New Takes on Kindness With Intuition Teacher Gail Harris! by Donna John

We think it's fair to say that right now the world needs kindness more than ever! In celebration of Random Acts of Kindness Day – celebrated on February 17 – we were thrilled to have our very own Gail Harris, author of “Finding Zoe” and “Your Heart Knows the Answer,” as our featured guest at the #30Seconds Twitter chat. During the chat, Gail helped us look at kindness in new ways. We kindly ask you to read on...

Q: Why are we kind?

It’s human nature to be kind; we express our genuine selves. When we are kind to others, we feel kind inside. The Golden Rule is, do unto others, as you want others to do unto you. We want to connect with others by being kind. It feels good to be kind. When we are kind, people are kind back.

@30seconds @gailharris_ a3: kindness is contagious! #30Seconds

— Jessi T. (@idatchica87) February 16, 2017

@30seconds @gailharris_ A3 It's the rebound effect----if you can make someone smile, laugh, or feel good, it comes back #30Seconds

— Toni B (@rychepet) February 16, 2017

Q: Why are we not kind?

Pretty simple, we are afraid. We don’t want to be hurt, so we put up a wall. We keep ourselves too busy; we think don’t have time to be kind. We forget the Golden Rule. Some people think other things are more important than being kind, like getting ahead. We’re not connected to ourselves and our intuition.

@30seconds @gailharris_ A2: I worry that people will take advantage of kindness. #30seconds

— Lori Leal (@LoriLeal1) February 16, 2017

@gailharris_ @30seconds absolutely. But I think jealously makes a lot of people unkind towards others. #30Seconds

— 🦄🌈It's Just Me🌈🦄 (@Summrluver) February 16, 2017

Q: When we’re kind to someone, we get something, as well. Why is that?

Giving is receiving. It’s a spiritual truth. We are all connected; when we make someone feel good, we feel good. When we give, our heart fills with joy. When we are kind, we are being our true selves, and that feels great.

@30seconds @gailharris_ A3. When you're kind you get self-fulfillment. It makes you happy. #30Seconds

— 🦄🌈It's Just Me🌈🦄 (@Summrluver) February 16, 2017

Q: In this political climate, what random acts of kindness can help?

• Pay-it-forward to the person next in line at Starbucks, or wherever you are.
• Buy your neighbor a single rose.
• Send an emoji or a soothing note to someone on Facebook who’s afraid.
• When your table is ready at a restaurant, offer it to the people next in line.

@gailharris_ DISCONNECT.....it is a kindness to put away phone, tablet, etc when you're visiting w/a friend or family member #30Seconds

— Toni B (@rychepet) February 16, 2017

@CYJones30 @gailharris_ A4 Yes! Kindness is infectious! I tell my kids it's the good kind of contagious! :)

— AnnMarie G. Halstead (@AMGHalstead) February 16, 2017

Q: Who in your life needs kindness, and how will you show it?

• I will be kind to my dog and cat by giving them extra treats.
• I will be kind to my son’s teacher by sending a note of appreciation.
• I will be kind to my husband by telling him how much I appreciate him.
• I will be kind to my 30Seconds tribe by sending them viral kisses.

@Summrluver @30seconds @gailharris_ and dinner/potlucks more often. Easy get together #30seconds

— Holly Love (@Holly_Love2) February 16, 2017

Q: Why are we “cruel to be kind?” Hint: Think tough love.

At times being kind to someone means giving them what they don’t want.

• Parents can seem cruel to their kids when teaching them a lesson.
• Parents can seem cruel to their kids when they tell them no.
• Good friends tell us the truth and we don’t want to hear it.
• Our spouse or good friend kicks us in the butt for our own good.

@gailharris_ My son likes 2 list off everyone else's parents that said yes. I need 2 remind him that I'm not everyone else's mom😜 #30Seconds

— Chrissy Jones (@CYJones30) February 16, 2017

Q: Why is not being kind to OURSELVES a big mistake?

We are precious gems; we deserve to be kind to ourselves. If we aren’t kind to ourselves, we can’t be at our best for others. If we aren’t kind to ourselves we won’t be our best selves. Being kind to ourselves is how we love ourselves. Being kind to ourselves teaches our kids how to be kind to themselves – and to us.

@30seconds @gailharris_ a8 how can we teach self love to our children if we don't love ourselves? #30Seconds

— Jessi T. (@idatchica87) February 16, 2017

Q: How will you be kind to yourself tomorrow?

Ask your intuition. When I hear negative inner messages I won’t listen.

• I’ll blow myself a kiss in the mirror.
• I will meditate.
• I will take time to check inside and see what I need.
• I will make myself the best cup of coffee and enjoy.

@30seconds @gailharris_ A9. I will do something that makes ME happy & will avoid negative people #30Seconds

— 🦄🌈It's Just Me🌈🦄 (@Summrluver) February 16, 2017

@30seconds @gailharris_ Friends- reaching out & asking them 2 coffee 2 catch up. Showing kindness can come in the form of time. #30Seconds

— Kim Kusiciel (@barefoot79) February 16, 2017

Q. How can we teach younger kids to act kindly towards kids that seem different?

• Tell your child that being different is a beautiful thing.
• Teach your child that people are like snowflakes. Each person is different in their own special way.
• Tell your child that peoples’ hair, eyes, skin and looks can vary. It’s their kind heart that matters. 
• Reward your child when you see them reach out to a child who is different than them.
• Keep the conversation about the beauty of peoples’ differences alive in your home.

@30seconds @gailharris_ A6 LOVE LOVE LOVE the toys that have different skin tones & body shapes! Good role playing #30seconds

— Toni B (@rychepet) February 16, 2017

What great insights we learned tonight! Let’s all commit to performing at least one act of kindness in support of #NationalRandomActsofKindness! Be sure to follow @gailharris_, visit GailHarrisAuthor.com, like her on Facebook and check out her 30Seconds page!

@30seconds @NicoleDeAvilla @gailharris_ this is such an positively inspiring chat! I'm really enjoying myself! #30Seconds

— Jessi T. (@idatchica87) February 16, 2017