Have you ever had a day that just felt like it would never end? A day that was full of awfulness and was frankly a downer? Me too.
I wonder though, have you ever, on one of those days had one person do, say or act with some level of kindness or gentleness, and instantly your mood improves? Me too.
Kindness is personally my favorite word, one I think should be our first response in every situation, even though I know it can be hard. When that rude person cuts you in line at Walmart, or that lady walking way too fast through a big crowd who bumps into everyone because she is in “such a hurry.” Maybe it’s the guy who cut you off on your drive to work today.
All of those people, have struggles like you and I. We all are fighting these internal battles, whether it be finances, mental illness, physical illness, etc. We never know what someone is going through, and while it doesn’t excuse their behavior, it doesn’t mean it justifies our desire to “get even.”
I am asking you, think of a time when you were really struggling. Maybe you were afraid you couldn’t pay a bill, or a loved one was very ill? Did you maybe carry yourself rudely? Did you talk to that nice lady behind the counter at CVS a little too rudely when your coupon wouldn’t go through? It’s okay if you have, I’ve been there too.
So I am asking you to try something out. When you are having one of those long days, do something kind. Maybe compliment the woman in front of you at the checkout lane on her shoes, or pay for someone’s meal, do something small.
I’m promising you, if you just spend an extra moment looking, you will find so many opportunities to share kindness on an everyday basis.
Some people get caught up in the concept that to do a kind act you have to put forth “oh so much money.” It isn’t true though! Often those opportunities cost very little or even nothing. It doesn’t have to be something big or extravagant. It can be something small, seemingly pointless, that can change a person’s life forever.
Smile today, know you are worth so much more than a bad day! Carry yourself with an attitude of positivity and you will make people around you happier. If you have kids, show them an example of love and generosity. Teach and preach kindness in all that you do.
It will change the world someday, I know it! Today, I want to use my voice to reproduce positivity. It starts with us. It starts with you.
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer