We appear to be surrounded by gloom, bad news and aggression.
When we were in the grip of the pandemic, people went out of their way to help each other, communities came together neighbours checked on one another, and I really thought it was a turning point for society, but was it?
Of course there are many people out there still doing amazing things and they are the sort of people we should be striving to be like.
All too often people appear to be waiting for you to do something they don’t like, and you are accused of offending someone.
When did we stop being kind to one another?
It is a scientific fact that being kind is not only good for the recipient but also to those who are being kind, all to do with the ‘Happiness’ hormone Oxytocin.
I know that a simple act of smiling at someone works, it makes them feel better and you as well.
Empathy is a powerful thing, you may think that you are just listening or holding someone’s hand for a moment, but that moment lasts for a long time. It can be a life saver.
Knowing that someone is giving you the most precious of thing of all, your time, is amazing.
I read recently about someone who has a rule, that whenever he goes out he makes a point of making a positive comment to those he sees, it might be something like, “I like your hat”, or “nice shoes,” it doesn’t matter, just the fact that someone has noticed you as a person in your own right, is empowering.
Our TV screens and Radios are full of terrible news stories, and although we can’t hide away from reality, we can make a positive difference to someone, to hopefully improve their day.
Being kind is a basic human instinct, spending our precious time on this earth being angry, frustrated, and aggressive is never going to be a success.
We need one another, possibly more than ever at the moment, we don’t have to agree with others points of view, but we do need to respect them, sometimes we learn from a different prospective.
Who is to say what is right and what is wrong anyway?
One thing I do know is right, treating people with kindness, is never a waste of time.
Whatever we might be doing today, take every opportunity to be kind to someone, and carry that warm feeling about with you for the rest of the day.
Never underestimate the power of kindness, of touch, a smile, a listening ear, of a caring action, it will be a life changer for you and the recipient.
