Kindness is Key
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Kindness is Key

How important being nice is in everyday life. Spoilers: it's pretty important.

22
Kindness is Key
weheartit

I had the lovely opportunity to interview my good friend Matt in the wee hours of a Saturday morning about what's going on in his life, like converting churches, kindness, and fast food chains.

Starting our talk off, I ask Matt about his experience changing churches.

Matt recently started attending our local Catholic church, and with a new perspective on the youth group there, it's quite interesting to hear that unlike many others, such as myself, he finds it to be a large community and not at all to be broken into cliques or factions. This may be a result of the often sunny disposition he has, and a reputation for being nice that he considers "a problem because nobody's scared of the nice guy."

He started an organization about spreading kindness called Kindness is Key. It began when Matt started receiving random, hateful texts and found that responding with positive messages such as, "have a great day," were much more effective than responding with insults.

"There is so much hate in this world but all people need is kindness and happiness," he says, explaining his motives behind starting Kindness is Key. "Those paired with forgiveness and patience can change our world. That's my message."

The organization also includes suicide awareness among teens. Kindness is Key aims to be a support system for teens in need of someone to be there for them. As of now, Matthew is working on pulling together a website for the organization to operate from and is currently making deliveries of nice messages and candy to people's houses every week along with daily texts of encouragement to many people.

"As someone who was in a dark position before, having someone always on your side can really be a life saver," he replied when I asked him about his personal connection to this campaign.

The organization consists of friends that Matthew has recruited through either social media or word of mouth. He has high hopes of it someday becoming global, however, and believes the website will be a tremendous help in fulfilling that dream. We discuss a possible meeting place for the Kindness is Key community, turning the conversation entirely into a Waffle House-themed discussion. It might seem a little irrelevant but it proves that this truly is an organization driven by a group of teenagers passionate about others and are clearly motivated to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

Matt and Kindness is Key are here to lift each other and the people around them up and into a positive space.

"I want to spread kindness and save lives and honestly change the world. Call it cliche but who says I can't?" he says. Such inspiring words from a very inspiring person.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

104997
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments