It is hard to avoid the pressing concerns that swirl about our troubled
world. Headlines scream of global warming....news stories explode with
incidents of war, prejudice and
massacre.
.
So often, we sit shaking our heads, mouth open, appalled
at how we, as a people, have so gravely damaged ourselves and our world.
But what can we do...what can any of us do
to make a difference in the face of ongoing devastation?.
A good start is to believe we have more individual power than we think.
I have noted that kindness has become under-rated. Of
course, we hear many stories of people putting their own safety at risk to help
a stranger. Such stories reaffirm our faith in human nature.
.
Unfortunately,
there are also tales to highlight the disconnect that plagues modern
society...too many incidents of people looking the other way because they don't
want to get involved.
But imagine a world wherein each of us dug deep in
ourselves for empathy and compassion...imagine if a Kindness Movement rose up
from where it has been sleeping and we began to take care of one another, not
just our own family, but reached out to offer a helping hand to anyone we saw in need.
I know I may be criticized for my Pollyanna optimism...I
have been in the past. Perhaps it is simplistic to suggest a bit of kindness
can change
the world, but where else can we all start, if not with ourselves?
Kindness multiplies when it is given freely and openly. It need not be much...even a small gesture can expand when passed on.
.
I have a dear friend at work who practices Random Acts of Kindness. She might mention casually that she'd paid
for the coffee a man ahead of her in Starbucks had ordered. Her immediate
reward is a happy grin from the surprised customer.
.
But can you picture, then, how
that man will do something nice when a chance comes up for him to make a
difference in someone else's day?
.
Imagine that multiplied many times over and you begin
to see that change is possible. Get involved in your community. Give
what you can...do all that you are able to on this busy planet and we
all benefit.
.
Make each day a chance to improve your world in small
ways. When you see tourists quizzically scanning a map, go over and help them
find their way. Better yet, buy them a drink from the nearest street vendor, while
expounding on the many beauties to be found in your part of the world.
Kindness will not always feel like kindness. I have found it difficult in the past to tell
people I do not appreciate what they are saying, but I will no longer listen to
racist jokes....it is not just a
joke!
.
Pointing out that I'm an immigrant, too, and that I find
the reference offensive always leads to sputtering and protestations: "Oh
I didn't mean you...you're white and you speak English!"
.
These are words my egalitarian spirit cannot embrace.
I only hope that a calm discussion may cause that person to think before
he spews out more bigotry disguised as humour.
I am no-one's idea of a role model...nor am I besieged with kudos and awards, but I have learned in my time that we each have untold depths of compassion and goodness in us just waiting to be unleashed and embraced.
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Of this, I am sure...
Please drop by ABC Wednesday to see more takes on the letter 'K".
