Grandpa’s Wisdom Wednesday—Kindness Goes First. Curiosity Can Wait.

“Hey Little One, when someone needs help, kindness gets there first—curiosity can catch up later.”

I’m a problem-solver by nature and by training.

It may come from being the first-born. It could be all those years spent as a consultant. Either way, I’ve always been wired to ask why.

Why did this happen?

Why did things go wrong?

Why does someone need help in the first place?

For a long time, I believed understanding the “why” was the best way to help. But looking back, I can see there were times I got so caught up in figuring things out that I missed the chance to simply lend a hand.

I don’t know when the shift happened. But I do know it didn’t come until I learned to suspend judgment and meet people where they are—focusing on what they needed in the moment, not why they needed it.

It’s an important lesson.

One that continues to guide me—at work, in the community, and at home.

Because the time to reflect and analyze will come.

But when someone is struggling, that’s not the moment to solve the puzzle.

It’s the moment to show up, offer care, and lead with kindness.

The why can wait.

The what is now.

And thanks to Grandpa’s wisdom, I just got a beautiful reminder.

Who in your world could use a little kindness today? Go first. Ask what they need.

Peter Contardo