The world is a changing place, and people often get caught up in their fear. Fear leads to misunderstanding and hatred. Being kind is a constant uphill battle, but the more people that take up arms the cleaner the battlefield will be. Disney has a way of capturing human nature, so I am using the newest Cinderella movie to give you a guide to kindness.
1. "Just because it's what's done doesn't mean it's what should be."
If everyone is doing it must be right, right? Wrong. Most people are sheep and will follow the Shepard even if the Shepard is leading them off a cliff. Take a step back and think about what is right and wrong. Think about how you would feel if the roles were reversed.
2. "The greatest risk any of us will take, is to be seen as we are."
We are all made unique and it isn't easy to be the unique character we were made to be. Our differences should be celebrated, not used against us. Judgement should not be placed until you understand who that person is; unfortunately, that can take time, something people have little patience for.
3. "I have to tell you a secret that will see you through all the trials that life can offer. Have courage and be kind."
Have courage to stand up for others. Don't let people spread rumors or say hurtful words toward another. Have courage to go against the crowd. Be kind to those who may have never known kindness. Be kind because someday you will want someone to be kind to you.
4. "Be good to your stepmother and stepsisters even though they may be trying at times."
The people that mistreat others are the ones it is hardest to be kind to, but they are also the ones that often need it the most. "They treat me as well as they are able. Others have it worse I am sure." You never know what showing a piece of kindness will do for someone else and the greatest satisfaction in life comes from helping others.
5. "Time passes and pain turns into memory."
Don't hold grudges because it does more to you than the person you are holding it against. Eventually, everything becomes memory, but you can control what is remembered and what isn't. People can change, and sometimes that means your memory must be short.
6. "Those friends she did have she treated with an open heart and an open hand."
An open heart means you will not hold judgement but rather be a supportive shoulder. An open hand means you will not push them down but up and higher. The company you keep shapes who you are.
7. "Where there is kindness there is goodness, and where there is goodness there is magic."
Let the world be a magical place. Be kind. "Kindness makes it everything."
"Kindness is free. Love is free."
