Kindness is a type of behavior and attitude that is marked by acts of compassion, consideration, and thoughtfulness of others, without thought of reward, reciprocity, praise or currying favour. Kindness is a quality and, like many attributes, it is something that requires focus and practice.
Evidence shows that being kind really does improve your well-being. While there is obviously a benefit to the individual receiving the kindness, there is also a boost to the person demonstrating the kindness. According to the Mayo Clinic, the individual practicing kindness has been shown to have:
- Increased empathy
- Improved mood and overall feelings of happiness
- Boosted feelings of confidence and self-esteem
- Reduced stress
- Heightened sense of personal wellness
Chioma Ufodike FCPA, FCMA, is a community leader in Calgary who is currently working as the Senior Manager, Risk and Compliance at the Law Society of Alberta. Chimoa believes in in practicing kindness daily and regards kindness as a strong personal value.
When asked why she makes a point to practice kindness in her life, Chioma shared: “It uplifts me, increases my self-esteem, brightens my day, and makes me feel good. Kindness is also contagious, as receiving it makes me want to pay it forward.”
Chioma’s advice to someone looking to start including kindness practices into their daily life is “start small—a small act of kindness goes a long way.” If you need a few ideas for acts of kindness, big and small, Chioma has plenty of suggestions:
- Donate or fundraise for a good cause or to help someone in need
- Text or send a voice note to someone about how great they are and how they have impacted your life
- Pay for the order of the driver behind you
- Mentor a CPA candidate
- Volunteer in your community or within the CPA profession
- Offer words of encouragement to someone who seems downhearted
- Surprise someone with something you think they would like
- Nominate a colleague or friend for an award
However you decide to add a little more kindness in the world, have fun with it!
Do you have a wellness story you want to share with your fellow CPAs? Email us at contact@cpa-assist.ca.
CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services and 24/7 crisis support to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. To book an appointment through CPA Assist, call 1-855-596-4222 or email cpaforbes@telus.net.