Be Kind

Sadly, kindness is something we do not find much in our world today.

In the dictionary kindness is described as being considerate or helpful. I think the world would be a better place if everyone treated each other with kindness.

It usually does not take much to be kind. Sometimes I think we make it harder than it should be. Something as simple and easy as a genuine smile can brighten the day of a person who is not expecting it.

Being polite and kind to others can sometimes be just what they need to make their day. Holding the door for someone, letting them go ahead of you in line, smiling and saying hello, treating them with respect, things like that can go a long way to lift someone up.

Colin Powell, in his book It Worked for Me In Life and Leadership, said “Kindness connects you with other human beings in a bond of mutual respect. If you care for your followers and show them kindness, they will reciprocate and care for you”. Showing kindness is beneficial not only to others, but to yourself as well.

We also need to remember that truly showing kindness goes beyond just the basic acts of being nice. Here is another quote from Colin Powell’s book “Don’t just show kindness in passing or to be courteous. Show it in depth, show in with passion, and expect nothing in return. Kindness is not just about being nice; it’s about recognizing another human being who deserves care and respect”. When we see others in that way, we can show kindness out of general concern and interest for them.

It is sad that we have such a hard time treating each other with kindness. There is so much disagreement, fighting and arguing over personal views, politics, religion and general day-to-day issues that we often forget that our fellow human beings are in need of kindness from others. Even when we do not agree, there is no reason why we cannot be kind and respectful to one another.

Be ready to show acts of kindness each day. See others as just as important as yourself. You never know who it may affect and the positive effect it may have on others.