by Bernie Ryan

As we head into 2026, it’s tempting to get lost in all that is wrong with the world and our lives.

Especially as ‘the news’ continues to highlight it, with the worst of humanity seemingly intent on remaining at the forefront of our consciousness each day.

Statistics also tell us that we are becoming sicker, poorer, more stressed, more isolated and more disillusioned than ever.

So, to say that many of us feel powerless over our sense of wellbeing, or the ability to make a positive impact or progress anywhere, is likely an understatement.

Our days can too often feel like Herculean acts of survival, where just getting ourselves and immediate family through them feels like an achievement.

Leaving us feeling that we have little left for the potential struggles of those around us.

But what if this is ‘false economy’ thinking and we are, in fact, ultimately ‘ripping ourselves off’?

What if we already have a tool, constantly at our disposal, which costs little, can make an enormous difference to others, positively impact our own health and circumstances, and even, gradually, the circumstances that we find most challenging?

It seems we do.

It is called kindness.

And yes, there is science to back up this otherwise possibly warm and fuzzy claim.

Not that we should need it really.

As hopefully, we have all experienced the quiet satisfaction of doing something for someone else. Or the feeling that comes from having someone else notice and act when we have most needed some help.

But back to the science.

According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, performing random acts of kindness can increase energy, lifespan, pleasure, serotonin and oxytocin. It therefore can decrease pain, anxiety, stress, depression and blood pressure.

One study shows that perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age more slowly than the average population.

Another is that the positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnesses the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.”

‘This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people’.

A video from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation shows just how much power is packed into the simple things we choose to do daily.

Historically, and unfortunately, ‘good news’ stories, and acts of kindness, don’t attract as much newsworthy attention as the sadness, conflict and drama that dominate our headlines.

This skews our perception of the world, others and our own capacity to improve our collective lot.

Canberra Weekly/Daily believes that we need to be far more exposed to what is good in our community and have therefore long been committed to celebrating and showcasing what our community does well.

To this end, we actively search for it.

And over the last couple of months, have noticed people using social media in Canberra to share their experiences of kindness at the hands of strangers and would like to acknowledge the impact.

Here are some of them, which may also bolster your faith in the humans we live alongside.

“We just had a young man – Otto – buzz our apartment trying to locate our neighbour to return a lost wallet to him, complete with significant cash inside. If Otto sees this, or if his family does, thank you for being (and/or raising) a good human. It’s so lovely to experience such kindness, effort and thoughtfulness.” – Donna

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart ”

“This afternoon, my son who has autism and is non-verbal, went missing at a shopping centre in Mawson while he was out with his support worker. While the support worker briefly went to the toilet, my son was left alone, and when she returned, he was no longer there. He had walked by himself to the car park.

The police were contacted immediately. Thankfully, they also received a call from a very kind lady who found a young man matching my son’s description alone in the car park. Because of the extreme heat, she kindly invited him to sit in her car with the air conditioning on and called the police to make sure he was safe.

That young man was my son.

I cannot express how grateful I am to this wonderful lady for her kindness, quick thinking, and compassion. You truly helped keep my son safe today, and as a parent, I will never forget what you did.

If you happen to read this post, please know how deeply thankful our family is. Thank you.” – Yuli

“Sometime yesterday between 10am – 11am, my elderly father was near the bus interchange in Gungahlin. He left his phone at home and was unable to call a taxi so he could get home. He happened to ask someone if he would be able to borrow their phone to call a taxi as the taxi rank was empty …

I am not sure what happened from there but the version I got was ‘no taxi’s in the area and it’s a long wait’, so this kind person then proceeded to order an UBER to take him home to Sutton. Not only did this kind person order the UBER they also paid for it.

I posted on the Canberra Notice Board to try and find this person, as I wanted to reach out to this person so I can say a huge thank you for looking at for my father.

It’s good to know there are people out there that will still help the elderly

My father now has a card in his wallet that has emergency contact details on it, so I can be contacted if something like this ever happens again.” – Jimmy

Speaking with Yuli, whose son Muhammad was kept safe by a stranger in the Mawson car park, she said she is beyond grateful for the actions of Atong, the woman who realised Muhammad was alone and distressed.

“It is very rare to see people do things like that. But if more people practised this kind of kindness, I would be less worried about my son in the world,” she said.

Yuli also wants to acknowledge the person on Facebook who connected her with Atong so she could thank her personally, as well as ACT Policing, who Yuli said were “very kind and helpful”.

Yuli is from Indonesia and moved to Canberra in 2009 with her family.

“A decision I will never regret,” she said.

If you have a story about how someone stepped in to help you, or if you are aware of Canberra-based individuals or organisations who are quietly making a positive difference, we want to tell those stories.

So please send them to bernie@newstimemedia.com.au .

Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer, Mahatma Gandhi, once said:

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

It seems that being kind is a simple but great way to achieve that.

Paying attention to and recognising what is good can also go a long way toward reminding us that there is still much to celebrate, nurture and encourage in this world.

And inspire us to do it. One by one, bit by bit.

With World Random Acts of Kindness Day coming up on 17 February, it certainly cannot hurt to try both!

Canberra Daily

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