Why it is important to be kind

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Recently my very precious dad and I were discussing why it is important to be kind.  I had mentioned to him that I had noticed that there are a number of people at work that are completely ignored.  No one ever stops to greet them.  No one thanks them for their contribution to the working machinery that is a business.  No one even asks them how they are.  My dad has always been an incredible role model for sharing kindness.  I am so proud to say that my father will stop and speak to every person he comes across and will help them with anything and everything they may need, even if it means he is late for an appointment or an important meeting.  He always taught us to be kind to everyone we come across because we never know what is happening in the other person’s life.

Unfortunately, lately, I have noticed a tremendous amount about of passive-aggressive tones from people at work and I really think it is appalling.  Short, snappy emails can slice like a knife.  You have no way of knowing what is going on behind the scenes in any person’s personal life.  Perhaps they are naturally sensitive.  Perhaps they have an ill relative or perhaps they have been recently diagnosed with a serious illness themselves.  Perhaps they are experiencing difficulties at home or have suffered a huge financial setback.  A nasty comment or a less than professional email can ricochet into every other aspect of a person’s life and one thoughtless comment could have a completely detrimental effect on a person’s psyche.

As damaging as a comment or dismissive tone can be, silence can be equally as damaging.  What does it cost you to greet someone you see every day but have never said a word to?  Absolutely nothing.  What could it mean to that person?  It could mean everything.  It could light up that person’s entire world.  Rather than being ignored for an entire day, they might feel appreciated, noticed and cared for.  By asking them how they are you may have shown more interest than anyone else has shown in them in a long time.

Share a smile.  Speak out of love.  Say thank you for the little things.  It may mean nothing to some people but to others, it may be the most kindness they have received in weeks.  It might be the one thing that they actually really need.  It’s free.  It costs you nothing more than a moment.  Share some love.  Always remember why it is important to be kind.  We all need it from time to time.