I am a firm believer that nothing negative in this world can come from spreading kindness. It’s one thing to be nice to someone, but another to adopt a genuinely kind temperament. I get it, life is tough. School is hard, work is tedious, living is expensive, and people are moody. Unforeseen things happen all the time that cause major inconveniences and grievances. In short, most things in life are out of your control, but the one thing you can always control is your attitude and how you treat other people.
Showing someone kindness and grace isn’t always easy, but it’s always beneficial. Now you may not always directly benefit from being kind to someone, but someone will. Being kind when everyone’s getting along is one thing, but what shows the true strength of character is being kind in times of adversity. If someone is throwing you negativity, throw positivity back at them. Not only does it generally make someone less likely to continue their negative behavior, but it increases the chances that they’ll pause and reflect on their behavior and why they’re acting in a certain way.
Be Generous– Being generous doesn’t have to be expensive. It cost about $0.00 to say something nice or give someone a compliment, and it’s sure to brighten the day of the recipient.
Be Thoughtful– Pay attention to the lives of others. If you see an opportunity where you can do something simple to make someone’s life better, do it.
Be Simple– Doing something kind can be so easy. Compliment someone on their outfit, offer to help someone carry groceries to their car, always be the first to lend a helping hand. Such a simple act could make someone’s day.
Be Optimistic– Life is full of bad situations. Be the person who can find good in any situation. I guarantee there is always always always a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it’s not in sight yet.
Be Empathetic– If someone is going through something be a shoulder to cry on. Let them know that you feel for them and will be there for them if they need anything. More often than not, people just need someone to listen to.
Today I challenge you to walk outside somewhere public and take a good look around. You’ll see a variety of different people going about their days in different ways, but I absolutely guarantee you won’t know what’s really going on in their lives. The problem is more often than not, we have no idea what’s going on in the lives of those around us. Any person you interact with could be having the best or worst day of their life, and being kind to them is always the best route to go.
Act towards others in a way that will lift them up, not break them down. In return, you’ll find your own spirit being lifted.
“People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.”
-Mother Teresa
Shedding Light 