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Economic Challenges

The Transformative Power of Kindness: Kevin Smith’s Fascinating Journey to Inspire Kindness Worldwide

In this heartwarming episode of The Joy of Living Podcast, host Barry Shore welcomes Kevin Smith to share an inspiring story about the profound impact of small acts of kindness. Kevin recounts a simple yet powerful moment when a young woman named Brooke returned his lost wallet, sparking a ripple of positivity that spread across the country. Despite being offered a reward, Brooke’s modesty and selflessness serve as a reminder of the true meaning of kindness.

Kevin’s determination to honor Brooke’s act led him to make a donation in her name to the York County SPCA’s Second Chance Fund, celebrating the idea that even the smallest gesture can have a lasting effect. The episode highlights how one person can make a difference, transforming the world through kindness, as Kevin passionately shares the lessons learned from this remarkable experience.

The discussion also covers Kevin’s efforts to spread the message of kindness further and his dream of turning this energy into a worldwide movement with Kindness Week, an eight-day celebration of empathy, compassion, and generosity.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation that reminds us all of the power of kindness and how it can shape our lives and the world around us.

Key Points:

  • The impact of small acts of kindness.
  • Brooke’s inspiring act of returning a lost wallet.
  • Kevin’s mission to honor Brooke and spread her message.
  • The power of one person to transform the world.
  • The upcoming celebration of Kindness Week.

Show Notes:

[9.22] The Impact of Small Acts of Kindness

  • Every small act of kindness has the power to make a difference.
  • A simple errand, like picking up a McDonald’s gift card, can lead to unexpected lessons.
  • The panic of losing a wallet brings more than just financial worry—it’s the time and effort to replace cards and irreplaceable memories.
  • A young woman, Brooke, returned the lost wallet within minutes, restoring hope and joy.
  • Despite being offered a reward, Brooke refused, showing her modesty and selflessness.
  • Inspired by her act, Kevin felt compelled to share the story to inspire others.
  • Good news travels fast—this story went viral across the country, spreading positivity.
  • Even the smallest light, like a single candle, can brighten a room and push away darkness. 

[18.41] Going the Extra Mile to Acknowledge Kindness

  • Kevin wanted to ensure Brooke knew the impact of her act, so he reached out to the news.
  • Although the news aired the story, Kevin wasn’t sure Brooke had seen it.
  • After searching through countless Facebook profiles, Kevin finally found Brooke.
  • Brooke’s humility shone through when she thanked Kevin for his appreciation.
  • Inside Edition showed interest in covering the story but it was postponed, disappointing Kevin.
  • Determined to do more, Kevin decided to honor Brooke through a donation in her name.
  • Pets, described as “social glue,” connected the community and inspired a new idea.
  • The donation to the York County SPCA’s Second Chance Fund symbolized a shift in perspective and a celebration of kindness.

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  • On average, Americans take about 20,000 breaths a day, spending 90% of their time indoors.
  • According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air.
  • Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory issues such as sneezing, congestion, and sore throats, as well as more serious health conditions like lung and heart disease.
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[39.26] The Power of One: Transforming the World with Kindness

  • The first step to improving the world starts with “I”—recognizing that change begins with you.
  • A playful concept of “dog poop” is introduced, with “dog” meaning “doing of good” and “poop” as the “power of one person.”
  • Each individual has the power to make a significant difference in the world by embracing kindness.
  • Transformation, not just inspiration or information, is the key to lasting impact.
  • True change happens when we shift our mindset and energy toward positive action for the greater good.
  • Kindness is a superpower that multiplies, spreading from one person to many, creating a ripple effect of goodness.
  • The idea of kindness transcends material wealth, with no limits to the positive outcomes it generates.
  • Embracing kindness as a way of life can lead to creating bridges of joy, harmony, and peace in communities worldwide.

[51.02] Kindness Week: An Eight-Day Celebration

  • Kindness Week runs from November 9th to the 16th, spanning eight days.
  • The event extends over two weekends, adding an extra day to symbolize going the extra mile for kindness.
  • The eight days represent the eight characteristics of kindness: gratitude, patience, forgiveness, empathy, compassion, respect, joy, generosity, and service.
  • Each day focuses on one of these characteristics, symbolizing how they contribute to kindness.
  • The goal is to create a global celebration of kindness, spreading goodness organically in communities worldwide.
  • Kindness Week begins the Saturday before World Kindness Day and ends the Saturday after.
  • Organizers aim to replicate the magic of past celebrations and inspire kindness everywhere.
  • The event’s long-term vision is to plant seeds of goodness, leading to a continuous, worldwide movement of kindness.

About Kevin Smith

Shaped by the values of his upbringing, Kevin Smith’s guiding principle is his conviction that “the meaning of life is to live it in a way to make a meaningful difference.” Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude and as his Class Salutatorian from Gettysburg College in 1989, Kevin joined a Fortune 500 company where he quickly rose the corporate ranks to become Director of its largest business unit. Soon after this promotion, he walked away and left a promising corporate career behind.

Instead, he found greater meaning and purpose by founding what is now Smith Wealth Advisory Group, with a team of advisors dedicated to helping others experience the riches of life itself by helping them translate their monetary resources into meaningful life experiences.