March 19 – Kindness: The Superpower That Makes Us Human

“Always try to be a little kinder than necessary.” J. M. Barrie

Kindness is a word that gets tossed around a lot, but what does it really mean?  Kindness is about being good to others.  It's the helping someone out on a busy day, it’s the warm smile to a stranger, it’s listening to someone who is struggling. It's the small acts that ripple outward, making the world a little brighter, one interaction at a time.

Kindness is a value that only humans possess.  As much as technology advances, computers and AI just can't replicate it.  They can be programmed to be polite, efficient, even helpful, but true kindness comes from a place of understanding, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others thrive.

“True courtesy will instinctively check faddish manners at the door in the interest of kindness, which is the root from which the entire family tree of civil behavior springs.” Tamar Adler

Robots can follow complex instructions, but can they offer a shoulder to cry on during a tough time?  Algorithms can analyze data, but can they truly connect with someone on a deeper level?  Kindness requires a human touch, an awareness of emotions, and the ability to put ourselves in another person's shoes.

As Alexandra Hudson says in The Soul of Civility, "Kindness toward others, including the stranger and those who cannot do anything for us in return, allows us to flourish."  Kindness isn't just about making others feel good, it strengthens our own sense of connection and purpose.

“Wherever there is a human being, there is a chance for kindness.” Seneca

Kindness is contagious.  One act of thoughtfulness can inspire another, creating a chain reaction of positivity.  Rick Hansen, author of Resilient, reminds us that "mental resources like determination, self-worth, and kindness are what make us resilient."  By being kind, we build each other up, fostering a more optimistic and supportive world.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller

So, how do we tap into this incredible human superpower?  It starts with the small things.  Hold the door for someone, offer a compliment, lend a helping hand without being asked.  These seemingly insignificant gestures can make a world of difference.

Remember, Dr. Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowell perfectly capture the essence of kindness in their book There is No Good Card For This: "Kindness is a total absence of ego and self-interest in doing something for someone else."

Let's embrace the power of kindness. Let's make it a conscious choice in our everyday lives.  Because in the end, it's not just about being nice – it's about unlocking the best version of ourselves and creating a ripple effect of positivity that can truly change the world.

Create Kindness Cards: Write messages of encouragement and positivity on small cards. Leave them in public places like libraries, parks, or bus stops for others to find. I am part of a Facebook group called Random Acts of Crochet Kindness. We create crochet art and leave it out in the world for others to find. In a recent trip to California, I left amigurumi potatoes and pickles with punny, motivational cards in amusement parks, hotels, buses, airports, and even the top of a mountain. Not only is it fun for the recipient, it feels wonderful to send such positivity and kindness out into the world!

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.