The Ripple Effect & Power of Kindness

In January 2024, I travelled alone to Cape Town. It was the first time I had gone back after COVID. I felt I was home.

I visited the same cafés daily, soaking up the natural beauty, the diversity of languages around me, and the Mother City’s vibrant energy. It was a little sanctuary for me, a place where I could think, recharge and be present. One Sunday, however, I felt uncomfortable; in fact, I felt homesick.

I somehow missed my family, home, and familiar comforts and was deeply homesick. I sat in my usual place and tried to enjoy my meal, but my heart was heavy. Then something unexpected happened. A waitress noticed my mood and walked over with a kind smile. Her warmth made me feel safe, and the food tasted even better. As I ate, my eyes filled with tears - not from sadness, but because I felt seen for the first time in a while. I felt cared for. 

After I finished my meal, I decided to walk through the mall. I was unsure where I was going until I stopped in front of a florist. On impulse, I bought a single red rose. Then, without overthinking, I turned around and headed back to the café. I called the waitress over and handed her the rose. The room fell silent—customers paused, watching with curiosity and admiration.

This small act touched the waitress. She smiled with tears in her eyes and hugged me warmly. Everyone around us was moved by this act.

The Life Coaching Perspective: The Ripple Effect of Kindness. Ever heard of it?

This was much more than an exchange of kindness. Life coaching has taught me one important aspect: the necessity of small, intentional actions that create positive change.

Whether it's a smile, a kind word, or a compassionate gesture, a simple act can change someone's day and lift your spirit in return. Doing good cultivates a mindset of gratitude and abundance. Instead of focusing on your lack, you direct your energy to what you can give.

That single rose was not just a flower but a symbol of appreciation or an act of kindness. This rose broke the bridge between two people who may never meet again but shared a moment of genuine connection.

This experience reminded me of the power of presence, one of the first things I learned when I trained as a Life Coach.

If you act mindfully and embrace and acknowledge all your emotions, you can create powerful shifts in your perspective.

My final words to you, my dear reader :

Let me tell you, small acts can change someone's life. Listen to a friend or a family member and notice all the benefits. Ask yourself this question: Have you ever experienced an act of kindness? Start with small acts of kindness and create a ripple effect.

/ Stéphane Narcis

Stéphane Narcis is a leading voice in film studies, communication, and psychological analysis. He bridges academic research with real-world application. He aims to educate, empower, and inspire personal and professional growth through his scholarly work, professional training, and books on narcissism.