Oct. 6 - Kicking up Kindness Chemicals

Day 278 of a year of kindness

I was invited to speak to a women's group tonight about kindness. At one point, I spoke about the power of compliments.I taped a $5 bill under one of the seats. Later, I asked everyone to look under their chairs. One happy woman found it. I used that to illustrate how exciting it feels to get a surprise amount of money. 

The same brain chemicals - dopamine - that light up when receiving money also light up the same way after giving and receiving a compliment.When you give a person a compliment, and they receive the compliment, you both get the chemical boost. When someone gives you a compliment and you diminish it or dismiss it - you both lose the chemical boost. It’s like throwing $5 in the trash.I reminded them to give and receive compliments. 

I expect that there will be even more kindness flowing through East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Science of Kindness: Research shows that giving and receiving a compliment stimulates dopamine - the same areas of the brain as receiving money. Also, oxytocin is released during positive social interactions. Compliments can also elevate serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of well-being and self-worth. #bekind #kindnessmatters#KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025 #kindness #stlukesseg