Simple Kindness

When I was thinking of a topic for today, I was struck by the thought that people now a days, are simply not very kind.  Being kind to someone takes work, if it was easy and came naturally everyone would do it.  This whole world would be a kinder and gentler place.  Unfortunately for us, society is neither kind or gentle.

We walk to and from our destinations with our face in our phones, whatever is on the screen is far more important than anything going on around us.  Greeting one another on the street or during a shopping excursion is a thing of the past.  The thought of doing something for someone else without the guarantee of a favor in return, is unimaginable to some.  Simple acts of saying please and thank you to the grocery clerk, or the person helping you pay a bill over the phone, does not fit into our busy lives.

Why are we so unkind? I dare say that part of it is our nature.  We are hard wired to find fault and bring others down.  You don't believe me?  Have you ever looked up an old friend/adversary (boyfriend or girlfriend) from high school on Facebook or other social media?  Don't lie, we've all done it.  Were you secretly happy to see that they have gained weight, lost their hair, lead a mediocre life and/or seem generally unhappy?  Did you feel even a little satisfaction in their folly? Again, don't lie, we all have done it, and frankly it's unkind. 


So how do we start being kind and how does that effect the people around us?  I am so glad you asked! We all know that kindness starts with us. Honestly we need to be kind to ourselves.  I believe that true kindness, like true beauty, radiates from within.  That kindness need to flow from a place that believes we deserve kindness and therefore others deserve it as well.

So how to start, well start your day off with a happy thought, a grateful thought, a peaceful thought.  Give yourself permission to enjoy the fact that you woke up.  Next be kind to your family.  They live with you, they've seen the dark side.  So, show them the other side, use the force if you must.

(Couldn't resist a little Star Wars humor.)  Then when you get gas, smile, say good morning to your fellow commuters.  Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you, ask the cashier how he/she is doing and actually look at them when they answer.  Make it a point to say good morning to everyone you pass in the parking lot on the way to your office.  Put your stupid phone down, look at people,

aside from the president, most of us are not that important.   Compliment someone at work, bring healthy snacks in to share. (Do not bring donuts!)  When you start to think negatively, ask if yourself if this is going to help resolve the situation or make it worse.  (You already know the answer to this one, don't you?)

People life is too short and too hard to keep treating each other like we don't matter.  You matter, the people around you matter and we all need to matter to each other.  Be the bright spot in someones day, you never know what someone is going though.  Your small act of kindness may be just what the doctor ordered.

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