8 signs you have a heart of gold, even when you doubt it

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | June 3, 2024, 5:06 pm

There’s a fine line between self-doubt and humility, especially when you’re a kind-hearted person. Often, people with golden hearts are the ones who question their own goodness the most.

I’ve learned that sometimes, we’re our own toughest critics. We overlook our small acts of kindness and focus more on our flaws.

Are you one of those people? Do you often doubt if you’re as good a person as others say? Perhaps you have a heart of gold and you just don’t realize it.

In this article, I’ll share with you 8 signs that prove you have a golden heart, even when you’re filled with self-doubt. So take a moment, breathe, and let’s explore your inner goodness together.

1) You’re often the shoulder people lean on

Life can be a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs. And during those low moments, people often seek comfort and solace in others.

If you find that you’re frequently the one friends and family turn to during tough times, that’s a clear sign of your golden heart.

You see, people naturally gravitate towards those who exude warmth, understanding, and compassion. Your ability to listen empathetically and provide emotional support is a testament to your genuine kindness.

Keep in mind, it’s not about having the right words to say or fixing their problems. It’s about being there, being present, and offering your heart openly. That’s what mindfulness teaches us – to be truly present in each moment, especially when someone needs us.

2) You practice selfless giving

Generosity is a key trait of those with golden hearts. You don’t think twice about helping out, often putting others’ needs before your own. But what truly sets you apart is your ability to give without expecting anything in return.

In my own life, I’ve often found that the most rewarding moments come from these acts of selfless giving. Whether it’s volunteering your time, sharing your resources, or offering a kind word, these gestures of goodwill don’t go unnoticed.

As the famous Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Compassion is a verb.” It’s not just about feeling empathy for others, but actively reaching out and making a difference. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone.

3) You possess the wisdom to accept imperfection

In a world that seems totally hung up on being flawless, it takes some real guts and a heart of gold to embrace imperfection—both in yourself and in others.

Now, let’s get one thing straight: accepting imperfection doesn’t mean settling for less or throwing in the towel. It’s more about recognizing that we’re all a bit rough around the edges, and that’s totally okay. We’re all in the process of figuring things out, constantly evolving and growing.

Buddhist teachings get into this idea big time. They talk about how life is full of imperfections and struggles (they call it Dukkha). But here’s the kicker: they also show us how to face those imperfections with kindness and understanding.

If you’re someone who can look past the surface stuff, who can see people for who they really are instead of who they’re “supposed” to be, then you’ve got a heart of gold, my friend. It’s a real, raw truth—nobody’s perfect. But in that beautiful messiness lies our shared humanity, and that’s where your heart really shines.

4) You practice mindfulness in everyday life

 Let’s get one thing straight: mindfulness isn’t just some fad or catchy phrase—it’s a whole way of living. And for those with hearts of gold, it’s like second nature.

If you’re the type who really savors the here and now, who finds joy in the little things, and who makes gratitude a regular habit, then you’re definitely onto something good.

Mindfulness is all about being right in the moment, fully immersed in whatever you’re up to. It’s about really paying attention to each experience without passing any judgments.

And when you dive into this mindset, you can’t help but grow a heart full of compassion and understanding for everyone around you.

5) You strive for egolessness

In our journey through life, ego can often become a barrier to real connection and compassion. If you’re someone who is constantly trying to minimize your ego, to live with humility and authenticity, then you possess a truly golden heart.

This journey towards egolessness is not easy. It requires self-awareness, courage, and an ability to let go of our need for validation. We have to accept that we’re not the center of the universe and learn to put others’ needs before our own.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of egolessness and how it can transform our lives. This path is not about eradicating the ego but understanding and managing it to live a more fulfilling and compassionate life.

If you find yourself on this path, remember: striving for egolessness is a beautiful sign of a heart of gold. It’s not about perfection, but progress. Keep going!

6) You understand the importance of self-compassion

In our pursuit of goodness and kindness towards others, we often forget to extend the same compassion towards ourselves. This is a common trait among those with a heart of gold. You’re so busy caring for others that you neglect your own needs and emotions.

However, in both Buddhism and mindfulness practices, self-compassion is seen as vital. It’s the foundation upon which we can genuinely care for others. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-compassion is about acknowledging your own suffering, failures, and insecurities and responding to them with kindness and understanding. It’s about accepting yourself as you are, imperfect but always evolving.

7) You are patient in the face of adversity

Life can be unpredictable and challenging. But if you’re someone who can remain calm and patient even when faced with adversity, it’s a clear sign of your golden heart.

Patience is more than just waiting; it’s about maintaining a positive attitude while waiting. It’s about understanding that things take time and that rushing often leads to unnecessary stress and mistakes.

As the renowned Buddhist monk, Pema Chödrön once said, “Patience is not learned in safety.” It is during those tough times when our patience is truly tested.

8) You find joy in the ordinary

In our fast-paced, achievement-driven society, it’s all too easy to speed past the simple things in life. But if you’re someone who can find joy and meaning in the small, everyday moments, it really says something special about you.

You might think it sounds a bit backwards. Aren’t we all supposed to be chasing those big, extraordinary experiences and achievements? Sure, dreaming big is great, but mindfulness teaches us something pretty powerful about the value of just being in the now.

Think about it—there’s beauty in the simple act of sipping a cup of tea, chatting with someone you care about, or just taking a leisurely walk in the park. It’s realizing that life isn’t just about those big milestones; it’s also built from these quiet, ordinary moments.

Are you a rainbow in beige boots?

Hey, you with the heart of gold, listen up! I know there are days when you doubt yourself, when you wonder if your kindness is enough in a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent.

But let me tell you something: your heart is a rare gem, a beacon of light in the darkness. Even when you feel like you’re not making a difference, every smile you share, every hand you hold, every act of kindness—no matter how small—sends ripples of love and hope out into the world.

So, keep shining, keep loving, keep being the beautiful soul you are. Your kindness matters more than you know, and the world is a better place because of you. You’ve got this!

For those who want to delve deeper into the path of compassion and egolessness, I’d recommend checking out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. It offers insights into how we can live more authentically and compassionately in our everyday lives.

Remember, your golden heart is your greatest strength. Keep shining!

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.