Here is what my 14-year-old daughter wrote about kindness last night. She truly is one of the kindest people I know.
One thing people today overlook far too often is the simple yet effective act of kindness. In this world, sometimes overtaken by selfishness and greed, is a desperate need for those little acts of care. Just a helping hand or a quick show of compassion can turn another person’s day completely around. Sometimes even a friendly smile can save a life. People often forget others and become very engrossed in their own problems. This leads to a negative downward spiral and a chain reaction of selfishness. A generation of selfish people is the last thing we need today.
Imagine if everybody was willing to be kind and compassionate to each other. Imagine if it was not forced, but a habit. This would change the world. We all have experienced times when things were not going well and an act of kindness was needed. If it wasn’t for that one person, that one act of kindness, we might not have the life we have today.
Remember how effective just the smallest act of kindness can be. Know that you can do this for others. In the long run, you may not be just helping one person but multiple people. Kindness is like the spark from a match that creates a forest fire. The forest is a forest of anger, selfishness, and cruelty. Kindness can burn through all of those things.
It’s very important for people to remember that anger is powerful. So is selfishness along with cruelty. However, kindness overpowers all. You may think your kindness makes a difference for other people only, but it doesn’t. What comes around goes around, and your act will be returned. But your most important reward is knowing how much you just helped someone in need. You feel satisfaction knowing that you might have saved someone’s day, week, or even life. What you have really been given is the most precious gift you can receive, the gift of kindness.
Everyone is capable of being kind. Everyone can help. The real question is, why don’t we? This should not be a question. Kindness should come automatically. It should be common rather than a rarity. We can make this happen and commit to an act of kindness today.
“No matter how small, an act of kindness never goes unnoticed.”
Image Source: Karen Salmansohn at www.notsalmon.com
Brilliant. Inspiring! I shared this with my coworkers.
Ahhh, Thank you :). I will tell my daughter.
Vicki… it is unfortunate just how many coworkers need to read this ! 😉
This should be posted in every employee lunch room across the nation!
I have always loved Charles Swindoll’s piece on attitudes. This is iconic coming from someone so young! It gives me hope that she is our next generation!
Very wise message and beautifully written. She’ll be a writer as well!
I will show her your comments. Thanks 🙂
Well said and so true.
I thought so, too. Thank you, Anneli.
It goes to show that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree! Isn’t it the best gift when you admire the human beings that you helped form?!
Diane,
Thank you so much for the kind words. I am proud of my kids. They are both kind people. I hope you have a terrific weekend!
Just wonderful, Kristin. So here is what I now know about your daughter, she is kind, compassionate, generous, has a powerful sense of self and esteem, and she is a good friend to her friends.
Here is what else I know about her, she has kind, loving, and nurturing parents. Sounds like a terrific family. 😉 -Paul
Thank you so much for the kind words, Paul. I hope you have a terrific Sunday!
Excellent message.
Well Drafted.