My Kindness Reputation Pledge

As Jason, my client of nearly 25 years, performed a set of dumbbell chest presses, he strenuously asked, “How many more reps?” “Two to go,” I responded. Finishing the exercise and putting down the weights, he said, “I lost count of the reps that time.” Jokingly, I replied, “Keeping track of your reps is how I stay relevant after all these years.”

Toweling sweat from his brow, he smiled and said, “No, Tom, that’s the least valuable thing you do. You have a good heart and make a difference in my life. That’s true value.”

In the article, “What’s Your Kindness Reputation?” the city of Youtropolis shares daily practices to build up our kindness muscle, starting with “Think one kind thought about yourself upon waking.” Greeting the new day with the voice of self-advocacy increases our energy, happiness, and ability to spread kindness.

To honor Jason’s thoughtful sentiments, prime my kindness muscle, and feel open to others, I pledge to start each day with the simple but inspiring mantra: “I am blessed with a good heart, and I help make people’s lives better.”

What thoughts can you wake up to that will acknowledge your unique gifts, uplift you, and inspire you to share kindness?