Why, nowadays, if someone goes out of their way for you, is it a surprise? Especially if it's a stranger. When did society decide that it was no longer time to be kind to one another?
Recently, from my freshman college experience, I've come to the realization that all people don't have the same heart as me. Especially in this chapter of our lives, it is important to be kind. This is where kindness not only determines the way connections we make make us look, but also their willingness to help. In college, we are all here to become better, educated people. We are going to need help. A quote that's resonated with me as I entered college life is,
"You'll end up very disappointed if you think people will do the same for you as you do for them. Not everyone has the same heart as you."
-Anonymous
Actually, when you adopt a kinder lifestyle, your body changes too! "The Science of Kindness" by Life Vest Inside on youtube, explains that initially when you do something kind, your body produces serotonin. Serotonin will help you heal wounds, feel happier and calm you. Not only does serotonin increase in the giver and receiver of the act of kindness, but everyone seeing it.
But wait, there's so much more that happens when you are kind. Endorphins release, and endorphins are a natural pain killer. Oxytocin production is increased, promoting calmness, bonding, a healthy immune system and increased trust in people. Cortisol is decreased, which lowers your stress levels. The best part is that compassionate people possess twice the amount of DHEA, which slows down aging. So being kind is a natural way of staying young!
Orly Wahba, in her TED Talk titled, Kindness, explains a project she started with her middle school students. "Acts of Kindness Cards" were her way of showing her students how small, but profound, their acts of kindness could be. The infectious nature of kindness was apparent. She continues on to tell her stories of the lives she has changed with simple acts of kindness, all perpetuated by her "Acts of Kindness Cards". She has created a wonderful program called Life Vest Inside. There you can see the projects and stories that have come from her "Act of Kindness Cards."
Coming from a small town where everyone knows your name, what you do for a living and what you had for breakfast, a college campus with students from all walks of life, was expected to be different. I've seen what people are like when they lack kindness and when they are filled with it. Part of the key to being happy is being happy with yourself. Kindness is readily available to everyone. Anyone can pay it forward in any way. You have the potential to set in motion a chain of events that will change lives.
That's why, to me, kindness is so important. Life is too short to not help one another out.
"If you're helping someone and expecting something in return, you're doing business, not kindness."
-Anonymous
