Oct. 7 - Telling the Truth

Day 279 of a year of kindness

I did a kindness that took courage. I told someone in my family that she hurt my feelings. Being vulnerable is extra difficult in a family that “likes to keep the peace.” But I decided that it was the kindest thing I could do for both of us because I was stewing about it and it was hurting our relationship.

Being honest is the only way to create space for healing. She didn’t mean to intentionally hurt me and appreciated the chance to talk about it.Sharing your feelings with someone also protects your emotional health because suppressing hurt leads to stress, anxiety and emotional distance. I felt so much lighter after I spoke to her. Naming what has hurt you allows your brain to process and release tension, often lowering cortisol and increasing oxytocin.

Science of Kindness: When we name our feelings, we create space - for repair, for clarity, for connection. We also give our nervous system a chance to exhale. Research shows that expressing emotions can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the bonding hormone). #KindnessCounts #KindnessCounts2025 #kindness #talkitout