Be Kind—
“Be kind” signs popped up quietly in my neighbors’ windows early in 2020. And now, 20 long Covid months later, the message has become more urgent-- posted on billboards, in the loo in restaurants, and on Instagram: BE KIND!
Celebrated in US, UK, AZ, NZ and Canada I completely missed World Kindness Day on the calendar since 2018 because I was following unkind events: Steve Bannon charged with criminal contempt of Congress and anti-vax and un-vaccinated health care workers suspended from their jobs. By contrast, In 2018 we were captivated by waitstaff receiving $1,000.00 tips the recipient of a random act of kindness. The idea was catching traction and set off a series of events. These stories sparked our collective imaginations then and continue to do so now: for inspiration watch this video about Hendrik Garrett
But it’s tough as heck to break through the clutter of unkindness: flight attendants being punched, waitstaff being berated, politicians getting flipped off, teens being bullied, and kids gunned down at school.
Don’t be distracted by the “unkindness”
Maybe the call to action is too broad—what does be kind look like in action. Take a look back at the times we expressed our collectively empathy: After 911 New Yorkers acted with kindness, after the Marathon Bombing the mantra “Boston Strong” connected us in solidarity and compassion and has become a rallying cry for other communities. After witnessing the torture murder of George Floyd, compassionate people from around the world connected. Their feelings and values affirmed when they spilled out into the streets, bonding as they expressed their care and concern, finding solace, solidarity while sending a powerful message.
These events are powerful catalyst, but the bottom line is we don’t need a tragic situation to express kindness. Turn your attention to the thousands of volunteers distributing free turkeys and meals in communities across the United States. We can also celebrate Britney Spears be freed from 13 years of conservatorship—her fans demanded kindness.
We know it when we see and experience kindness
Take a few minutes to assess the quality of your life. When you follow the thread, notice how kindness has shaped your well-being, standard of living, the health of your community and your happiness. What events, people, and occasions stand out? As for me, my network is filled with people who share and give—their wisdom, their support, their resources, their time, and their love. I wouldn’t have it any other way—you deserve it, too.
Being kind is an accelerant for community building and belonging. The act of being kind reaffirms our humanity—Ubuntu-- I am because you are. There is always reciprocity, a mutual benefit, that reverberates from an act of kindness and holds our world together. Being kind is a gift to give to yourself—it makes us human.
Yes, there is urgency to be kind. We deserve to live in a kinder world. But, no need for billboards and no need to shout -- be kind.