourself and the world. I am a firm believer that the world can be a better place if everyone were just a bit kinder to one another. Sure, there are plenty of bad people out there who may not deserve your kindness, but it is always better to take the risk and spread kindness rather than let anger, suffering, and selfishness infest the world unopposed.