In recent weeks, the news has reported on a kindness campaign started on Twitter by Ann Curry to honor the children murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School last month. People quickly jumped on board with stories of ways they’ve shared kindness and reported on acts of kindness being paid forward. These acts of niceties created a wave of positive vibes that spread across social media into real-time acts of goodness. If good feelings can spread from person to person virtually, imagine the impact you have in your daily interpersonal relationships.
Research shows that emotions are contagious. Surrounding ourselves with people who are generally good-natured and happy can make a difference in how positive we feel. We bring that positive energy home to our families and they feel it, too. They, in turn, are vectors of joy in their own circles. Obviously, the human experience doesn’t allow us to be happy and joyful all of the time, but understanding the impact emotions have on those closest to you should spur you to seek help if you feel stuck in a negative cycle.
Toxic emotions have the same effect as positive. Paranoia and fear feed the cycle of violence. Stress and anxiety thrive in isolation. Left unchecked, depression can seep quietly through an entire family. Yes, horrific events occur leaving us with more questions than answers. But sometimes fighting fire with fire or locking ourselves away behind an arsenal sends the message to our children that the world is a frightening, cold place. By connecting with others and offering comfort, we shine a torch to burn away the layers of darkness.
Acts of kindness don’t have to be momentous to make a difference. Reach out to a friend with a supportive hug, a phone call, email or text message. Offer a nod of understanding to a mom struggling with her toddler at the store. Make eye contact and smile at the customer service clerk. Invite a new neighbor to coffee with you and your friends. Slow down and allow the driver stuck in the lane next to you to merge. Thank the barista and wish her a good day.
Our small acts of spiritual generosity probably won’t do much to solve complicated issues (like our country’s mental health care problems) or ward off another painful attack committed by a madman, but in little ways we can brighten the world we live in, help people feel less alone, and build trust in each other as we set out to tackle those big issues. Connections are powerful. Make the most of yours. Who knows, you could set into a motion a domino effect, making the world just a little bit sunnier. What a meaningful way to honor 26 lives cut short.
“Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”
― St. Thérèse de Lisieux
