Kindness is Critical

I think it's safe to assume that we all feel pretty unstable right now. When will we get this virus under control? How long will this quarantine last? What will happen to the economy? How will we make ends meet? Will we even get to enjoy our summer? So many questions with very little answers. This precarious state of living, alone, is enough to make a person dizzy, then add intentional alienation, and you've practically got a depression cocktail!

In a time where the world is literally confined to social isolation, it wouldn't be difficult at all to deduce that rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness are on the rise. Humans were built to thrive on connection and interaction. With alienation being our current way of life, we are all likely to not feel like our best selves. Fortunately, we live in the age of technology so we can snap our fingers and be virtually face-to-face with anyone in the world. That's great, practically our only super power right now, and I believe we should use that to its fullest capacity, but what about the people outside of our personal circle of connectivity? There are people who don't have a huge network of family and friends. There are retail workers and healthcare professionals who are crawling with anxiety before, during and after every shift. There are people who've lost their jobs and are striving to restore their livelihood. With the world being in a state of such uncertainty, I was left feeling helpless. What could I possibly do? I prayed about it. The answer... spread kindness.

KINDNESS HEALS

I'm sure many maintain the opinion that their own personal behavior has zero effect on the lives of others, but I disagree. I believe that everyone is influential and impactful in some way, whether good or bad. My lofty goal is to always promote good; to be mindfully be kind. Why is this significant? Not only for personal validation, but because the expression of kindness is proven to heal! "Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor." (Proverbs 21:21) What does this mean? It means that life is a boomerang; whatever you throw out, will come back to you! Like, this is quite literal...people who are kind, benevolent or volunteers tend to have more longevity. They seem to naturally lead more active lifestyles, and keep healthier habits, leading to less aches, pains, and health issues. Acts of kindness produce oxytocin, also dubbed "the love hormone", which maintains blood pressure, heart health and also increases optimism and self-esteem! Did you know that when you are consciously nice to another person, not only is it pleasant for them, but it activates the pleasure center in YOUR OWN BRAIN! This is the result of another feel-good chemical, serotonin! Isn't that fascinating?

I CHALLENGE YOU!

No matter the status of our social or economic climate, the desire to contribute to the betterment of our families, environments, communities, and ultimately the world, should be innate within all of us! Everyone should always look to aid in building, innovating, or encouraging in some fashion, in perpetuity! So, I implore everyone to keep this at the forefront of our minds, Let's all think about ways to be helpful or uplifting towards others and act upon it! There are so many people who truly need a helping hand at this time. But there are also those of us who've been blessed enough to make flexible working arrangements, so we are lacking nothing. With there being so little information and direction about the future, it's hard for anyone to find the perfect solution. All we can do right now is be good to one another in whatever capacity is possible. Give something. Do a drop-off. Call someone. Write a letter. It doesn't have to be the grandest of gestures, just genuine! For example, I randomly left a bottle of wine with a note at my neighbor's doorstep, just as a "Sprinkle of Sunshine" on a regular day! She found it and it made her smile, so it made me smile! Your generosity or thoughtfulness will bless those in need of essentials or just pure connection, but your service will be MEDICINE for your own heart! It's a win-win! Everyone gets a healing! Heal the world...one act of kindness at a time.