kindness for others
Start writing a post
Student Life

If your door For Kindness isn’t always open, learn to crack a window

Kindness is contagious.

868
If your door For Kindness isn’t always open, learn to crack a window
Grace Vazquez

As a nineteen-year-old girl, I believe I've seen or personally been through a lot of phases. There's the girly phase, emo phase, quiet phase, and many more. As children become adults, they hit many of these phases, but there is one that should stick.

As an adolescent, there is one trait I have appreciated seeing in anyone I come across. These people truly understand how important it is to stop and just focus on the conversation they're engaged in. Not only are they kind, but they listen. I consider this to be the "pre-middle school" phase if you will, or even the "opposite of bullying" phase (the name's still a work in progress).

This phase cannot be summarized into a short name because it's based on a wide range of actions as well as a change of heart. The people who possess this mindstate are truly one-of-a-kind, meaning they are too unique to be defined by one word.

The phase I am speaking of is one that's main attributes are kindness, determination, adoration, and the readiness to assist others at all times. Those who express these traits listen to others with not just their eyes, but their mind is engaged as well. They are a kind face full of sincere wisdom to those who need it. They are the voice of those who haven't found their own strength yet. They are "a breath of fresh air" on a suffocatingly hot day. These are the people that I strive to be like.

This phase is often one found in children before the "real world" hits. They do not feel too shy to speak their mind and often believe they should stand up for what is right. As a preschool teacher, I can not guarantee that every child acts this way (they definitely don't), but have you ever noticed how a child doesn't discriminate against anyone?

Another example can be found on the playground. No one seems to be left out the same way they are in middle school and beyond. Children take the term "ignorance is bliss" and live it to the fullest, making their actions reflect how they genuinely feel.

Now, adults who possess this phase often have come to that point through a hardship. The more someone experiences, the wiser (and usually kinder) they become. This isn't necessarily always the case, but it has played a large role in the softening of one's heart.

I am not saying you should sell all of your things and become a missionary. However, we can all be kind in the lifestyles we currently hold. Ask yourself when the last time was that you were truly present in a conversation. Another important question is concerning the last time you helped a stranger by holding a door or noticing they're down and being the kind face that talks with them. This phase is certainly an optional one to go through, but I hope that as people go through their own experiences and grow, they will learn to develop this mentality just as others have.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56144
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36169
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958125
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187729
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments