Kindness Challenge

Post date: Feb 06, 2018 3:24:48 PM

We watched Shane Koyczan's "To This Day...for the Bullied and the Beautiful". Koyczan's spoken word is a celebration of who we are as people and a message to not judge but to be kind. Remember that you are not the only one that walks with challenges and obstacles. Some may have it easier than you, some may have it as hard as you, some may have it harder than you, but at the end of the day, no one deserves to be treated unfairly or unkindly because of it. Everyone comes in with history - some of you have walked miles down roads I will never be able to follow you on, but that doesn't mean I can't celebrate how far you've come, how much you've grown, how strong you've been. You are all tremendous.

For the next 2 weeks, I offer you a Kindness Challenge. There is no prize but the love and appreciation you can receive from those you gift. Why? Because no matter how horrible life can seem, a true act of kindness and a true hand of friendship can ease that pain and help them bear the burden. Open your eyes and ears. See what people around you truly go through, listen to what they're trying to say behind the arsenal of defenses we all put up to protect ourselves. Remember Wayne Dyer's words: "If you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind" because being kind is power, but it is not an easy lesson to learn as you may think. Our selfish natures can get in the way, so be aware of your words and actions. They are the key to change and difference.

Choose a person or people to be kind to for the next 2 weeks. Do something nice for them that they would not expect you to do and something you know they'll appreciate. If you so wish, e-mail me about what you did and what happened from it. I would love to hear your stories.

If I may make a few recommendations:

- Your parents / guardians: A lot of times they go through a lot more than they let on. They've learned the art form of hiding their pains and even if you think you know of everything that's going on, be watchful and aware. You might find out that there's a lot more to it than what you originally thought.

- Your constantly complaining friend or the one that mooches off of you: They may come off as annoying, but what made them that way? Is everything in life going all right? Are you sure they're complaining just to complain? Did something happen that they haven't talked to you about? Maybe they just need someone to listen.

- The teacher you dislike the most: Trust me. There's more than meets the eye here. Pay attention.

Of course, the choice is yours on who you'd like to be kind to. The point is - be kind.