This morning, my friend Claire’s post spoke to me. It was a short check-in post, but her last sentence read, “this week has lacked the quality of kindness.” I mentally agreed with her, as my week contained worrisome doctor’s appointments, family struggles and my instructional aide hearing the news of her nephew’s death in a car accident while we were in class.
Kindness is something that is all too often missing in our world. You won’t find it on the news. It is often lacking in our daily interactions due to busy-ness, or fear, or pre-occupation with our own lives. The schoolyards, which are beginning to fill again, are often fertile ground for comparison and judgment rather than kindness. Much of the time we even forget to be kind to ourselves.
So I want to share a gentle reminder to be kind to ourselves and others. Most of us are dealing with more struggle than ease in these times. It is important that we let go of external judgments and greet everyone as if kindness is the cure. Because I think it is. I don’t think there is a single individual out there whose life wouldn’t be improved by some extra kindness.
While the idea may seem “cheesy” or “sappy,” I truly believe that, as my friend said, our world lacks, “the quality of kindness.” In times of hardship, many turn inward and try to rely on their own resources. But what if there aren’t many internal resources to begin with, or the reserve of resources has run dry? What if a person is young, or old, or sick, or worried about losing his or her job? What if a person is caught up in a web of addiction, or is watching that fate play out in someone they love? What if someone just can not take one more day of loneliness, or anxiety, or depression?
We all smile, and say we’re “doing great,” or “doing fine.” But this world is broken, especially now. The more we can remember to engage in acts of kindness, or speak words of kindness, the brighter it gets. And we need all the light we can to illuminate these dark days.
So I propose to you that kindness is not a cliché on a t-shirt, but actually a cure for what ails us. And they only way can test the effectiveness of the cure, is if everyone gets a shot or two…sound familiar?
Seriously, though. Who can you be kind to today? If you want to make a difference and feel a difference, it needs to become a daily practice. And the kindness can always be spent on yourself. It’s a worthy investment.
I’ll leave you with the words of Fred Rogers, who filmed the show “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” and modeled kindness for 31 seasons and over 900 episodes, “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered as a matter of course just one kind word to another person.”
Be like Mister Rogers.
Thanks for the mention Collette and I loved this read. I honestly believe kindness does heal what ails us. Today I approached what has recently become a very difficult situation with ‘kindness’ and it absolutely made a huge difference and completely turned things around. You have described it beautifully and I hope people endeavour to practice kindness daily. Sending love 💕❤️
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that! I truly believe it makes a difference. And we have the choice, to choose it even when it’s hard. Hugs to you , Claire! 🌟💖
I agree that kindness can cure what ails us and I love that you ended this post with a Mister Roger’s quote! 💜
Thank you, friend! I miss Mister Rogers…seems like he’s part of the good old days! 🌟💖
Yesterday I had to go to the post office. I’m there a lot. One particular man has always had a mullet haircut but instead of feathering the sides, he slicks it all back. ( 😬 ) I noticed he got a modern haircut. I said oh wow, I really like your new haircut! He smiled big, said thank you and said his son is getting married over the summer and his son said “Dad, are you going to keep you hair like that for my wedding?” 😂 Anyway he chatted on how different he feels with no hair on his neck and such and then said he’s glad I like his new haircut and hopes I have a great weekend. Anywho-It really made my day that I made him happy. I could tell he was very happy. And….I hope he keeps the new haircut, it was long overdue. 🙌🏻😆
Yes! Awesome story! I love how kindness blesses both the giver and receiver! Thanks for sharing this story! 🌟💖
Kindness (and love of all kinds) is everything, and I definitely can always practice more! Thanks for this, Collette. ❤️
I have a feeling you are full of kindness… but we all can be reminded to be intentional about it! Hugs to you Leafy! 🌟💖
There’s a lady here on WordPress and that’s all she writes about it kindness. She even has a book, ‘A Year of Living Kindly’. Here’s the link to her site lovely: https://ayearoflivingkindly.com/
Ooh thanks. I have followed this site.
You’re welcome. Awesome.
I will definitely check it out! Hugs to you. 🌟💖
This definitely resonated we me. I’ve been there where I thought I could not take one more day. Looking at me during that time you’d of never guessed. You are spot on! One small act of kindness can allow a sliver of light for someone who’s been struggling in the darkness. One beam of light is all it takes for the soul to reconnect and say …Yes to Life❤️
Yes, we never know the impact we are making on others…let’s make it a positive one. Love and light to you! 🌟💖
Fantastic highlight for kindness- something we’re all capable of and costs us nothing to give but feels priceless to the recipient❣️
Kindness IS certainly the cure because it benefits everyone 🥰
Great Collette❣️
Thank you Teri! It’s such an underestimated quality! And benefits both, like you said! Hugs to you. 🌟💖
My pleasure. Your post itself was a BIG HUG 🤗🥰
I love your writing❣️ 😘
Thanks so much! I’m glad! 🌟💖
I must remember everyone is dealing with something!
Why not be kind?
xo
Wendy
So true Wendy. Everyone has something. Hugs to you. 🌟💖
Kindness makes others smile and makes us smile inside. It’s a win win. ❤️
It truly is a win win! 💖🌟