Goodness
Goodness is about how we treat ourselves and others, and how we bring care into the world. It goes beyond simply being nice or following rules—it's about recognizing our deep connection to others and responding with compassion, integrity, and service. When we orient toward goodness, we discover that small acts of kindness, moments of moral courage, and genuine care for others not only benefit those around us but also bring meaning and purpose to our own lives. Goodness reminds us that we're not separate from each other, but part of an interconnected web where our choices ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.
Goodness Lived: Learning Moments on the Journey
These stories aren't about perfect moral choices or extraordinary acts of heroism. They're about everyday moments when I glimpsed how goodness works in real life—sometimes through my own actions, sometimes through others who showed me what it means to truly care. I share them because goodness is best understood not through presenting concepts, but through lived experience.
Extending Grace
Lifting Others Up
Simple Ways to Grow Goodness in Everyday Life
→ Start with yourself - Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a good friend. Notice your self-talk and practice gentle self-compassion when you make mistakes. Being good to others begins with being good to yourself.
→ Practice small kindnesses - Hold doors, offer sincere compliments, let someone go ahead of you in line. These tiny moments may seem insignificant, but they create ripples that extend far beyond the initial interaction.
→ Listen generously - Give people your full attention when they speak. Put away your phone, make eye contact, and listen to understand rather than to respond. Few gifts are as valuable as being truly heard.
Look for the goodness in others - Make a habit of noticing people's strengths and positive qualities. When you look for goodness in others, you'll not only find it more easily but help bring it forward.
→ Respond to mistakes with grace - When others disappoint or frustrate you, pause before reacting. Consider what response might help them grow rather than just expressing your frustration. Remember times when others have shown you grace.
→ Make amends quickly - When you mess up (and we all do), acknowledge it, apologize sincerely, and do what you can to make it right. Good people aren't those who never err, but those who take responsibility for their actions.
→ Express gratitude specifically - Instead of just saying "thanks," tell people exactly what you appreciate about what they've done or who they are. Specific gratitude helps others see their own goodness.
Stand up for others - When you witness unfairness or exclusion, find an appropriate way to speak up or show support. Sometimes goodness requires courage more than comfort.
→ Offer help before it's requested - Notice when someone is struggling and offer assistance in a way that preserves their dignity. The timing of help often matters as much as the help itself.
→ Find your unique contribution - We each have different gifts to offer. Reflect on what comes naturally to you—organizing, listening, creating, problem-solving—and look for ways to share those gifts with others.
→ Goodness isn't about grand gestures or perfect moral character. It's about the cumulative impact of small choices made day after day. Each time you choose care over indifference, generosity over self-interest, or courage over comfort, you're adding to the goodness in the world.
Goodness in Motion: What Does That Look Like?
These videos showcase different facets of goodness in action - from spontaneous kindness to sustained commitment, from individual acts to community efforts. They remind us that goodness takes many forms but always creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial action.
Be My Eyes
Got a minute and a half? One commenter said, "I really love this app. I’ve gotten quite a few calls and sometimes if I’m at work or just can’t answer it goes to another volunteer. But I answer when I can. Like today a man just needed some help figuring out what the settings were on a washer and dryer. It took me about 3 minutes out of my day but felt good to help someone with someone most people take for granted."
The Science of Kindness
Got two minutes? Did you know there are scientific benefits to being kind? It’s true. There is a TON of research that proves that kindness matters Kindness increases the love hormone, energy, happiness, lifespan, pleasure, and serotonin. And kindness decreases pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure.
It Takes Everyone Working Together
Got three and a half minutes? These total strangers in Almaty, Kazakhstan, rally together and form a human chain to rescue a stranded dog. Never underestimate the power of the good we can do together—goodness increases exponentially when we all join hands for a common purpose.
Being a Good Listener
Got five minutes? We hear a lot about how to speak well in public, but very little about how to learn the equally important art of listening properly to others.