We’re living in unprecedented times, an America I’ve never seen before. It’s terrifying. Honestly, I just can’t keep watching the amount of negativity out there today. It’s everywhere you look, tv and social media. Over the past couple months, it seems like there is nothing but negativity all around us. Whether it’s the Covid 19 pandemic, deaths, destruction, brutality, riots, looting, and protests, it seems like there’s nothing good happening in our world. Sometimes it doesn’t even seem real, it’s like your watching a horror movie or Handmaid’s Tale. What’s next? Flesh eating zombies? Totalitarianism? It’s all overwhelming to deal with and I fear this new lifestyle will become permanent and the thought of it is disheartening.

There’s so much chaos in the world and I know I can’t change it all. However,  we can focus on our little corner of the world to make it better. I was driving to get groceries during the senior/immune compromised hours at 7am when this song came on the radio, “I believe most people are good.” That song got me thinking. I do believe most people are good! I’m not saying there aren’t people that are evil with evil intentions but I choose to believe in the goodness of people. For instance, take a minute to sit with a toddler. See life from their perspective, they’re happy and content and unaware of the chaos. At first I was sad, thinking what kind of world will this baby grow up in. But then I thought, we need to do better for the children of this world. I do not want them to inherit this kind of world. We need to make it better.

Deep down I truly believe most people are good but somehow our society has lost the sanctity of community and looking out for your fellow man (or woman). I don’t care about color, creed or political affiliation, it’s time to help your fellow man, woman and child. Can it be just that simple?

If I focus on life only through media outlets, then I’m going to miss out on the good people out there. I choose to find the good in the world. I’m going to focus on the good people that are around me. I can find kindness in my family, friends and my community. That’s a blessing. I’m going to challenge myself to do better to change the perspective and be the change that is needed. Find the love. It’s really not that hard; a young couple holding hands while walking in the park, a toddler’s laugh, school age children riding their bikes, 20 somethings getting engaged, an older couple celebrating their 40th anniversary, families talking threw windows just so they can see each other and adult kids grocery shopping for their elders.

There is love out there! And, there is hope for our future. Am I worried? Of course. I’m afraid to ask what’s next! However, I believe nothing lasts forever. That theory applies to good times and bad. So I urge you to look around and find the love. Be that person who supports others. Be kind. Offer a helpful hand to someone who needs it. Call someone who’s lonely. Listen to what people have to say and try to understand. Be compassionate. Sometimes you might have to agree to disagree but you can still remain friends and be respectful. Show respect for humans, animals and our planet. In the end, it matters not what you have but the good deeds you leave behind. Whether it’s big or small, add kindness to your daily routine. It doesn’t require a lot of time or expense.

#kindnessmatters