Commentary:
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
By Wendy L. Christensen
Kind (n.): of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a
person; compassionate
Do you think kindness is as common as it used to be? Or is being
kind a way of the past? I recently went on a kindness hunt. I
think you’ll be pleased with what I discovered.
First of all, there are kind people out there. Where,you ask?
I’m happy to report that kind people are all around us (if
we just stop and recognize them). They are in the grocery store,
on the highway, in our homes and right next door.
Just the other day, I was in the grocery store and the man in
front of me let me go ahead of him in line. His cart was full
and mine contained just a few items. That was a kind thing to
do. In turn, I wanted to do something kind for someone, too. His
little kindness act lingered with me all day. I’m sure he
had no idea that it would go such a long way. I found myself thinking:
“I want to be kind. What can I do to make another person
feel good?”
Oftentimes, we get so busy and caught up in our lives that we
forget that our little, kind acts really do lift and help people
that cross our path. These acts can be simple and really contribute
to creating a better, friendlier world. One such kindness occurred
last week as I was driving on George Washington Way (it was a
bit crazy and congested due to the construction) and a very kind
person let me merge in front of him. And as I looked over to smile
in appreciation, they waved and smiled in return. We shared a
little kind moment on the road. (Those are much better than the
angry, frustrating road encounters that occur). Those two kind
gestures (a smile and a wave) helped remind me that being kind
really doesn’t take that much effort.
And let’s not forget the kind acts that happen inside our
own homes. Maybe your son helps you set the table, or your husband
or wife helps you take out the garbage, perhaps your teenager
decides to wash the car for you. These are all wonderful, kind
acts and they help create a loving atmosphere at home. Being kind
is a gift we can give each other.
Neighbors are another wonderful source of kindness. The neighbors
on my block do all sorts of kind things. They smile, wave, make
us treats, talk to my children and watch out for each other. My
neighborhood of kind people makes me feel safe and grateful to
live on such a nice, little corner of the world.
This week, pay attention to the kindness that decorates your
life. And don’t be afraid to play the “kind game”
in return! I promise your little acts of kindness will go a long
way. Maybe we’ll meet up in the grocery store or on the
road and exchange smiles and a nice wave of the hand. I hope so.
Need a few kind starters? Try: to smile, say thank you, surprise
someone with a card or flowers, open a door for someone, share
your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe with a friend, call
your mom and dad and say “I love you.” Tonight at
home, create some time to listen to each other.
Tomorrow at work, say thank you to someone for a job well done.
Be the “kind spark” to those around you!
The following quote from Plato may come in handy as you take
on your random acts of kindness: Be kind, for everyone
you meet is fighting a harder battle.
