Small Acts, Big Impact

Kindness is like a ripple—one small act can spread far beyond the moment.

The Power of a Small Kindness: Why Slowing Down Matters

The other day, I had a simple errand to run. I stopped by a local store to pick up just one item. As I walked up to the checkout, I noticed I was the only person in line. The cashier, who looked like an older teen, was focused on the register, carefully reading a code off a piece of paper and entering it into the system.

I waited, observing quietly. I hadn’t even placed my item on the conveyor belt yet. After a moment, he tucked the paper back into his pocket and looked up.

“Are you ready?” I asked gently.

“Yes,” he replied.

“I just wanted to check because I didn’t want to rush you,” I told him.

He gave me a small smile and said, “Thank you. Other people rush me.”

I asked him how long he had been working there. “One month,” he answered.

“That’s wonderful that you’re working here,” I said, and his smile grew just a little bigger.

Why This Moment Matters

It wasn’t a big conversation. It took less than a minute. But in that short interaction, kindness created space. It reminded me of how much we all carry—stress, expectations, pressure to move quickly—and how even the smallest act of slowing down can change someone’s experience.

For the cashier, kindness meant being seen. It meant not being treated like a machine that must work flawlessly and fast. It meant being given permission to breathe.

The Stress of Feeling Rushed

Have you ever noticed what happens in your body when someone rushes you? Does your heart start to beat a little faster? Do your thoughts scatter as you try to keep up? Maybe you even make mistakes you wouldn’t normally make.

And when that happens, how does it impact the people around you? Do they pick up on your stress through your tone of voice or body language? Can you feel the tension ripple out to others?

Rushing doesn’t just affect you—it can spread like a chain reaction.

Choosing Kindness Instead

Here’s the good news: kindness spreads, too. By pausing to make sure I wasn’t rushing the cashier, I gave him space to feel comfortable in his new role. He responded with gratitude and a smile. That moment reminded me how powerful it can be when we resist the urge to push people along.

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. It can be as simple as:

Saying, “Take your time, no rush.”

Acknowledging someone’s effort with encouragement.

Choosing patience when the line is slower than you’d like.

The next time you find yourself in a situation where you could rush someone—or feel rushed yourself—pause for a moment. Ask yourself: What would kindness look like here?

Sometimes, kindness is just giving people space. And often, that space is exactly what they need to feel capable, valued, and encouraged.

Do you want support to implement these strategies?

Not sure how to implement this or still feeling stress, be in touch. I am here to help you. Contact me to schedule a free consultation session.