A Kind Word Is Like a Spring Day

‍Kindness is its own reward. There are no hidden benefits to being a kind person. The only downside is you might feel a little lonely at times. That’s because most people are not very kind. It’s easy to be unkind. We do it without thinking all the time. It’s almost second nature for many of us, but that doesn’t make it right or excusable. Being unkind usually has a negative impact on the person who is being cruel and hurtful, not the victim of that cruelty and hurtfulness. A kind word is like a spring day: It refreshes those who hear it and lingers with the speaker long after it has been spoken.

Change Requires Kindness

Change is often painful and sometimes messy. Change requires kindness. The world would be a much better place if we all learned to be more kind. There are many reasons why people are unkind. Some of the most common include fear, jealousy, and a lack of self-confidence. Kind people might be hurt by unkindness, but they don’t retaliate. They don’t seek to hurt others in return. Kind people don’t make mountains out of molehills. They don’t take things personally. Instead, they try to rise above the insults and the nastiness of life. Kind people don’t need to change the world. They just need to be themselves. They don’t need to be perfect. But they do need to try to be kinder: more patient, more understanding, and more generous with their fellow human beings.

It Takes More Than Words to Be Kind

We live in a time where conflict and hostility are increasing, and it’s easy to think that being caught up in that is a sign of strength. It’s also easy to confuse being angry with being powerful. That is a mistake. Anger and hostility are destructive emotions. They tear things down, not build them up. Real power is not about being confrontational and aggressive. Real power is about being constructive and creative. It’s about being inclusive and open-minded. It’s about bringing people together, not driving them apart. Real power is about using your words wisely, not to tear people down, but to lift them up. It’s about being positive in your approach, not negative.

Being Kind Is Harder Than It Seems

We can all make a start by being kinder to the people we already know. But it’s not as easy as that. Our culture is often unkind and violent. It’s full of pointless competitions and squabbles. We are constantly being challenged to be kinder. Indeed, kindness is almost a forgotten virtue these days. Its power is almost unrecognized. Being kind isn’t about being soft or sweet. There is nothing weak about kindness. Rather, kindness is a form of strength. It takes considerable courage to be kind in a world where so many are happy to be unkind. We need to learn to shrug off the nastiness of others and not take things personally. We need to steer clear of the all-consuming need to be right at all costs. We need to rise above our own fears and lift up others instead of knocking them down. Kindness is a tough challenge, but it’s one that is well worth taking on.

Why We Should Be Kind Anyway

Being kind is good for our mental health. It makes us feel happier and more contented. It gives us a greater sense of purpose. It helps to ease tension in the world. It is a form of prayer and meditation. It is a way of letting go of our attachments and worries. It helps us to see others through a kind and gentle lens. It enables us to see the good in others. It gives our lives greater meaning and purpose. It allows us to serve others without being a burden to them. It enables us to rise above our troubles and find strength and encouragement in the kindness of others. It is a form of love. That is why we should be kind anyway.

Conclusion

The world desperately needs more kindness. Kindness is easy to overlook. It is quiet and unassuming. It doesn’t seek attention or favor. But it is vital nonetheless. Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving. It is a stepping stone to something better. It is the springboard to progress and change. It is a tiny act of defiance against a culture that has become increasingly unkind. It is a sign that we are not prepared to let the nastiness of others dictate how we live our lives. We need more kindness in the world.

Ashley Yeo