“The world can be a mean place”- a quote that has been reiterated to me time and time again attempting to prepare me for the reality of a future where dreams become crushed by those who are too insensitive to care and the desire for dominance and wealth outweigh any signs of compassion and humanity left within us.  But have you ever stopped to think why?  Why is it that adults are preparing us for a world where people don’t seem to care about others, instead of inspiring us to become that change that is needed?  Why is it that this global issue is being recognized by society and still little to nothing is being done about it?  Why is it so difficult to change these pessimistic ideas that has always been present; I mean it’s 2017, the year of change and acceptance, right?

But what can we do about it?  I mean, the world isn’t just going to listen to one kid that says; “Hey world, wanna try acting a little nicer?”  It’s impossible for just one person to spark a change that will encourage kindness within us.

            That’s where we are wrong.

Kindness is something that can begin with just one friendly gesture and ripple off into an entire connected chain.  Just think about what the outcome would be if we all tried treating each other nicely and the overall impact it would leave on all of us.  It doesn’t have to be something big; just a small act has the power to change a person’s entire day and mood, which they will then reciprocate to somebody else. 

Imagine the boy that you held the door open for on your way into school.  On the inside, he feels as though all the doors to his future are being closed.   Your kind gesture reminds him that people still care about him and that he is not alone.  He returns this kind gesture by lending a girl a dollar in the lunch line when she is one short.  Little does he know that his kind act is worth way more to her than the value of the dollar he graciously donated, and she returns his kind gesture with another kind act and the chain goes on and on.

Though it may sound difficult to put yourself out into the world and try to change someone’s day, all it can take is a simple smile. Smiling is proven to be a contagious phenomenon that naturally enhances your mood.  By smiling at somebody, a friend or stranger, you can help them put a smile on their face and therefore, brighten their day. 

With these ideas in mind, it is time for us as a community to remember the importance of kindness within our families, community, and even the world.  It is time that we let our mood change the world and not the world change our mood.  I am ready for kindness to make a comeback and it all starts with one person

You.