When the new Cinderella movie came out last year, I was a little obsessed (no shame). I love Disney princess movies and this was no exception. Not only did I go see it in the theatres, but I was more excited to re-watch it than my eight-year-old sister when my mom brought it home on DVD. There is something about the movie that just makes me happy – whether it’s the castle or the butterflies; the glass slipper or the fairytale ending. I just love it all. But possibly the best part of the movie is the line, “Have courage and be kind.” I love this quote so much that I have it hanging in my dorm room. It’s easy to forget to be kind everyday, and it is important to have the courage to spread kindness in a world filled with hate and anger. In light of this, here are 7 simple ways to show kindness everyday.
1. Smile
This is so easy, but I can not tell you how many times I walk past people and all we do is make awkward eye contact or glare at each other. Smiling is so simple, and can make someone’s gloomy day not so bad. In the words of Skipper, the penguin from the movie Madagascar, “Smile and wave boys.”
2. Pay attention
It is easy to lose focus during a conversation when we are constantly on our phones. Put down your screens, stop what you are doing, and give someone your full attention. This not only will help you engage, but it will also make the person you are talking to feel like you truly care about what they are saying.
3. Express how thankful you are for someone
Sometimes we forget to express our sincere gratitude to the people in our lives that do the most for us. Call your mom and tell her how much you love and appreciate her. She didn’t do 18 years of your laundry because she thought it was fun. I can name hundreds of things my mom has done for me that I haven’t said “thank you” for. Find that person in your life, and make sure they know how special they are!
4. Forgive and forget
It is super easy to hold grudges and be angry. The hard part is forgiving. We’ve all had people who have hurt us, and sometimes it is hard to let that hurt go. Stop, take a deep breath, and decide in your heart to forgive that person. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it will help you feel better. as well.
5. Compliment someone
You’re walking through the grocery store and you see this girl with the CUTEST shoes. Instead of envying from afar, go up to her and tell her how stellar she looks. Everyone likes a nice compliment. It doesn’t matter whether you know or don’t know the person you choose to awe over. There’s no shame is spreading-the-kind game!
6. Give someone the benefit of the doubt
It’s college. People are going to do things that aren’t very smart. Instead of getting flustered, remember that there is probably something bigger going on in a situation. Unless you have secret mind reading powers, you don’t know everything. Next time Felicia shows up late to your study session, accept whatever excuse she gives and remember that life is unpredictable. Sometimes crap happens.
7. Don’t judge
Hop off that holier-than-thou train. We live in a society of people whose initial response is to judge. It has become such a huge part of our lives that sometimes I don’t even think we know that we are judging. Next time a negative thought pops into your head about someone you see, stop and think of something nice you can say about the person. No one likes to be judged, so make it a habit to stop.
There are a million ways to be kind. Even the smallest act can make a huge difference. You don’t have to be a Disney Priness to spread the kindness. Get some courage and go be kind!