The Art of Kindness: Lessons from My Mom

I love my mom, not just for who she is but for the kindness she carries in her heart. She has always been my greatest teacher, not just in words but in the way she lives her life. Her unwavering kindness and wisdom have shaped me into the person I am today. She has taught me the importance of treating people well, regardless of how they treat me in return.  

My mom always says, "Treat others the way you want to be treated," whether they reciprocate that kindness or not. She has instilled in me the value of respect and the importance of speaking with warmth and patience. She believes that how we treat others is a reflection of our character, not theirs. Even when people are rude or inconsiderate, she reminds me to rise above it, to not take it to heart, and to never let someone else’s behavior dictate my own.  

Whenever I’ve encountered people who were disrespectful or unkind, my first instinct was often to complain, to wonder why people couldn’t just be nicer. But my mom always reassured me that the world is filled with all kinds of people—some who are kind and some who are not. "If you can't find someone who is kind, be one," she would say. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life. Even when I have felt frustrated or let down, I’ve tried to hold onto kindness because of her influence.  

Growing up, my mom always encouraged me to share—whether it was toys with my siblings, thoughts with my friends, or even kindness with strangers. She often reminded me that we never truly know what someone else is going through. A smile, a kind word, or a simple gesture of help might make all the difference in someone’s day. I’ve carried that lesson with me, trying to approach people with empathy and understanding.  

Of course, there were times when I lost my patience. Moments when I felt hurt or disappointed, and I lashed out or told someone to stop talking to me in a certain way. But my mom would always sit me down and remind me of something even more important: "We can never change people. They will only change if they want to." That piece of advice has helped me accept that I can’t control how others act, but I can always control how I respond.  

More than anything, my mom has taught me that kindness is not conditional. It is not something we extend only to those who deserve it; it is something we give freely, without expectation. She has shown me, time and time again, that the world is already filled with enough cruelty—so why not add a little more love?  

If I am kind today, it is because of my mom. She has taught me to help others without hesitation, to give without expecting anything in return, and to always approach life with a heart full of warmth.  

I am who I am because of my mom.  

Happy birthday, Mom! I hope you continue to touch hearts and spread kindness wherever you go. Your love and wisdom make the world a better place. Love you always.