I don't care what political party you're in. I don't care how much your shoes or your purse cost. I don't care who or how you love. I care that you are a kind human being.

There is enough violence and hatred in this world without people causing petty drama because they're bored or feel invincible behind a phone screen. There are too many people hurting from actual violence to attack each other over politics. There are too many people hating themselves for not fitting a "perfect" societal ideal. There are much more important things in this world.

I'm not asking you to go out and change the world. I'm just asking you to take your everyday life and put it under a microscope for a minute. How often are you intentional about being kind? To yourself? To others? To the planet? If you're like most of America, odds are you're busy enough as it is! It costs approximately $0.00 to be a kind person. That being said, I have a challenge for you this week. Pick one of the three choices below, and try to be a little more kind this week:

1. Be Kind to Yourself

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-girl-beauty-mask-3192/

Being kind to yourself is much more than just doing a face mask and calling it good. That's a great thing to do, but here are a few alternatives! Once we are kind to ourselves, we can focus on being kind to the world around us.

• Talk to someone you love. Call up a friend, or even better...call your mom (or mother-figure!) If phone calls aren't your thing, text someone you love, but consider trying out a direct phone call!
• Put down your phone. Designate an hour or so where you go technology-free. Read a book, sit and stare at the wall, play with an animal. Disconnect. Your Instagram feed will still be there when you get back, I promise.
• Make a list. Stop whatever you are doing, and take time to be thankful for your life. Make a list of things you love, things that make you smile, things that make you feel better. Draw your direct attention to the good things in your life.
• Forgive yourself. Whether it is for a big mistake or just being a little clumsy, take time to directly recognize the issue, and forgive yourself for messing up. You're only human, after all.

2. Be Kind to the Planet

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-terrestrial-globe-scale-model-taken-1079033/

Relax, I'm not going to yell at you about single-use plastic (today…) but consider doing just a few things to give back to the planet that provides us with shelter and life.

• Forego the plastic straws for a week! If you go to a restaurant, simply don't use the ones given, or ask that they bring your drink without one!
• Pick up 5 pieces of trash a day. From the ground, from your workplace break room, wherever you see litter.
• Plant something. I know it's cold right now, but it can be something indoors like a houseplant or herb garden!

3. Be Kind to Others

https://www.pexels.com/photo/ground-group-growth-hands-461049/

How often are you deliberately kind to others? In the social media age, we feel invincible behind our screens, not caring about who we hurt with what we say. This week, try one of these ways to be more kind to others.

• Every day, compliment someone on something other than their appearance. This can be someone's work ethic, or their musical talent, or how happy they make you.
• If you see someone trolling online, and you feel like you just have to start an argument, don't! Keep scrolling.

Make a conscious effort to spend time with someone you disagree with. Don't try to change their mind. Go out to coffee with your coworker that votes differently from you, or talk to that family member that always gets under your skin. It is crucial that we see past our differences and start seeing each other as human beings.

Be present. Be kind.