Here's the thing about kindness—it's both embarrassingly simple and maddeningly difficult. It's like trying to eat a hot dog while golfing: It requires intention and probably a few awkward moments. But unlike "hot dog golf" (which I don't recommend), kindness actually works!
You've probably heard the saying, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Well, I'm suggesting something similar.
Be the Spark
You know that a single burning ember can start a raging forest fire. (Stay with me—this is going somewhere positive, I promise.) That same principle applies to kindness. One genuine smile, one moment of connection, and one random act of compassion can ignite a blaze that takes on a life of its own.The Practical rEVOLution
So, here's the plan. I propose we all become kindness ninjas (HI YA! Or in Texas... Hi YA'll!). But not the obvious, hold-the-door-open kind (though that's nice too), but rather the strategic, intentional kind. Looking for the small moments that matter:- Someone is clearly having an awful day at the grocery store
- Your fellow co-worker seems unusually quiet during meetings or in their cubicle
- Your elderly neighbor is struggling with their trash bins
Granted, these aren't photo opportunities for your LinkedIn profile. It probably wouldn't make much of an Insta-story. But they are meaningful chances to remind other human beings that they're not alone in this messy, beautiful experiment called life.
You know what's funny? As I've been writing this, I've been trying to think of a perfect example to share—some heartwarming story about a time I made a difference—and I'm drawing a blank. Maybe that's precisely the point.
The Empty Cart Theory
We're all pushing these metaphorical shopping carts around the happiness store, trying to fill them with anything we can find that looks good—success, validation, the perfect Instagram filter. But here's the thing: we're looking in the wrong aisle! True fulfillment isn't found in the "external satisfaction" section. Turns out it's in aisle seven, right between "genuine human connection" and "being present in the moment." However, feel free to grab a few bags of the "Learn to Love Yourself for Who You Are" from the display at the register.How did our carts get so empty, though? It wasn't always this way. Watch a child. Observe how they experience joy. It's pure, unfiltered, and completely independent of their follower count. Before society teaches them to externalize their happiness, they know something we've forgotten: joy isn't something you chase; it's something you choose.
Anticipated "Pay It Forward" Eye Roll
I hear you. And you're not wrong. This sounds like another hallmark movie plot where everyone learns valuable lessons and probably breaks into song. Though, to be fair, as an avid musical theater performer and fan, I was probably going to break into song anyway. But yes, I'm aware that suggesting random acts of kindness isn't exactly groundbreaking. Again, hear me out.What if we treated kindness like we treat our morning coffee? As an essential part of our daily routine? What if, instead of waiting for things to become less divided, we actively created and sought connections in our own communities? Hrm.
Return on Investment
"Yeah, yeah, but what's in it for me?" asks the cynical voice in your head (We all have one. Mine sounds like a golf instructor who's silently critiquing my grip while eyeing my half-eaten hot dog). Here's the beautiful boomerang: by focusing on others, we just might find what we've been searching for ourselves. It is somewhat like trying to fall asleep when you're super tired— sometimes, the harder you try, the more elusive it is. Or one of those headache-inducing magic eye pictures. Shift your focus, and suddenly, things fall into place.The Challenge
So here's my challenge to you: Start small. Start today. Look for one opportunity to show someone they matter. It doesn't have to be grand—sometimes a sincere "I see you're having a rough day, how can I help?" can mean more than a thousand inspirational quotes.Remember, we're not trying to fix the world's problems in one day. We're just trying to be the spark that starts a fire of positive change. And yes, I know that metaphor is dangerously close to greeting card territory, but sometimes clichés are clichés because they're true.
In a world that seems increasingly designed to divide us, let's be rebellious enough to connect. Let's be brave enough to care. And most importantly, let's be silly enough to believe that small actions matter.
Because they do. They really do.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: "Okay, but who exactly am I supposed to be kind to? My people? My tribe?" Here's the beautiful thing about kindness—it doesn't check voter registration cards. It doesn't care what bumper stickers you have or what news channel you watch. The elderly woman struggling with her groceries isn't wearing a team jersey. The guy with the flat tire isn't advertising his political views. The parent wrestling with a stroller while their toddler has a meltdown isn't displaying their social media preferences.
Kindness crosses all those artificial lines we've drawn between us. And here's the kicker—sometimes, the simple act of helping someone "not like us" does more to heal those divides than a thousand political debates ever could.
Real kindness—the kind I'm talking about—takes genuine strength. It's easy to walk past someone struggling, to stay in our comfortable bubbles, to post a sad emoji, and to keep scrolling. It takes courage to be the one who steps up when everyone else steps back. To be the person who reaches out when the crowd looks away.
And who knows? Maybe someday we'll turn on the news and hear: "Breaking: Local Woman Caught in Drive-By Smiling Spree! Witnesses Report Feeling Unexpectedly Hopeful."
Now, wouldn't that be something worth spreading?
