A Smile Can Change Everything: Finding Kindness in Everyday Moments

“Even in difficult situations, kindness can be found and offered, and even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.” - Lola Adeosun

Kindness isn’t something that waits for the perfect moment; it’s something we can practice every single day, even in the most ordinary circumstances. If we look closely, opportunities to be kind are always around us. And the more we notice them, the more they multiply.

A Chance Encounter at Work

This morning, instead of taking the stairs as usual, I decided to use the lift. As I stepped out and turned toward the office, I passed the small seating area often used for chats and meetings. There sat a woman, neatly dressed, with a serious look on her face.

The first time I walked past her, I noticed her presence. The second time, I noticed her expression. Something about her demeanour suggested she was waiting for an interview.

Instantly, I remembered all the times I had been in her shoes: the nervous anticipation before a job interview, the anxiety before university assessments, even the shaky palms before my first driving test. Nerves have a way of making everything feel bigger and heavier than it really is.

A Smile Can Change Everything: Finding Kindness in Everyday Moments

Empathy nudged me forward. I smiled at her and asked gently, “Are you here for an interview?”

She nodded.

So I said the first words that came to mind: “Good luck, all the best you got this!” and added a thumbs up for good measure. The transformation was instant. The seriousness melted from her face, replaced by one of the brightest smiles I had seen all day. For a brief moment, the tension lifted, and she carried that little encouragement with her.

And I thought, if I were in her shoes, how much would it mean to me for someone to notice and wish me well? Sometimes, a few kind words from a stranger can make the load feel lighter.

Why Small Acts of Kindness Matter

Leo Buscaglia once said that small acts of caring have transformative power. Lucius Seneca reminded us that opportunities for kindness are always present wherever there are people.

Kindness doesn’t need to be grand or costly. It can be a smile, a kind word, or a quick “you got this.” These tiny gestures remind people that they are seen, valued, and not alone.

And the truth is, kindness creates ripples. When we give it away, we inspire others to pass it on.

Share Your Memriz Moments

That moment at the office was more than just a passing smile; it was a Memriz moment worth remembering.

What about you? Have you had a similar experience recently where a small act of kindness brightened someone’s day, or your own?

Think about our Kindness community, and how your story might encourage someone else to take that step.

Share your experience on Memriz.online, and let’s inspire each other to keep kindness moving forward.

Have a wonderful week, and remember, a smile can change everything.