I believe kindness = character.

Author and humanist Victor Hugo wrote, “The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness.” The painting, “Small Acts of Kindness,” is my interpretation of how kindness shapes the mind and impacts mental health.

Science supports my contention that kindness matters. Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood, according to Steve Siegle, Psy.D., of Mayo Clinic Health System. “Kindness can increase your sense of connectivity with others, decrease loneliness, combat low mood and improve relationships,” he writes. “It also can be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds.”

I try to incorporate mindful kindness into everyday life, whether it’s sending a loving text to my sons, thanking my husband for doing the laundry, complimenting a friend for no reason, or smiling at a stranger.