The Importance of Kindness

I have always lived my life trying to be kind to others. Growing up where I did, I learned early on how kindness is sorely needed in this world. My first introduction starts with my mother. She is a kind woman and a strong one at that. She showed me how even a small kindness whether it is words or a gesture can change a person's life and perpective.

I remember a time where I saw a fellow classmate get bullied. They kept pushing her and calling her disgusting names. I pushed one of them and told them to stop. A fight ensued but it ended with the bullies getting in trouble and the promise that they will not be bothering us anymore. Since then, I always chose to speak up when someone is being oppressed and abused in someway. We are all precious and deserve to live our lives freely without someone trying to destroy that for us.

Despite this, kindness isn't always about stepping in to save someone. I remember how it made me feel when a boyfriend in the past brought me a small sweet boquet of daisies. He got them for me just so I would smile and it worked. Little gestures like this can make someone feel good even if they have a rotten day. This is another thing that I try to do for others around me. Just give a small gesture to make someone feel special is needed, so let them have it.

Kindness truly is important when you deal with other souls be it people, animals, etc. I believe in treating others with respect and equality. It's one of the reasons why I am a vegetarian. Animals have shown me nothing but kindness, it seems only right to return the favor by not eating/killing them. I also volunteer at an animal shelter and help these sweet creatures find loving homes.

Volunteering whether it is with animal shelters, feeding the homeless, etc. is a good way to spread kindness to others. There is always someone that needs help and the choices are endless. They say you can't help everyone but by personal experience, there is no harm in trying. If anything there is so much you can get in return. So if you are wondering where to start, that is a good way to go.

Some of you are probably asking; what can I do? I can't/don't cook, clean, or anything like that? Don't worry. Not all volunteer opportunities are like that. Most places will utilize the skills you already have or teach you some new ones. Volunteering can teach you alot of important things and open some doors that you didn't know you can get.

Another act of kindness, I like to participate in donating my old clothes to charities and second hand stores. These are the best places to go to find something nice and not have to pay an arm and a leg for. Also it is good for those who just can't afford to go to these high price places to get good clothes that they need for their current situations.

It's good to be kind to others but there is one thing that it is important to be kind to. That is the earth itself. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Most people know this but what can they do? There are many resources that can help but I will explain to the best of my ability of what I do.

I compost lots of my foods that have gone bad or just otherwise don't use. You take your compost to a special green bin that is taken and made into fertilizer which in turn helps the planet. I always recycle my glass, papers, cardboard. Believe me its a long list. With a big blue plastic bag and a big blue bin, recycling has become so simple that anyone and everyone can do it. Instead of taking my car, everywhere I invest in a bus pass. It is good to have the freedom of a car but when you are going somewhere close by or it's just as easy to get to a place via transit then go for it. You never know who you might meet along the way too.

Now I have stressed how it is important to be kind to others but you also have to be kind to yourself. If you make a mistake (whatever it might be) treat it as a lesson. We all are on this earth to learn and grow, so allow yourself to do that. And treat yourself now and again. When you feel good, you can help others feel good too.

So you see, kindness is needed. It helps us learn, heal, and bring us closer to others. The world needs this now more than ever and truly I think it is getting better. But it is going to take all of us. Lets be kind to each other.