In a world that is full of such darkness at times, it is so important now more than ever to try to be a part of the light that shines through. It's true, this is a scary world that we live in. You see events on the news, you hear things that happen around you, and you wonder if something will happen to you or one of your loved ones. It's so important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. But it's also just as important to be kind to people.

When I was younger, my parents always told me to be nice to everyone around you, because you never know what kind of life someone has or what they're going through. When you're young it's so easy to believe that everyone is as fortunate as you are. Being exposed to all kinds of people has shown me that there are all types of people from different backgrounds. And they all need love.

In my opinion, it's much more easy to be kind to someone than to go out of your way to be unpleasant. Many people say that first impressions are everything. Would you want someone to think you aren't very nice based on one interaction with or around you? I wouldn't want that for myself. Everyone has bad days, but there's no reason to take it out on the cashier at the grocery store or your waitress. I think the way someone treats a stranger says so much about their character. If you can be kind to your friends and family, what harm would it do to be nice to someone you've never met.

I love the quote by Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." From my experience, this is so true. When people have been unkind to me, it has left a lasting mark that I will never forget. At the same time, when strangers have been kind to me, it has given me hope that there are still great people in the world that care about how they make you feel.

I would encourage you to be kind to anyone you come across. If you knew that you could brighten someone's day with a smile or a kind word, wouldn't you do it?