I read recently that the “Kindness Matters” movement began about 15 years ago – with the hope that it would become popular in schools and on social media to neutralize negative behavior and bullying. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite kick the bullying; some people still seem to enjoy taunting, intimidating, and embarrassing others. And it’s not just kids who are guilty of this; adults are often guilty as well. Fine example, they’re setting, huh?!!!!
Actually, hoping to impress kids with the value of being kind started well before this movement 15 years ago. My memory takes me back 45 years ago when my son was just three years old. Each day when he came home from nursery school, we had a couple of hours of quiet mother/son time as we sat and watched Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood together. Fred Rogers was a strong believer in teaching kids at a young age about being kind to others, and he often emphasized to parents the significance of setting the example themselves to show compassion for others. In his words, “Of all the things you can be, begin by being kind, and be the reason someone smiles today.”
Quotes about the worth of kindness go back even further! American – British author Henry James, who lived from 1843 to 1916, is also quoted for his remarks about the importance of being kind to others. So the hope that kindness would become an increasing habit among human beings has a long history.
Being kind, respectful, and compassionate to others is a wonderful habit to develop … and it can have a lasting effect on people … without costing you a cent, it could be the richest gift that person will receive! Even the simplest gestures may brighten someone’s day.
For example, open the door for someone or offer them your seat if waiting in line; give someone a compliment, acknowledge someone else’s efforts, express your appreciation, send a card or call someone who is home-bound, listen intently to someone having a problem – although you may not be able to offer a solution, sometimes all they need is to vent and air their frustration, so you have helped them by simply being a good listener. Don’t be quick to judge others; accept that not everyone will be of the same opinion, but it doesn’t have to cause anger. These are the things we need to teach our children to make this world a better place.
If you watch the news, you don’t often see many examples of kindness in our world today. I wish we could change that, and perhaps all it takes is to consciously make it a habit in your life to be kind in your actions and words. It doesn’t take a lot of effort; just remain mindful that being kind could be a ripple that turns into a big wave!
Remember too that kindness should not be a ‘performance’ to make yourself ‘look good’; it should be something you do without expecting any gratitude at all.
If kindness becomes a part of your daily habits, you will find that the joy you give to others will be a joy you will feel within yourself as well. It’s never too late to work on forming a new GOOD habit!
Quote of the Week: “Three things in life are important. The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” ~ Henry James
