The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines kindness as “the quality or state of being kind.” But what does that really mean? Why is it important?
It’s hard to turn on the TV, scroll through Facebook or read the newspaper today without seeing how unkind our world can be. My heart is broken over and over as I hear stories from children who have been treated with unkindness from adults and from their peers.
What role do I have from preventing this?
The change I want to see starts with me.
It starts with me being a role model for my children. It starts with having conversations with them about what it means to be kind and what it means to stand up for and next to our friends who are hurting. It means going out of my way to recognize a student for the progress they are making. It means making sure I thank my husband for getting up early to clean the kitchen. It means making a point to reach out to my friends to thank them for their friendship.
It is so easy to get bogged down in the negativity that surrounds me, but I will remain positive. Kindness is such a simple thing: it’s a smile, it’s holding a door open for someone, or it’s offering to watch a child so a tired mom can catch her breath.
Have you ever recognized the feeling you get when you make a conscious effort to exhibit more kindness? Suddenly, you feel happier, you feel hopeful, and you feel like YOU make a difference. I am only one person, but I am going to take time to fill the world with more kindness.
It’s simple. Here are some things I am going to do:
- Every night when I tuck my kids in, I am going to tell them how proud of them I am, and I am going to provide one example of what they did that made me proud.
- I am picking out one friend a day to send a message of appreciation. I want them to know that they matter to me.
- I will make a point to appreciate my husband for the work he does to keep our household running.
- I am going to acknowledge every student I see and wish them a good day at school. My job doesn’t have me directly working with them, but I want them to know I am still an adult who will care about their day.
- I am going to make a point to hold the door open for others. Doesn’t this seem like a simple thing to do? Smile when they walk in and wish them a good day. We need to teach our kids to do the same.
- I am going to stand next to my friends who are struggling, hug them and be there with them as they seek answers about their future.
- Finally, I am going to journal in my brand new journal. If I write down my actions, I will be reminded of what I can do to make a difference.
Today, I am going to do my part to fill the world with kindness. What will you do?
