The Year-Round Currency of Kindness

In a world often defined by divisions and disparities, the concept of kindness emerges as a beacon of hope, transcending the boundaries of wealth and status. It serves as a timeless reminder that kindness is not confined to any particular season; it’s a year-long virtue that can transform our lives and society as a whole.

In our fast-paced lives, kindness can sometimes take a backseat. We often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle, where success is measured by wealth and social status. The problem lies in the fact that this mindset can create stark divides, maintaining inequality and supporting social hierarchies.

The Power of Small Act: 

Kindness thrives in the simplest gestures. Small acts like holding the door for a stranger, helping someone in need, or offering a genuine smile are the building blocks of a more compassionate society. These acts cost nothing but can profoundly impact individuals and communities.

It’s in these small acts that the realization dawns upon us – kindness isn’t about material wealth or social standing; it’s about the currency of the heart.

Kindness as a Social Equalizer: 

Wealth and status may create divides, but kindness operates as a social equalizer. Think of a volunteer event where individuals from various backgrounds converge to support a common cause. In that shared mission, wealth and status fade into the background as kindness unites hearts and minds.

A Path to Empathy: 

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a cornerstone of kindness. It fosters a culture of understanding, compassion, and inclusion. Empathy enables us to see beyond wealth and status, connecting with people on a deeper, more profound level.

The Domino Effect: 

Kindness, like a ripple in a pond, creates a domino effect. When one person performs a kind act, it inspires others to do the same. This chain reaction can lead to a groundswell of kindness that transcends wealth, status and permeates every corner of society.

Encouraging Acts of Kindness: 

To transform society through kindness, it’s essential to encourage and promote acts of kindness at every level. Schools, workplaces, and communities should prioritize kindness education and create environments that nurture empathy and compassion.

In schools, for instance, kindness programs can teach children the value of empathy and the importance of treating others with respect. Such initiatives not only foster kindness at a young age but also set the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Similarly, in workplaces, corporate social responsibility programs can encourage employees to engage in acts of kindness, such as volunteering or supporting charitable causes. This not only improves the workplace culture but also extends the positive impact into the community.

Overcoming the Fear of Vulnerability: 

One of the barriers to kindness can be the fear of vulnerability. In a society that often values strength and independence, showing kindness can be seen as a sign of weakness. However, the reality is quite the opposite.

In a world where divisions persist, kindness stands as a unifying force, reminding us of our shared humanity and the potential for positive change that exists within each of us.

By recognizing the intrinsic value of kindness, promoting empathy, and encouraging acts of compassion, we can work together to build a more equitable, inclusive, and harmonious society.

Let’s choose kindness today and watch it transform our world year-round.

Kyle Poehls is a Marine Corps veteran whose life took a dramatic turn after surviving two comas during his military service. Born in 1985, he found his passion for writing in the final years of his service, and despite facing numerous seizures and another coma just before his planned exit, he persevered. In March of 2017, he began crafting “FROM NICHOLAS TO CHRISTMAS,” a tale about the early life of Santa Claus. Today, with a reinvigorated outlook on life, he embodies the belief that every day should be lived as if it were the last.