Kindness Changes Everything

​I'm a firm believer that Kindness in fact, does change everything! Take Christmas for instance, why do I love the Christmas season?
 Anyone who knows me will tell you Christmas makes me feel hopeful. You see, I believe that kindness is the magic of Christmas. Amidst the twinkling lights, the joyous sounds of the season, and the transformation of stores and homes in to winter wonderlands, you’ll find that people become just a bit kinder. It might be a nod as you pass on the street, smiles shared between strangers, or a "Thank you" as someone holds the door for another person. I strive to do these things every day and genuinely feel happy inside when someone seems touched by the smallest of gestures. Knowing that I may have made a difference in someone’s day reminds me of that we are all in this together. You can imagine how wonderful I feel during the holidays, when the world seems to find that key element in human interaction, kindness and act on it. If only that warm fuzzy interaction could continue past January, but as the decorations get packed up and life returns to normal again, people turn inward and lose the spirit of kindness.
To my surprise, during the worst time of our lives, the pandemic, kindness showed up again. The world as a whole began praying for each other. Neighbors checked on the elderly. People offered to pick up groceries for those with compromised immune systems. Masked strangers gave each other a head nod. Food banks surfaced to help those who lost their jobs. In the most dire of times filled with fear, anxiety and uncertainty, kindness returned, giving me hope.  Hope that maybe we will be reminded of how important it is for us to show up for one another, not just a Christmas, not just during a pandemic, but every day. Sending each one of you a smile and a hug!