Ep 10 - Is 'Kindness' good or a hinderance?

How do we offer kindness while maintaining our own sense of well-being? When does stepping into another's shoes lead us to lose our own footing?

In this deeply personal episode of Dam Kind Conversations, we explore the tension between genuine kindness and what we come to call "niceness syndrome"—the superficial courtesy that can leave us depleted rather than enriched. Through reflections on my own journey from being labeled "such a nice boy" to understanding intentional kindness, we delve into the difference between empathy as service and empathy as self-abandonment.

Drawing from conversations with guests Neil Schambra Stevens, Bonnie Wan, and Katherine Brooks, we navigate the complex terrain of boundaries, self-love, and authentic connection. Katherine's insights on "nice guy syndrome" illuminate how fear of being seen as toxic can paradoxically compromise our integrity, while Bonnie reveals how creative generosity requires us to first be kind to ourselves.

This episode invites you to examine: When does pushing past fear serve growth, and when does it signal a boundary that needs honouring? How does nurturing self-love influence our capacity to be genuinely kind to others?

Topics we explore:

• ​Intentional kindness vs. niceness syndrome
• ​The relationship between empathy and personal boundaries
• ​Self-love as the foundation for authentic kindness
• ​Recognising when fear serves protection vs. when it limits growth

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