Setting Boundaries Is Actually An Act Of Kindness

We need to clear something up right now: kindness is not the same thing as being a doormat. In fact, if you’re being nice just because you’re afraid of conflict, that isn't kindness—it’s people-pleasing. And people-pleasing is actually a form of dishonesty. You’re not being your real self, which means you’re not giving others the chance to know the real you. As we celebrate National Kindness Week, let's talk about why the kindest thing you can do is often setting a firm boundary.

National Kindness Week 2026 is about fostering acts of kindness for the benefit of all Canadians. But that includes you. You are a Canadian, too, right? If you are burnt out, resentful, and bitter because you never say no, you aren't exactly a fountain of kindness for your community. You’re a ticking time bomb. Real kindness requires a foundation of self-respect. You have to be kind to your future self by protecting your peace in the present. That is how you stay sustainable.

Think about Bill S-223. It’s a law that provides a framework for how we celebrate kindness. Similarly, your boundaries provide a framework for how people can love and support you. When you tell a friend that you can't take their call because you need to sleep, or when you tell a colleague that you won't be checking emails after 6 PM, you are modeling healthy behavior. You are showing them that it is okay to have needs. That is a gift to everyone around you.

So, this week, while you’re out there volunteering and being a legend in your community, don’t forget to check in with yourself. Kindness is a sustainable resource only if you’re refilling the well. Be honest with people. Say what you mean. Don't over-promise and under-deliver. Integrity is a form of kindness that we often overlook because it doesn't always feel warm and fuzzy. But in the long run, it is the most compassionate way to live.