Let’s be honest—life can get pretty loud. Schedules are packed, inboxes are overflowing, and most days it feels like we’re barely keeping our heads above water. But even in all that chaos, there’s this powerful, underrated tool that can ground us, connect us, and remind us what truly matters: kindness. Not the fluffy, fairy-dust kind. Real, intentional acts of kindness that make someone else’s day a little lighter—and in doing so, make ours a little brighter too.
Every July, especially around Nelson Mandela International Day on the 18th, we’re invited to hit pause and ask: How can I serve someone else today? It doesn’t have to be epic or grandiose. You don’t have to donate half your paycheck or start a nonprofit (though, hats off if you do!). Sometimes it’s just a text to check on a friend, holding fort for a colleague, or simply saying hi to your neighbour with genuine warmth. That’s the real stuff.
Why Kindness Isn’t Just Nice—It’s Transformative
Kindness isn’t just feel-good fluff—it’s actually backed by science. Doing something for someone else triggers a “helper’s high,” releasing dopamine and serotonin, the same feel-good chemicals you get from a great workout or your favourite dessert (minus the sugar crash). Studies show that people who practice regular acts of kindness experience less stress, better mental health, and even improved physical well-being. It’s like a wellness hack that costs nothing and leaves everyone better off.
But the ripple effect is what really blows my mind. One small gesture—a compliment, a helping hand, a shared smile—can shift someone’s day, maybe even their week. And they might pass that energy along. That’s how movements start. That’s how communities change.
The Servant Leader (You’re Probably One Already)
If the phrase “servant leadership” sounds a bit high up there, don’t worry. It’s not at all reserved for CEOs or Nobel Prize winners. It just means leading through service—supporting others, putting empathy first, and caring more about people than applause. Spoiler alert (sorry): you don’t need a fancy title or a big platform to do that. In fact, some of the most powerful servant leaders are the quiet everyday heroes showing up for others without fans.
You, cheering up your colleague, mentoring your younger sibling, or walking your friend through a tough time. That’s servant leadership in action.
5 Easy Ways to Be Kind on Purpose
Help a Neighbour Out: Whether it’s helping with a local recommendation, lending a household tool, or just checking in during cold winter days (hello, South Africa’s July weather!), being neighbourly builds trust and warmth. Plus, it feels good to know someone’s got your back.
Volunteer for an Hour: Got some spare time? Local shelters, child havens, and clean-up projects are always looking for helping hands. Even an hour a week can make a difference. And bonus—you meet great people who also care.
Mentor or Teach Something You Know: You don’t have to be an expert. Share your skills or experiences—whether it’s tutoring a student, helping a new colleague settle in, or guiding someone through a challenge you’ve faced. Giving time and wisdom is a gift.
Be the Bright Spot: Say thank you, greet the security guard, cleaner and janitor, and hold the elevator. These tiny actions have big energy. Kindness doesn’t need a stage—it just needs you to notice and act.
Join a Mandela Day Project: If you’re in South Africa (or even if you’re not), Mandela Day encourages everyone to give 67 minutes to service—one minute for every year Nelson Mandela spent serving his country. It could be anything from planting a tree to organising a donation drive. Grab a few friends and make it a mini kindness mission.
How Kindness Changes You
The thing about serving others? It circles back and quietly transforms you. Here’s what grows when you lead with kindness:
Empathy: Helping someone else helps you see the world through their eyes. Your perspective widens. Your judgments soften. You become more human.
Gratitude: When you witness someone else’s struggle—or joy—it magnifies your own appreciation. You start noticing the good in your life more easily. Less comparison, more contentment.
Purpose: Intentional acts of service aren’t just meaningful for others—they give your day direction. Purpose doesn’t have to be a grand mission. Sometimes it’s simply knowing, “Today I helped someone.” That’s enough.
Ready to Start?
Kindness isn’t just a mood or feeling—it’s a choice. A practice. A mindset. You don’t have to be perfect or polished. You just have to be present and open-hearted. So here’s the challenge, whether it’s the week leading up to Nelson Mandela International Day or any time of the year: Choose one intentional act of service each day. Big or small, doesn’t matter. Just pick something and do it with care.
Even better, write it down. Track how it felt, what shifted, how it affected your mood or relationships. You might be surprised how quickly service starts to seep into everything—not as a chore, but as a joy.
Kindness doesn’t need a stage. It needs intention. So go ahead—be someone’s bright spot. You’ll be better for it, and so will the world.