Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Before I dive into today’s post, I want to let you know that today I am guest-posting on (a different) Amanda’s blog, Unapologetically You, and sharing a *healthy* green beverage for getting into the spirit. Be sure to check it out here!
I have no intention of ever discussing political beliefs on the blog (I do not wish to alienate readers, and frankly, I’d rather talk about a new restaurant, my workout, or something upbeat and encouraging), but after saving my previously scheduled post for a later day, I felt the urge to write.
A couple of days ago, there was a rally outside of Trump Tower in Manhattan, with demonstrators sharing a simple message: “Build Kindness, Not Walls.”
Even when you take the political message and subjects out of it, I think there’s a lot to be said.
//via//
Kindness has become the forgotten virtue.
If you asked me what I hoped to be remembered for after I die—or what I hope to teach my son—I would probably spend a good few minutes pondering. But in the end, I would tell you that I hope people think of me as being kind. I would tell my son that, while his education is hugely important and he should work hard to chase his dreams, I would tell him that the best thing he can do with his talents, gifts, vocation, what have you is to be kind.
I don’t know if it’s our high-speed culture and the fact that we’re inundated with media—positive and negative—at all hours of the day, but we (Americans in particular) are so divided.
Everything is black or white. Good or bad. Left or right. Us or them.
Compromise has become a dirty word (at least among many of our leaders and politicians).
This may shock some of you (doubtful), but I’m an opinionated and strong-willed person. I think deeply about my beliefs and I’m not easily shaken from something I value or hold to be true.
Nevertheless, I appreciate discourse. Perhaps it’s the philosophy and English major in me, but I love listening to other people’s thoughts and ideas. I was never the first to speak up in my college lectures, but I listened attentively to my peers and professors and digested every small morsel of discussion to eventually formulate my own unique perspective.
I was always ruminating something that was said—trying to expand on it and make it my own.
I feel like this idea of sharing knowledge, learning from our peers, and challenging our beliefs is lost today.
And with it has gone the importance of being kind.
Yes, we all have different values and beliefs. We live different lives and cannot possibly have the same story or set of circumstances. But we’re human.
We owe it to ourselves and our future generations to work together. To find the humanity in one another—not the differences.
In a world full of poverty, abuse, despair, tyranny, and so many dark things I’m grateful to know only secondhand, we must be kind.
There will never be one single solution or one inherently correct answer to solving our problems, be they crumbling infrastructure, job growth, mental health funding, religious oppression, climate change, gang violence, preventative disease, or pollution.
Instead of focusing on who’s right and who’s wrong, let’s focus on respecting one another’s opinions. Let’s try to engage ourselves with “the other side,” and learn from those with whom we generally disagree. Let’s get to know one another’s person.
If we treat our “opposition” with compassion and kindness, this world wouldn’t be so harsh. And who knows—we might find out that, at the core, we really aren’t that different.
[linking up for thinking out loud]
No questions today, but I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I love how you ended this – that we might not be all that different. I really hate all the politics going on right now. I don’t participate in any political party (in fact: I don’t even vote!). So I can’t really hate on anyone anyway. I just don’t get why being rude is the norm now.
Thanks, Melissa. I might as well not vote because I live in a state where I am very much the minority. Oh well.
I love Ephesians 4:32, ‘Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.’ Kindness is a precious gift. <3
Wonderful verse. <3
Respecting one another and leading conversations, even if they’re arguments, in a calm manner – that’s definitely a lost trait in today’s world. I find social media – as much as I like it – only fuels this at times aggressive behaviour of trying to always be “right” and shut others up. It’s not leading anywhere and certainly not to more kindness. I believe in every single person being able to make a difference – the butterfly effect – so keeping up kindness amongst the hatred ourselves can make the world that little bit better already.
Amen to social media fueling all the hate/craziness. I know better than to read comments on certain news sites, but I do it anyway and am always shocked at the things people say “anonymously.”
It really just divides us further.
My boss and I had this conversation today regarding politics. It’s almost that with some people, they will not compromise on one thing to get another. Like even if a political party would be so good for them regarding taxes, health insurance and a job, they will not compromise if that same party believes in say, medical marijuana or something. It’s definitely something to keep in mind, what the deal-breakers are. I definitely see myself being more understanding this election cycle. Mostly because I love my parents, but do not believe what they think is best for the country. In the end, kindness is best. Great post!
Oh, I am like the polar opposite of my parents and majority of my family. But the great thing is, we can talk about other things besides politics! 🙂
It does amaze – and upset – me how people aren’t willing to overlook one small thing and compromise. I mean, I don’t agree 100% with any candidate but that doesn’t mean they’re all bad. I can overlook one thing for what I perceive to be the greater good. Thanks for reading, Ellie.
I know this world would be a much better place if every one could just be a little more kind to each other. Simply smiling at a stranger could make their day- and yours.
So true. I have always been kind of standoffish, but when I was pregnant, suddenly everybody wanted to talk to me and I became so much more friendly with strangers. I realized “hey this feels good” and still try to make eye contact, smile, etc to people. Kindness just feels better than rudeness.
We used to joke that being called “nice” was a bad thing, but now if someone calls me “nice” I think it’s the greatest compliment!
I know, right? I now consider being “nice” a wonderful compliment.
This is so well thought out. There is a Jewel song where she sings “In the end, only kindness matters.” I truly believe that. The greed and selfishness that gets in the way of us loving one another and speaking out for others is the detriment of our society.
I am with you one appreciating discourse to a certain degree, hearing others out, spreading new ideas, etc. Yet, now it’s almost like you’re throwing yourself out to the sharks when you disagree. I realize that at one point in time Christians weren’t the minority in the states, but now I feel like the things I value and believe are considered either idiotic or bigotry. I sometimes feel like everyone is allowed to have an opinion except for Christians. I don’t know if that makes any sense. However, I know arguing or debating those topics won’t point anyone to Christ, so I try to live out what I believe rather than argue it. Kindness > being right.
Thanks, Kate.
It totally makes sense. People are definitely quick to assume that people with different opinions, Christians in particular, are bigots and it’s unfair.
I get what you’re saying. Sometimes it’s better to stay quiet than try to change somebody who’s set in their ways/beliefs.
First of all, I just want to say how impressed I am by the way you handled a political topic – arguably a hot button topic – so gracefully and managed to make your post about kindness and YOUR values. It’s not often you read about something political that doesn’t bash or slander, even if its subtle and you did a great job of creating respectful dialogue. And I completely agree- we are too rigid of a society now. Forever thinking in terms of us V them and good V bad – just look at diet culture! Love the message of tolerance and kindness you’re spreading here
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’ll admit it’s tempting to bash or alienate when you’re passionate about something, but in the end, what does that accomplish? Sometimes I wish I could just turn off all the TVs, radios, and social media and just wait until election day. 😉