Kindness Grows
By Kim Gerard
Kindness, if thought of as a living thing, perhaps a plant…How do those seeds get planted? Is it something in nature or nurture? Is it cultivated or is it a random seed tossed by the wind? We’ve all met those we’d consider to be unkind – the prickly plants. What caused them to be that way? Defenses against a hurtful world?
And the opposite of course – the ones who make the world a more beautiful place. Perhaps an inverse reaction to the way they’ve been treated. A determination to treat others better, to heal themselves. For those of us striving to be kind, we hope to realize the positive impact we can have on a person, our community, our world. There are many cliches about kindness, the Golden Rule, and so forth. But don’t they ring true?
On smaller, more personal levels, a kind word or smile, a door held open – we may never know the impact that small gesture may have on someone. A momentary improvement in their day? An impetus for them to pay it forward? And of course, the larger gestures – helping out a friend or family or stranger in need; volunteering time for an organization in whose mission we believe; monetary help when we have the means. And yes, we do get more than we give.
Volunteering – giving of our time. We lead busy lives and our days are limited, but so many of us find the time to give of ourselves, our talents, our time. Such important acts of kindness can truly change the lives of others as well as our own. Kindness through volunteering has led me to paths I never imagined, and friends I will treasure always. Volunteers are unsung heroes, whether front-line or behind-the-scenes, seeking only the satisfaction of knowing that kindness ties us through our heart strings.
We can sow those seeds of kindness, help spread that beauty all around. From tiny acorns of kindness, may we grow oaks of love, beauty and generosity of spirit.
And the opposite of course – the ones who make the world a more beautiful place. Perhaps an inverse reaction to the way they’ve been treated. A determination to treat others better, to heal themselves. For those of us striving to be kind, we hope to realize the positive impact we can have on a person, our community, our world. There are many cliches about kindness, the Golden Rule, and so forth. But don’t they ring true?
On smaller, more personal levels, a kind word or smile, a door held open – we may never know the impact that small gesture may have on someone. A momentary improvement in their day? An impetus for them to pay it forward? And of course, the larger gestures – helping out a friend or family or stranger in need; volunteering time for an organization in whose mission we believe; monetary help when we have the means. And yes, we do get more than we give.
Volunteering – giving of our time. We lead busy lives and our days are limited, but so many of us find the time to give of ourselves, our talents, our time. Such important acts of kindness can truly change the lives of others as well as our own. Kindness through volunteering has led me to paths I never imagined, and friends I will treasure always. Volunteers are unsung heroes, whether front-line or behind-the-scenes, seeking only the satisfaction of knowing that kindness ties us through our heart strings.
We can sow those seeds of kindness, help spread that beauty all around. From tiny acorns of kindness, may we grow oaks of love, beauty and generosity of spirit.