In a world where so much can feel heavy from the challenges we see around us every day to global issues like climate change, it’s easy to get caught up in negativity, trust me I have done it. On days that I am negative, I am lucky to be working with Malia, who gets annoyed with me when I am negative, points it out, and I turn my mood around; most of the time. Do you have someone near you who points out your negativity to help you? Anyway, at Hears Hearing & Hearables we believe kindness and that kindness has the power to shift our perspective and heal our hearts.
Every day, we witness acts of kindness through our patients and customers. These moments remind us that compassion is alive and well, even in the smallest of interactions.
Recently, one of our patients shared a story that was so sweet. While at Costco, he approached a stranger and told him a lighthearted, appropriate joke. Later, that same man found him in the check out line and shared how much that brief interaction had meant to him. He shared that he replayed the moment in his mind, it lifted his spirits and shared it will stay with him throughout the day.
A simple smile, a kind word, or even a quick joke can ripple out in ways we may never see.
Just as kindness spreads, so does negativity, and it can be just as powerful. Psychological research has shown that emotions are contagious. This phenomenon, called emotional contagion, means that when someone is consistently negative, those around them are more likely to “catch” that negativity without even realizing it. My children who study psychology have shared these facts with me.
In studies, researchers found that negative emotional contagion can lead to increased stress (increased cortisol) and strained relationships, while positive emotional contagion is linked to stronger connections and improved mental well-being. I love it when I am happy and I know others around me pick up on that feeling!
When negativity takes over, it can make every interaction heavier and harder. But here’s the beautiful part: kindness is just as “catchable.” When we choose empathy, patience, or even a smile, it can set off a chain reaction that lightens the emotional climate around us.
We’ve decided to start highlighting these acts of kindness by sharing them in our monthly newsletter. Each month, we’ll feature stories of kindness we’ve experienced, whether from our patients, customers, our team, or members of our community who have touched our lives.
We’d love to hear from you too! If you’ve witnessed or experienced a moment of kindness recently, please write us back and share it. And if you do, know that we think that’s kind too.
Giving is one of the purest forms of kindness. My sweet first cousin, once removed, Ari, taught me this in a way I’ll never forget. Ari passed away in November 2017 at just 11 years old after a brave fight with a devastating cancer. Despite her young age, she had a wisdom far beyond her years and deeply understood that giving to others, whether through her time, her words, or her spirit, was a way to spread love and bring joy not only to those receiving it, but also to herself.
As Ari battled her illness, she was surrounded by acts of incredible kindness from family, friends, and even people she had never met. Her generous spirit and lightness inspired a ripple effect of giving that reached near and far. Once such example is the St. Louis Blues hockey team, who loved her dearly and whom she adored right back. Because of her kindness, Ari created a community of supporters who carried her light forward.
Today, my first cousin Lori, Ari’s mom, continues to live her life with that same deep kindness. She is a constant source of inspiration to me, showing me that even in the face of profound loss, love and compassion can guide us forward. Ari’s legacy reminds me that kindness isn’t just something we give, it’s something we become, and it can echo far beyond our lifetime.
Recently, a longtime friend, neighbor, patient of my family passed away, one of my best friend’s father. In his obituary, his family shared a beautiful request: “In lieu of flowers, please share kindness.”
That simple, powerful message will stayed with us and empower us too. It reminded us that kindness is a legacy we can all leave behind. What better way to honor someone’s life than by spreading compassion and love to others? This will honor those who are kind but also Jerry.
While we strive to focus on the positive, we know it’s not always easy. Life has its frustrations, and sometimes negativity creeps in. One challenge we’ve faced is when a bad review comes in because of delayed shipping.
We understand how upsetting it is to wait for something you need! We know your hearing is important, and we truly do our best to get your orders to you quickly. But some things are beyond our control, like manufacturer or weather delays, porch theft, or issues with the shipping company.
Just as we can’t take full credit for the wonderful reviews we’ve received about fast shipping (though we deeply appreciate them!), we also hope for grace and understanding when delays happen.
To those of you who have taken the time to write kind reviews regarding fast shipping or even appreciate what we have to offer, know that your words mean the world to us. They are gifts of kindness that remind us why we do what we do.
Kindness is a choice we get to make every single day, whether it’s toward family, friends, or even strangers we cross paths with briefly. Through both giving and receiving, kindness becomes a legacy we leave behind, one act at a time.
As we share these stories, our hope is to inspire you to notice and spread kindness, and to give freely, whether it’s a smile, a moment of patience, or a helping hand. If we’ve ever fallen short in showing you kindness, please know that we are always striving to do better. And when others are having a hard day, may we all offer grace instead of judgment.
By choosing kindness and giving generously, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and connection that will live on long after each moment has passed.
Thank you for trusting us to help you hear. May we continue to hear, share, give, and pass along the kindness all around us, building a legacy of love together.
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