SPREAD THE LIGHT OF GOODNESS AND KINDNESS IN THE WORLD

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou

It is important how we make people feel. If we want to do something important and significant in life, then we should focus on doing something that makes people feel good, important, valued, loved and respected. When we reach out to others in need and show them kindness, we give them a reason to believe in the goodness of humanity. By cultivating kindness we are also planting seeds of tenderness and compassion. The road to compassion is not usually filled with roses, rainbows, and unicorns. Actually, compassion is often learned through having experienced deep pain, betrayal, hurt feelings, and broken trust. In this fast pace world, kindness and compassion takes a back seat to selfies, self-interest and expendable human interactions.

On the one hand, having power can decrease our ability to take another’s perspective and lessen our compassionate care. This can lead us to objectify others and think of them only as a means to benefit ourselves. On the other hand, having power also makes us feel less distressed in social situations and more resilient if we are rejected. If we balance power and care, we don’t have to choose between helping others or helping ourselves.

We can strengthen our drive to care by spending time among people in very difficult circumstances, learning their perspectives, and strengthening our sense of shared humanity.

Spread the light of goodness and kindness in the world.