Where Has Basic Human Kindness Gone?

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of all the hatred and violence going on in the world today. I know people have been fighting and arguing since time began, but it seems to be climbing to new levels as each day passes. What can be done about it? Can anything even be done about it?

Showing My Age

Maybe I had a rosy vision in my younger days and the older I get, the more jaded I become. I just don't remember all the widespread hate and violence. There was a fair amount of it I'm sure; it's just that it wasn't on the front pages of the newspapers every day. It has been pointed out to me that with the advent of all the social media sites news just travels faster, and virtually anyone with a camera can capture the story and post it to their website of choice in a matter of minutes. Maybe that's true. Maybe it has always been there, and I just didn't see it.

It Costs Nothing to be Kind

With all that being said it should be pointed out that it costs nothing to be kind. It won't cost you a dime to show someone the same respect you think you deserve. So what if someone cuts you off in traffic. Is it going to make your day any better if you get angry and tell them off? The answer is no. A server messes up your order at a restaurant. Will the world stop turning if it takes the server an extra minute to bring you the drink you ordered instead of what they thought you said? Again, the answer would be no. Is it right that because you had a bad day that you pass that along to others? Guess what? Same answer. No.

My Confession

I used to be that guy that would yell at people in traffic. I gave servers hell if they screwed up the tiniest thing on my order. If my day was going bad, you could place a bet that the first person to cross my path was going to feel my pain.

One day I stopped and asked myself why. Why do I do the things I do to other people? I didn't have a right answer because it never made me feel better. In fact, I felt worse. Now, I'm not saying that a switch flipped on that day, and I was always kind to everyone that crossed my path. However, I took stock of why I did what I did and what I had to gain from it. The answer was nothing.

I wish I could say I was perfect and never got mad, but that just isn't reality. I do take things a little lighter now. If it isn't a direct threat to mine, or my family's, safety and well-being, I chalk it up to being not that important. I'm reminded of an old saying that reminds us to not sweat the small stuff, and it's all pretty much small stuff.

My Point

My point is this if you can be kind to someone do it. It helps no one to get bent out of shape. In fact, make it a point to compliment at least one person a day. There is nothing like seeing someone light up because you took the time to be kind. It takes mere seconds, ​and it won't cost anything.