Growing up, my mother instilled in me the art of showing kindness. Whether is was waving “hello” to the neighbors, helping out a neighbor in need, or even picking up litter that was discarded on the sidewalk, she not only showed her kindness to others, but set an example to those she came in contact with. If she caught me wanting to vent, or to show my “ugly side”, she would turn to me an say, “If you have nothing nice to say, than say nothing”. That was just my mom, and the reason I value kindness in others.
In our modern day world, it seems that kindness somehow has become a lost art. Where rudeness once was shocking and out of the ordinary behavior, it seems that is all we are bombarded with it and told this is normal. Television depicts housewives backstabbing each other, videos go viral with road rage encounters, and people blame others for their bad behavior — yes it seems as if rudeness is normal. Kindness on the other hand, seems extraordinary when in reality it should be a normal everyday occurrence in our lives.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind
With World Kindness Day being celebrated on November 13th, it is time to make being kind an everyday thing and not just something we try to remember to do. It’s time to switch it up and make acts of kindness a bit of a rebellious thing. Imagine if everyone one of us decided to rebel against society’s normalization of self-centeredness, the “me first” attitude, and the glorifying of rude behavior and set out to be peacefully kind, we might just realize how much we need each other and how kindness can change the world. Imagine a world where people felt loved, felt like they mattered, felt like someone actually cared about them.
Rebellious kindness is the type of kindness where you go out of your way to push back against the chaos. Being rebellious with your kindness means setting your mind to finding ways each day to be nice, to assist someone, or even just to control your own emotions from going to that “ugly side” as momma used to say. Once you get into the habit of extending kindness to everyone around you, it becomes automatic and a part of your daily routine. Rebellious kindness is intentional.
Rebellious Ways To Show Kindness
Be Polite: Make “Thank you”, “You Welcome”, “I’m sorry”, and “Pardon me” a part of your daily interactions with people. Too often when we are rushed or are only focused on our own tasks, we sometimes forget that not saying “Thank you”, or “Your welcome” can be unkind. Those simple “nice” words will go a long way in the lives of the people we interact with.
Pay It Forward: Be rebellious and pass on kindness by paying for a stranger’s coffee or fast food order.
Greet People With A Smile or Hello: In a world where we are glued to our digital devices, the human contact of a smile or a hello can mean so much to those who are feeling isolated or feel that they go unnoticed in life. Smiles and hellos are free and should be given out as much as possible.
Comment or Like a Post: With so many of us living miles apart from family and friends, social media has been a life line to many people. It doesn’t take much to hit the “like” button to let people know you care about them or acknowledge their day. That simple “like” on your part helps to make others feel connected. If you see someone struggling or who has had a bad day, send a private message to let them know you are thinking about them.
Give a Genuine Compliment: When you have the opportunity to compliment someone, do it. Whether they have been kind to you, have a great haircut or pair of shoes, or anything else, a compliment can give others a bit of happiness to carry with them throughout the day.
Reach Out and Connect: If you’ve been thinking of a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, send them a simple text or even a card.
Let A Stanger Merge Into Traffic or Let Them Go Ahead Of You In The Checkout Line: In a world where everyone is trying to be first, take a step back and let someone else go first. That little act of rebellious kindness counteracts the selfishness we encounter in our world.
Do The Opposite: When ever you see injustice, someone treating someone else poorly, or witness something unkind, find a way to correct that action. Step in and speak up in a peaceful way. If you see litter, pick it up. If you see someone struggling, offer to help. Always fight wrong by doing what is right. That is the greatest way to show rebellious kindness.
There are so many ways that we can become Kindness Rebels. But there is only one way to make it happen — just be kind at all times.
What ideas can you share to help spread kindness grow? Drop a comment below, and be kind enough to “Like”, “Share”, “Tweet”, or “Link” this for others to join the kindness rebellion.
