Photo by Mei-Ling Mirow from Unsplash

Kindness can be manifested in numerous ways, may it be bringing someone a glass of water or helping a kid out on his math assignment due tomorrow. Kindness is about showing somebody the beauty of relationship and life by the way you talk and act. Kindness is pure, honest, and genuine; the  very act itself is priceless. However, humanity can give and interpret kindness in our own selfish ways. We can turn something so beautiful into a fickle, meaningless personal gain, especially when the stakes get too high.

Not a single soul on Earth has anticipated the outbreak of Covid-19, and we all felt bummed about how this virus massively impacted our lives. It has caused not only a huge delay to our individual plans but also for the country’s economic progress. All of our lives are affected as much as we ae susceptible to worse consequent repercussions. However, as we approach not only Christmas but the end of the year 2020, let’s not dwell on the things that are missing and focus instead on the things that truly matter.

When we were kids, we were taught to identify those who built multibillion establishments, bagged all the awards in school, received the highest pay in salary, and all other things involving money and prestige as our icons and idols. Although there’s nothing potentially wrong with making these individuals your inspiration to work harder and to persevere, let’s not forget those who may not succeed as much as them (as society dictates) but continually make an effort to restore faith in humanity. 

 

10 REASONS YOU SHOULD BE KIND:

 

1. Be kind  because it’s a manifestation of the goodness inside you.
   
   
2. Be kind because you never know what someone’s struggling with.
   
   
3. Be kind because it allows you to see life in a lighter perspective.
   
   
4. Be kind because it refuels your purpose.
   
   
5. Be kind because someone was kind to you, and still choose to be even if your kindness will not reciprocated.
   
   
6. Be kind because that’s what the world needs now, more than ever.
   
   
7. Be kind because it’s a beautiful way to connect with people.
   
   
8. Be kind because others need to see it by example.
   
   
9.  Be kind because it heals the scars in your heart.
   
   
10. Be kind because you have to. 

 

WHO MUST YOU BE KIND TO? 

 

TO YOURSELF:

 

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH 

 

Wake up early in the morning with sufficient amount of sleep enough to give you the energy you need for the whole day. Start with cooking yourself a healthy breakfast and drink lots of water. Eat your meals on time and start replacing junk food and sweets with fruits. If you’re not into eating vegetables, train yourself to eat them as they are just as important as food with carbohydrates. Even if you can’t go outside, make it a daily goal to exercise regularly in your home (even a couple of stretches in the morning and at night can greatly help to get your blood pumping). Start taking note of the food you’re eating (quantity and frequency) and the vitamins you’re intaking.

During this pandemic, it’s significant to fortify our immune system to block the virus from infiltrating our bodies. Be kind to yourself by making sure you’re healthy in all aspects, starting from your physical health. Cut off all your bad habits like staying up late at night and spending too much screen time on any device. If you like, you can also maintain your skincare routine to exfoliate the dirt and pollens on your skin.

REST 

 

Resting doesn’t only mean having 8 hours of sleep a day. It also means taking time not to shut the world but to be at peace with everything you have. It’s about practicing mindfulness and contentment. Resting means being self-aware and honest to yourself. A pandemic has happened and there’s nothing we can do to take it back but to salvage what we can.

This is applicable to businesses, creators, students, and even to you. Appreciate the people who have stayed with you and have never left your side. Be at peace with the future even if it seems impossible because you know there is a King and Creator who is in control of everything. Rest in His glory and have faith that you will soon get what you deserve. 

 

LET GO OF YOUR PLANS AND EXPECTATIONS 

 

Being kind to yourself also entails letting go of your expectations. Whether we’ve done so much before to prevent from having setbacks, sometimes life hands out trials that we have no control over.  Be kind to yourself by not succumbing to internal and external pressure. During these times, all you have to prioritize on is getting through it with your family and loved ones healthy and safe.

Our plans may have drastically changed but the people who were doing it for haven’t. For now, the important thing is repairing and strengthening our bonds of companionship. Look in the bright side of things because you have no other choice. A healthy and optimistic perspective of life is your key to seeing a bright future ahead of you. 

 

STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR LOVED ONES 

 

During this pandemic, one way to restore your peace is to make happy memories with your loved ones. Plan out dates to travel and rekindle family traditions. Through the past few years, you may have been working so hard to get where you are now, sacrificing family time. Now, you have the opportunity to reconnect with your parents, siblings, cousins, and friends whom you treat as family. Don’t take for granted the time that you have because you may never have another one. Remember that your success won’t mean as much if you have no one else to spend it with. Don’t trade the people you love with something unimportant, something that can’t wipe away your tears when you’re sad. 

 

SET GOALS FOR YOURSELF 

 

Setting goals for yourself makes you look forward to making them happen after this pandemic is over. By investing in your passion, you motivate yourself to wake up another day and work on what you’re meant to do. If you don’t keep yourself busy improving yourself, your mind will linger in an ocean of doubts and fears about the future. It’s important not to lose track of your dreams. When you create plans for your next move, you not only in control but also prepared for the time when all of this is over. Some may be demotivated during the pandemic (and they have valid reasons to do so), but isn’t it better to face life by starting fresh  and ready? 

 

TO YOUR FAMILY:

 

HELP WITH THE HOUSEHOLD CHORES 

 

Be wary of the responsibilities you have in your own home. Also remember that you have a role at home and you have to stick up with it. It’s embarrassing to hear you’ve bought all the most expensive products for your skin, but you can’t even clean the toilet. You’ve purchased all the limited edition designs for your room, but leave dirty laundry under your bed for your mom to clean. Is that really self-care if you can’t fend for yourself? Is it self-care if you can’t clean up your own mess? 

 

PREPARE FAMILY ACTIVITES 

 

Now that you’re a teenager or a young adult in your twenties, make an effort to host family activities on weekends or every day. Host family games to make it all fun and festive. This can be a special way to thank them and stitch broken relationships if you had any conflict. Try not to keep thinking about the problems of your business or your  failed appointments; you will have more than enough time to work on those. 

LIMIT USING GADGETS AND MOBILE DEVICES

 

In their presence, minimize sticking your faces to your phones, iPods, laptops, etc. Your parents may have adapted technology and have embraced the fun out of it but perhaps your grandmothers and grandfathers haven’t. Don’t exclude them out of the conversation. Remember that they, among all, are the most vulnerable in this pandemic. Have some personal interaction by talking to them face-to-face and remembering their mannerisms and quirks. Whenever you’re eating at the dining table, stop texting and scrolling down your feeds. Ask about their lives and engage in them. 

 

APOLOGIZE WHEN YOU’VE DONE WRONG   

 

Living with your family for over 8 months with having nobody else to talk to may have its disadvantages. Usually, you’ll have inevitable quarrels and unnecessary drama. Perhaps, you want some privacy or you might not be used to seeing the same kind of people every day. Covid-19 has already claimed so many lives, and that’s more than enough reason to cherish the ones you love. Those stupid disagreements shouldn’t break a permanent relationship. It’s not worth it. Apologize and forgive while you still have time. 

 

BE APPRECIATIVE AND COMPLAIN LESS

 

This year, more than ever, is not the right time to complain about anything. You have to be grateful that you are alive along with your family in good health. This should be the time when we appreciate what we’ve left and recognized what truly matters — the safety and well-being of everyone around us. Fickle, unimportant matters like societal status or our image on social media should be the least of our concerns.

 

TO YOUR FRIENDS:

 

PHONE YOUR FRIEND 

 

In the middle of a pandemic, uncertain times can come more frequently. Call your friend and ask her how she’s doing. Listen to her rants; maybe you can help her out. If she has problems, give a few minutes of your time to talk about it and be a good friend. You might be exactly what she needs. You can also reminisce about the fun times you had prior to the pandemic. That way, you can make plans and look forward to seeing her without feeling so down.

SHOW LOVE TO THEIR SIDE HUSTLES

 

Your friends may be doing whatever they can to earn money. You can help them by showing love to their passions, gigs, art workshops, etc. You can share them and spread it through social media. Whether they’re doing online classes or building a business, offer time and service to them. Assist them in their undertaking if they ask for it. Give them your full support because that’s what friends do. You don’t cancel them out or discourage them by instilling fear in their plans.

SEND THEM PRESENTS 

 

To show your appreciation, you can send them personalized presents from online shops in the market. You can even buy from local businesses to help them grow sales too. Although material things shouldn’t be the basis for a healthy friendship, sometimes it can be a good substitution for hanging out when  circumstances don’t permit.

UNDERSTAND THEIR SITUATION 

 

Don’t be that kind of friend who snobs on their friends when they’re not given a gift on their birthdays. Don’t expect to be given full attention 24/7 because they also have their own lives to deal with. Understand that all of us are going through something differently; therefore, we must extend our care, patience, and understanding. Your friendship will still live on even when you don’t communicate every hour of every day. 

 

WRITE SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

 

A simple appreciation post on your story or post would brighten up their day. Tell them how much you’re thankful to have them in your life. You can send them an update of how your life is going so they wouldn’t miss a thing and vice versa. Your message may just cheer them up and bring positivity to their day. Maintain the communication even when you have different priorities.

 

TO THE COMMUNITY: 

SUPPORT GROWING BUSINESSES 

 

Show your support to local businesses by sharing their content, promoting their products or services, and purchasing them at full price. This will not only help businesses but also encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to step on their game too. The money will circulate and the economy will rise back up eventually. By helping one local business, you’re helping the employees, their families, and the chosen charity organizations the company is affiliated with. It will be a win-win for you and for the beneficiaries. 

 

DONATE 

 

Donation drives have been growing very popular lately now that’s easy as a swipe of a finger to send money to those in need. Use this advantage to donate money to the right causes. Help in any way you can even when you’re only at home. Also, be careful of fake donation drives spreading across social media.

WEAR A MASK 

 

No matter what anybody says, wearing a mask is not only a way to protect yourself and other people, it is also a sign of respect. It is a manifestation of your concern and obligation to protect the lives of other people. Wearing a mask is not in any way a political statement but is a proof of your allegiance to your country’s laws and policies. Following health regulations is an important call of action we all must abide by to help prevent the further spread of Covid-19. 

 

DON’T SHARE FAKE NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA 

 

Be careful what you share on social media. Don’t be one of the perpetrators of fake news. Don’t share irrelevant, spam, and inaccurate information in a medium where a huge audience use to education themselves. Make sure the content you post or share comes from a credible and reliable source so that the ignorant people who use the platform won’t digest wrong data. Also,  don’t stain the minds of the youth who still aren’t wise and mature enough to differentiate right from wrong; some things can’t easily be erased when they’re persuaded.

DON’T BE QUICK TO JUDGE 

 

During this trying time, we tend to pass on the blame to anyone who breaks the rules. We label them irresponsible and inconsiderate with their decisions because they have to get out of their houses. Let us remember that we live different lives. Don’t be too quick to judge people who need to get out of their houses to work so they can put food on the table. They may not have any other source of income, unlike you. Albeit it’s a huge risk to go out, they have no other choice but to find money to survive and to keep their children from dying of hunger. Give them a chance to prove themselves by following safety and health protocols.

 

CONCLUSION: 

 

In a world full of hatred, be a vessel of kindness. Yes, kindness may be subjective and its degree and impact may vary from one person to another, but be kind anyway. Some may see you as a kind person, and some may see you as not kind enough. On the other hand, some may see you as kinder than the other, while some may see you as not kind at all. Regardless of how people measure your kindness, don’t be discouraged by them quantifying your good deeds. After all, that speaks a lot about them than it does to you. 

 

 

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”

Albert Schweitzer