By Linda Commito
I’ve always loved reading and writing about TRENDS, especially when I had a home accessory business. It’s interesting to discover how trends start and how they can affect or inspire us. Sometimes we aren’t even aware that a collective movement towards an idea or concept influences our thoughts and actions.
It seems obvious, and many studies indicate, that we are experiencing a lack of compassion. According to a poll by Kindness USA, “only 25 percent of Americans believe we’re living in a kind society.” One could find countless examples to validate that report.
Regardless of the evidence that empathy and kindness are diminishing in our current society, I still have faith that the trend is, and will be, toward increasing kindness. I believe that “being kind to each other is not just some altruistic notion, but is critical to the survival of our species.”
Humans are inherently social and strive to be in balance. What better way to achieve that today than to create a counter balance to rude and unkind acts through increased kindness and compassion.
I don’t like to admit it, but I find that I am more motivated to do something about promoting a kindness consciousness when I am feeling discouraged, especially in this negative political climate. But maybe that’s what is needed to shift us to a place of greater concern for the well-being of our fellow citizens. What I am noticing is that people and organizations are already making inroads to creating a kinder world.
For example, in the January 1st Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the front page of the Parade, decorated with brightly colored dots, was titled: “Throw kindness around like confetti! It’s the little things we do that make all the difference.” Inside were three full pages dedicated to kindness, starting with Paula Spencer Scott’s article titled: “2017 Year of Being Kind,” and a focus on Lady GaGa’s Born This Way Foundation and her statement:
“Kindness is showing LOVE to someone else. I believe that kindness is the cure to violence and hatred around the world.”
Get involved! Get inspired! Immerse yourself in reading about individuals and organizations focused on promoting kindness. I loved what a young woman—Orly Wahba, CEO of Kindness USA—shared in her video Kindness Boomerang: . . .and her Ted Talk on the ‘magic of kindness’ was inspiring.
I recently met with an engaging college senior student who has committed to support the Kindness Starts with Me program (kindnessstartswithme.com), infusing animation and new ideas to excite and motivate children to be kinder. The millennials have helped me to feel more hopeful about our future.
What we focus on is what we see and believe. I have been seeking something good to believe in, talking to everyday people to learn what they are experiencing in their lives that is positive and what they are doing to create a kinder society. These are messages and stories that we need to hear more about and they are everywhere.
Be a trendsetter: Trending Kindness!
It’s time to have our own movement, a kindness campaign to create a different kind of future that will have a long-lasting effect on the quality of our lives. Each person, each loving act, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect. We can “kind it forward” and spark a movement to make kindness a major trend.
I invite you to share your positive, uplifting news and stories on kindness with Transformation Magazine by emailing editor Lisa Cedrone at Lisa@suncoasttransformation.com. You also can read about Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and numerous other organizations that will soon be listed on the www.loveisthenewcurrency.com website as a resource for ‘GOOD NEWS’.
Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Her award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Linda believes that in order to inspire a kinder world the place to start is with children. She recently volunteered at a Title One elementary school, working with over 500 students, to create and facilitate “Kindness Starts With Me,” the results of which include a website (www.kindnessstartswithme.com) and a book for children. Also visit www.loveisthenewcurrency.com for more information and/or to sign up for an uplifting monthly newsletter.