Written by Corin Hockenberry, 4-H Youth
Why is kindness so important in life? Showing kindness to people can change their point of view of the day instantly. Just from a compliment to what you are wearing to holding the door to the stranger, small gestures of kindness can help bring people from the worst day ever to a good day. One day I was having a bad day shopping at the store, but as soon as a stranger complimented my shirt, it turned my bad day into a better one.
Being kind is something everyone can do.
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Kindness is communicated all throughout our world, and we have daily opportunities to be a part of spreading joy everywhere we go. The language of kindness is communicated by paying for someone’s food, waving hello to random people, and just showing a smile every day. Kindness is also contagious. One day when I was getting my coffee at the drive-thru before work, the person ahead of me paid for my coffee and then I continued on the chain of kindness to the car behind me.
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…” the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter.
As this new year starts, I challenge you to start a chain of kindness everyday by doing an unexpected kind act each day. Albert Schweitzer says, “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes the ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” Step into tomorrow, and show some kindness to people you see, and start changing the world around you with kindness.
Corin Hockenberry, a high school senior has been a 4-H member for 13 years which is where she found her passion for dog training and showing, community service, and leadership. Corin enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as her dogs. She volunteers in training service dogs and hopes to work with animals in the future by pursuing veterinary science. Corin is also a cancer overcomer and knows that life must be lived with love and kindness as your guide
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