Okay, time to get real here for a second. What is with this fad of being mean to people? I mean seriously, the amount of hate comments I see, “pranks” on friends that are out of line, and just the general attitudes towards each other…how are we supposed to operate life this way? Whether you agree with someone or not, you can still show kindness and respect towards them. Being nice goes a long way and can help someone more than you may realize.
Let us start with the definition of kind; taken from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary,” of a sympathetic or helpful nature, of a forbearing nature, or arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance.” Another way to define kind is, “A group of people or things having similar characteristics.” I think it is very fitting for the word kind to have both of those meanings. With so many opposing sides and viewpoints that are constantly thrown out in this world, people tend to forget that they also have similarities with each other. No two people are exactly alike, but that is okay. Think of how boring the world would be if we all acted, looked, dressed, and thought the same way. We are all so unique and we are all deserving of some kindness, and we all have the ability to help and sympathize and show others it as well. Kindness is realizing that we are all living in this world together.
Now the question may be, “Well, how do I show kindness to others?” Great question! Here are some easy, free of charge ways to be kind to others:
- Smile. It really is that simple. A smile can sometimes portray more than what words ever could.
- Compliment someone. Challenge yourself to compliment someone who you know you have opposing views with, or someone who you may even argue with more than other people.
- Offer someone a hand if you notice them struggling. Whether it be with groceries, a door, etc. Just 20 seconds of your time being kind could last in someone’s mind for a lifetime.
- Express your gratitude towards someone who has helped you in your life, whether it be drawing them a picture, writing them a poem, or just a simple, “I’m grateful for you” should do the trick.
- Let someone know you accept them. Whether it be calling them their preferred pronouns, supporting their causes, or even just learning more about who they are can make a world of difference.
Think about a time whensomeone was unkind to you, when you were hurt or treated unfairly. Think about how horrible it made you feel and how a complete attitude change from them could have made a better interaction. I challenge you, readers, to make an effort to be kind. I challenge you to go out there and make a difference. Spread positivity, spread joy, and spread warmth. In a world that can seem so cruel, so cold, so unfair, YOU can be what changes that. Remember there is no small act of kindness, every act creates a ripple. You are the ripple that can start this. It can pass from you, to the next person, to the next person, etc. Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are alone in this world.
“Our days are happier when we give people a piece of our heart instead of a piece of our mind.”
Remember it costs $0 to be kind, but it can be worth more than anything to that person.
HCXO,
Brianna Long