Pearl Nash
People with big hearts are hard to come by.
And that’s because most people only focus on themselves, and even then… not everyone who does “acts of kindness” do so with the purest of intentions.
If you want to be someone who is genuinely big-hearted, here are the traits you must try to learn and internalize.
1) They believe people are inherently good
We can’t deny that there is a lot of evil in this world.
It’s impossible not to run into people who are naturally selfish and bad, and would take advantage of any kindness thrown their way.
And unfortunately, a lot of people would close themselves up and grow cold and tough to protect themselves. Unfortunately, this makes their hearts shrink and harden.
This is the reason why you see so many people grow up grumpy, close-minded, and judgmental. They believe people are inherently bad and they’d do their best to protect themselves.
People with big hearts think differently, and it’s not because they’re naïve.
They know that there are people who are evil and irredeemable. But they don’t live life suspecting everyone around them to be one.
2) They’re not entitled
People with big hearts don’t go about life believing they’re the center of the world. They don’t believe they’re entitled to other people’s time, help, or even compassion. And they’re also naturally more humble.
They don’t even expect other people to return their gestures of kindness back at them. They understand that sometimes people will just take them and their help for granted… and they’re totally fine with this.
Because they don’t expect or demand help, they will appreciate every single kind gesture they receive in turn.
3) They’re not judgmental
As mentioned, people with big hearts don’t suspect people are bad and that they’re out to get them.
Because of this, they will happily give people the benefit of the doubt. They don’t automatically assume that the person they’re talking to has bad intentions. And they’re less inclined to put people in boxes.
They’d give anyone their full trust and genuine kindness and would only stop when it’s very clear that they’re up to no good.
Because of this kind of mindset, they do genuine acts of kindness to everyone they meet.
4) They consider themselves lucky
Or perhaps another way to look at it is that they count their blessings.
They are very well aware that they don’t have everything, and that’s fine. They’re simply happy to be alive and to have what they have.
Sure, they might not have a Porsche or a mansion, but at least they have a roof above their head and enough money for three square meals a day.
Perhaps they might be broke, but at least they have friends they can count on to bear the hard times around them… and they in turn are there for their friends when they’re needed.
And this is the reason they’re considered a true blessing for everyone around them.
On the other hand, people who are convinced that they’re unlucky find it hard to be kind to others.
5) They are extra generous
As a consequence of them considering themselves lucky, people with big hearts find it easy to be generous to others.
They know they can’t just give everyone the world, and that they can’t be giving all the time, but they are aware of what they can afford to give and will happily share if they know it makes others happy.
A lot of them don’t even think twice about it—it’s a no-brainer as far as they’re concerned. They HAVE to help as long as someone is in need and they have something to offer.
They’d rush to someone who needs a helping hand or a listening ear. And what makes them even more admirable is that they help without making such a big deal out of it.
6) They forgive easily
People with big hearts understand that everyone is flawed and imperfect, so they don’t hold grudges.
They know that sometimes people make mistakes they immediately regret, and that people can change. And that sometimes things might look bad on the surface, but actually make sense when in context.
It’s not like they’re doormats, of course, because they know when they’re being taken advantage of. But they don’t immediately assume the worst of people and are willing to offer the olive branch.
They’re the kind of people who have already forgiven someone before they even ask for forgiveness, and will not take your past shortcomings against you.
7) They focus on the goodness of others
The reason why big-hearted people are the way that they are is that they would rather try to find the good in everyone rather than fixate on the bad.
They know that everyone has bad traits—including themselves—and so for them, why focus on the bad instead of cherishing the good?
Aside from that, they also refuse to let themselves wallow in negativity.
Wherever they are, whatever they’re doing, whoever they’re with, they appreciate the good things in front of them. And they would even try to make the bad things seem a little better than they actually are.
8) They know suffering
Most people with big hearts are the way they are because they know what it’s like to suffer in small and big ways.
They’ve probably experienced suffering firsthand, and this makes them feel strongly for others who are going through the same fate. But it’s highly likely that they are just naturally empathetic and they can feel the suffering of others.
People with big hearts have soft hearts—and they’re willing to help as much as they can— and this is because they’re very sensitive to the suffering of others.
9) They feel responsible for others
Most people see others struggling or being left behind and just shrug their shoulders. They think it’s none of their business, or that they should stay away or else they’ll end up struggling like them as well.
Big-hearted people stand apart in that they don’t think like that.
They feel an obligation to help the people around them who are less fortunate than they are.
They know that sometimes stopping to help people will set them back, and that sometimes it can make things a little harder for them, but they don’t mind—what they care about is that they are making others’ lives a bit easier. After all, they consider it their duty as a human being.
10) They don’t have ulterior motives
People with big hearts don’t do good things because they expect something in return, be it a favor or even mere gratitude.
They won’t get friendly with their high school classmates just so they can later sell them insurance. They won’t try to be extra nice at work just to earn the admiration of their coworkers (and the praise from their boss).
And they won’t donate to charity so people would think they’re kind.
No—big-hearted people help others out simply because they want to. They enjoy seeing the people around them happy, and hate seeing them
11) They truly believe in the power of love
People with big hearts are firm believers that love makes the world go round—and by that I don’t mean just romantic love, but also platonic love.
They know that love can make suffering more bearable, and that happiness multiplies when shared.
And so they love as much as they can with what they have and with whoever they’re with.
They consider it their duty to make other people’s lives lighter and brighter, simply because they exist in this beautiful world. And deep down, they secretly wish everyone would think the same way, because that’s the only way life becomes more bearable and enjoyable.
Last words
So you see, while it takes actual action to help others, genuine kindness starts with your heart and your mind.
If you want to be a person with a big heart, all you have to do is think well about others.
You can always be a little kinder, a little gentler, and a little more generous if you think people actually deserve it.
Start there, and you won’t need a long list of techniques to be a kind person. Your heart will naturally guide you to become one.
