Be Kind.

Our world would be a different place if everyone "[chose] everyday to offer, thank, encourage, inspire, and let others know you notice and believe in them.” (Anglea Maiers) But how do people accomplish doing each of these things everyday? It's simple, we need to be KIND.

K is for KNOWLEDGE. Everyday students walk down the hall in a high school and smile at their fellow students but how many of them really KNOW their peers? To truly be kind to someone, they need to be listened to and known. They need to be recognized for their gifts. Showing ultimate kindness requires someone to let go of how they feel or what they want to talk about and instead listening and learning from the person sitting in front of them. If no one KNOWS the person sitting next to them they haven't really been kind at all. Kindness isn't just a slight smile.

I stands for INVITATION. Being kind requires more than saying "hello" to someone in the hall. When my family and I started attending our church we felt hospitality and kindness coming from all. Not because they greeted us at the door, but because they INVITED us into their homes to share a home cooked meal. They took time to know us and prepare their home for us. Today, students might not be inviting people over for dinner, but an INVITATION to see a movie or an offer to buy someone's lunch can go a very long way. We need to remember as a society that people judge on other's actions and what better action than taking time to devote attention to a single person through an invitation.

N is for NEEDS. One truly feels cared about when someone acknowledges their needs and provides for them. It could be a much needed compliment or so much as a winter coat. More people need to show kindness in ways of giving and attending to peoples NEEDS. How often do people look around and ask what do other people need? Not often. We are a self consumed nation and that pours over into every aspect of our life. Kindness is difficult. It requires giving up what is wanted and loving someone simply because it is the right thing to do. We need to care for other's NEEDS because we need them to care for our needs as well.

D stands for DARING. How many times are the odd kids made fun of? How often do the kids that don't quite fit in sit at a table all alone in the lunch room? DARE to be that one person who is kind! In the end, it wont matter to anyone if you were friends with the normal kids, the ones who played sports well, the ones who had the most expensive clothes, the only people who will be acknowledged for their kindness will be the people who DARED to be kind to the different. Kindness inspires people. Kindness gives hope. Kindness requires DARING. Don't take the easy way out. Reach out with kindness to those who need it most.

In the hustle of life and school, we forget one of the most important things. KINDNESS. Once that quality is accomplished, offering, thankfulness, encouragement, and inspiration will all follow. Instead of saying we will change our world by being different, lets define difference as an act. That act is kindness.