March 22 – Kindness: What Makes Communities Thrive

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

The world can feel a little rough sometimes. Kindness, the simple act of caring for others, is a power that we all possess. It's the unexpected smile that brightens someone's day, and the foundation of strong, vibrant communities.

John O'Leary, in his book In Awe, says, "The way we choose to view others impacts our interaction directly and dramatically. It influences how we feel about them, speak to them, and connect to them. It determines not only what happens in the moment, but also what transpires next."

“Heroes didn't leap tall buildings or stop bullets with an outstretched hand; they didn't wear boots and capes. They bled, and they bruised, and their superpowers were as simple as listening, or loving. Heroes were ordinary people who knew that even if their own lives were impossibly knotted, they could untangle someone else's. And maybe that one act could lead someone to rescue you right back.” Jodi Picoult

Imagine a community where everyone approaches each other with a sense of empathy and kindness. A held door becomes a "thank you," a dropped grocery bag turns into a helping hand. These seemingly small gestures create a ripple effect.  People feel valued, respected, and more likely to practice kindness themselves.

Kindness isn't always easy, but it's always worth it. Rick Hanson, in his book Resilient, talks about the concept of "unilateral virtue."  He argues that focusing on being kind ourselves, regardless of how others respond, is empowering and creates a sense of "bliss of blamelessness."  We can't control everyone's actions, but we can control our own.

So, how do we cultivate this everyday kindness? Here are some simple ideas:

Start with a smile! A genuine smile is contagious and instantly brightens someone's day.

Practice empathy. Try to see things from another person's perspective. Maybe the grumpy cashier is having a tough day. A patient word can go a long way.

Offer help freely. See someone struggling with a grocery cart? Lend a hand. Notice an elderly neighbor struggling with chores in their yard? Offer to bring in their recycling bin.

Be an active listener. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and truly listen to what someone is saying.

Celebrate others' successes. Be genuinely happy for someone's achievements, big or small.

Volunteer your time. Find a cause you care about and donate your time and skills.

Remember, kindness is a muscle that gets stronger with use. The more we practice it, the more natural it becomes. Let's build communities where kindness is the norm, where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Because a community that thrives on kindness is a community that thrives, period.

“It only takes one person to mobilize a community and inspire change. Even if you don't feel like you have it in you, it's in you. You have to believe in yourself. People will see your vision and passion and follow you.” Teyonah Parris

Now, go out there and spread some kindness! It seems to be such a simple idea, but it can have a huge impact. You might be surprised at the positive difference it makes, not just for others, but for yourself as well.

Kindness Bingo: Create a bingo card with squares filled with acts of kindness (e.g., smile at a stranger, help someone with a chore). Complete the squares throughout the week and reward yourself for a full card.

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.