There are many things that we take for granted in our lives, that we will wake up tomorrow, that the rain will stop, the price of food will go up when the fuel price does but will never come down with it. You know, things like that.
Lately I’ve been feeling that kindness is no longer something that we can take for granted. Something has stolen it away from us, and we are the worse for it.
Treat people well
I’ve always thought that it was obvious that speaking to people with respect, and compassion is the best way to get what I want. If I’m nice to you, you are nice to me. Maybe we become friends, maybe not. Either way we both have a pleasant interaction and carry on with our day. So why does the world feel so very unkind lately?
Next time you are stuck in traffic, look at the faces of the people around you. Is anybody smiling, or look vaguely happy? Perhaps if not happy, at least neutral about life, or does absolutely everybody look like they want to go home and have a good cry. Fair enough, perhaps using a traffic jam isn’t the optimal example of finding joy in others, but the unguarded faces all tell the same thing. Unhappiness.
Where did the joy go?
Finding compassion
It seems to this writer that a kind word to each other wouldn’t go amiss in offsetting the anxiety, the short-tempered fuse, a culture of me-first. This is more than just an endurance of difficulty, but rather a fight to make it through another day. It’s survival, and it’s not pretty.
Now, I didn’t mean for this to be a depressing read, rather an encouragement to find the will to smile at a stranger. Wish someone a great day, not just a good one. Tell your loved ones that you love them because maybe it’s been a while and they need to hear the words. Be more generous with yourself, your words and actions.
We are all trying to pretend that everything is okay, to live our social media fake lives, but it’s not healthy. Forget how many likes and followers you have. Try focussing on how many real people you can affect with a little kindness. In real time. In the real world. That’s where we’re all living after all. In a real world with real problems.
It’s costs nothing to be polite, or kind, or frankly, just decent to another person. And here’s the thing, by giving, you receive. A smile returned, a shared laugh or acknowledgement of another human being is a powerful feeling. You’re not just making someone else’s day, you’re making your own better. So, what are you waiting for?
Go out there and have a splendid day, friend!