Growing up, I always had this inherent belief that kindness is the best gift that an individual could ever give someone. This is especially true in terms of a day-to-day basis. I didn't care if it was a little compliment to someone walking down a hallway, or maybe a comforting shoulder to cry on, it didn't matter to me. All I wanted was to be kind to others. While this action was certainly taught and encouraged by my parents when I was young, pleasing and impressing them was not my goal. I simply just wanted to make things, people, and situations better, to put it plainly. Despite the fact that I was just a kid, I felt like I had a deep conceptual understanding of its necessity. I was, and still am, perceptive enough to realize that life is not always wonderful and that people are not always as supportive as they need to be. It is unfortunate, but it is sadly the world that we live in. So what can we do about it? As individuals do we have the capabilities to turn someone’s day around? Yes, yes we freaking do, and an excellent way to do that is simply by being kind.

As I got older, especially in middle school, these traditions remained constant and strong. In fact, my internal campaign towards confidence through kindness grew stronger. Why? Because I had something to work towards, something to fight for. All around me I saw individuals who gossiped about their “friends,” people who were adamantly exclusive to others, and blatant disrespect out the wazoo – whether that was towards teachers, parents, classmates, teammates, or to themselves. It was frightening, but for a girl whose goal in life was to be kind, I saw it as an opportunity. Soon enough, through my actions, I became a go-to girl for a vent session and advice. They trusted me. They knew that I was someone who could lend a listening ear and an encouraging hand. I was someone who would remain kind, no matter what. I guess it became my calling card, and I couldn’t be happier to have such an identity.

However, it is disheartening to realize that our world, and especially the United States, seems to have forgotten how to be kind. People do not know how to politely disagree with others, especially on social media. I get on Facebook and I see long ranting posts using derogatory and hurtful words, all because a disagreement has occurred. It is ridiculous and, to be honest, greatly wearing on my heart. A simple fact that people often disregard is that words are our greatest source of power. They have the ability to uplift and encourage, but can also destroy and ruin anything in its path. If that is the case, then why are we wasting our precious words by utilizing them in harmful ways? Do we actually believe that acting in such a way gets our point across? In my 21 years of life I have learned that being kind is a much better alternative. I have learned how to stand up for myself, while remaining respectful and kind. It is difficult sometimes, trust me, but it is a million times more effective.

In the end, I am tired of kindness being perceived as this forgotten tool. Kindness is also not a reason for people to walk all over you. Be confident, be strong, stand up for yourself, but be kind. It is possible to be all of these things, I promise. I cannot stress enough the necessity that kindness plays in relation to our status as a country. Be a light in someone’s life. Be that person who makes them smile after a rough day. Be the positive change amidst negativity. It can be done, but it all starts with being kind.