It was a spontaneous college night. The kind that probably started with late-night food and ended in a tattoo shop. I was with a few friends, and we decided — probably a little too quickly — to get tattoos together. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend that approach to anyone. But I can also say this: I don’t regret it. Not for a second.
On my arm, in simple cursive, it says “be kind.”
At the time, I didn’t overthink it. I chose the phrase because kindness had become something people often associated with me. Friends would tell me, “You’re always so kind” or “You make people feel safe.” And while it might’ve just seemed like a quick decision, deep down, it felt right. Like something I wanted to carry with me — literally — every day.
As I’ve grown and moved into new seasons of life, that small tattoo has come to mean even more. It’s become a daily reminder — to myself and to anyone who sees it — that you will never regret being kind.
Small kindnesses are never small.
One thing I’ve learned is that kindness doesn’t have to be grand or performative to matter. In fact, it’s often the little moments that leave the biggest impact.
Like someone smiling at you when you’re having a hard day.
Like a classmate saying, “You’ve got this,” before a test.
Like a friend complimenting your laugh or your outfit — for no reason at all.
Sometimes, those tiny moments are the only bright spots in someone’s day. I know, because I’ve been on the receiving end of them. And they’ve meant everything.
That’s why if I think something kind about someone — I usually just say it. “Your hair looks great today.” “You’re really good at that.” “I’m glad you’re here.” It doesn’t take much. But it means a lot.
Kindness isn’t weakness — it’s courage.
People sometimes think kindness is soft, or that it means being passive. But I’ve learned that real kindness is bold. It takes strength to speak gently in a harsh world. To choose understanding over judgment. To hold space for others even when you’re tired or hurting yourself.
Kindness isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present. About seeing someone and saying, “I care about how you feel.” That kind of kindness has the power to shift conversations, relationships, and entire communities.
Be kind — to others, and to yourself.
The older I get, the more I realize that kindness doesn’t stop with how we treat other people. It matters just as much in how we talk to ourselves.
Would you say the things you say to yourself to your best friend? Your younger sibling? If not — it might be time to extend some of that same grace inward.
We all mess up. We all have off days. But we’re all still worthy of compassion.
A forever reminder
My little “be kind” tattoo might’ve started as a spontaneous college memory, but it’s become one of the truest reflections of who I am — and who I want to be. It reminds me, daily, that kindness is a choice. A powerful one.
It costs nothing. It changes everything.
So if you ever feel the urge to say something kind — do it. If you see someone struggling — offer a smile. If you’re having a hard day — speak to yourself like someone you love.
Because at the end of the day, no one ever regrets kindness.
-Laiken