My mom has taught me a lesson my whole life that has truly changed the way I perceive the world and other people. For as long as I can remember, every time I complain about someone or vent to her about people driving me nuts, she consistently reminds me: “Lauren, just be nice”.
My mom isn't wrong. She's actually spot on. It really isn't that hard to just be nice to people. Think before you speak, treat others how you wish to be treated, the whole thing.
It’s really not that hard to be kind to others.
Nobody is asking you to go out of your way to be incredibly extroverted to every single stranger you encounter. Nobody needs you to be fake happy for them or pretend to be interested when you are not. The simple concept of just being kind to others is something we should always have in our minds and exercise.
There are people fighting battles around you every day that you know nothing about. You have things going on in your life that plenty of people do not know or appreciate. You deserve others to be kind to you, and they deserve the same.
This being said, this article is to serve as a reminder:
A reminder that you are lucky to be here, reading this.
You are lucky to be where you are and to have people in your life that you have.
That even if you feel alone, you will always have someone.
It is a reminder that everyone is dealing with things you know nothing about.
It is a reminder that there is always someone there for you, no matter how it feels.
And it is a reminder that you can make a genuine impact on others by simply being kind.
It doesn't cost you anything to be nice to others.
So before you speak about things you do not know, remark on things you do not understand or say things you do not mean, please remember that nothing can make a difference like simple, genuine, kind words can. You and everyone around you deserves to feel appreciated and included. So although it may be easier to be hurtful, laugh something off, or not to say anything at all, try to find nice words to say instead.
Try to be the someone that someone else needs today.
In the words of Joe Newton,
“It is nice to be great, but far greater to be nice”
