Kindness has a funny way of finding you when you’re not looking for it.
Not the performative, “look at me being a good person” kind. The real kind. Everyday kindness. The kind that shows up in small moments and quietly restores your faith in people.
That’s what this story is about. I didn’t plan to write it, but it happened, and I couldn’t not share it.
A few weeks ago, I was walking with my husband through our dimly lit neighbourhood. I took one confident step forward. You know the kind, the “I’ve got this” step, and promptly fell into a gap and landed awkwardly on the rocks. It hurt. A lot.
The problem was, a few hours later I was meant to be flying to Brisbane for our very first Go-Getters Day for women.
My husband asked me how bad the pain was. I just looked back and said, “Brisbane.” He knows me well enough not to argue, my decision was made. And it was: I’m getting on that plane.
The myth of “perfect conditions”
This whole experience reminded me how often we wait. We wait to feel ready. We wait for confidence to catch up. We wait for the timing to be perfect. We wait for our body to cooperate. We wait for life to calm down.
And sure, sometimes waiting is wisdom, but sometimes waiting is just fear in a nicer outfit. Sometimes you don’t get perfect conditions. Sometimes you move forward bruised, limping, and slightly annoyed at yourself… but you move forward anyway.
That trip to Brisbane wasn’t comfortable or graceful. But it was happening.
Everyday kindness showed up everywhere
Here’s the part that got me. Once I was out in the world (sore, moving slowly, doing my best to pretend I was fine) everyday kindness started showing up from every direction.
It started with Jim, an off-site airport driver who helped with my luggage and went above and beyond to make the commute easier. He didn’t have to. He wasn’t getting paid extra. He just… cared. And it didn’t stop there.
People offered help without me asking. Friends messaged to check in. Strangers noticed I was struggling and stepped in. I was overwhelmed in the best way, because I felt held. And to be honest, that’s not something many women are used to.
Being brave isn’t always pushing through
This is where it got personal for me. Because I’m good at pushing through. Most women I work with are. We’re high-functioning. We’re capable. We’re the ones who figure it out. We’re the ones who keep moving.
But there’s a point where “I can handle it” becomes “I refuse to be supported.” That might seem like strength, but it’s actually just a habit.
This experience reminded me that asking for help before you hit breaking point is one of the most mature things you can do. Not when you’re already exhausted. Not when you’re already teary. Not when you’re already at the end of yourself. Earlier.
While there’s still some capacity left. Because we don’t get medals for doing everything the hard way.
Be the first to offer it
At one point, a complete stranger stopped traffic to help me cross the street.
Just paused his whole day to make mine easier. That is everyday kindness in its purest form and it made me think about how powerful it is to be the first one to offer support without waiting to be asked. Without making someone prove they’re struggling enough. Without turning it into a big deal.
Sometimes kindness is as simple as noticing. Noticing someone’s hands are full. Noticing someone looks flat. Noticing someone is trying to hold it together. And then stepping in.
What mattered most in Brisbane
The Go-Getters Day itself was… a lesson.
Because physically, I wasn’t at my best. I couldn’t move around the room the way I normally would. I couldn’t be as “on” as I like to be. I had to slow down.
It reminded me that what matters most isn’t being on your feet but making sure people in the room feel seen. It’s creating safety. Warmth. Momentum. Connection. The feeling of, I’m not alone in this.
That’s the real work. That’s the thing people remember long after the event ends.
And despite the bruises and the limitations, Brisbane was incredible. The day was such a success that we’re planning another one in August. And yes, it will sell out, so if you’re thinking about it!
Everyday kindness is quieter than the headlines
This whole experience left me with one big takeaway:
Kindness isn’t dead.
Everyday kindness is alive and well. It’s in the airport driver who helps without being asked. It’s in the stranger who stops traffic. It’s in the friend who checks in. It’s in the small gestures that say, I see you.
And it’s the kind of environment I want to keep creating in my work, in my community, in my life. One where no one has to do it all alone. One where support is normal. One where generosity has a place, and grace isn’t something you have to earn.
So here’s my gentle nudge to you:
Where in your world could you offer a little more everyday kindness this week?
And where might you need to be a little braver in accepting it?
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
BD Sprint:
For a copy of Emma’s book, ‘Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive’ – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/