College: it is the best of times but also the worst of times. You go from living the life (and having everything paid for) to being on your own and having to figure out everything for yourself. Add in a full course load, two jobs, and living off of Ramen and dollar-menu items and you have the life of a typical college student. Naps are rare but somehow also become your best friend. All of this is to say that college is a trying time emotionally, mentally, and physically. We all are struggling – and some days are worse than others, but that’s why we need to be for each other. We need to root for one another, instead of tearing others down and waiting for them to fall short.
“Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle,” a friend reminded me the other day. That’s something we forget a lot. We get so absorbed in the busyness of our own lives that we don’t pause to make sure our loved ones are doing okay. People need to know that they are loved – that they are worthy and good enough and are doing well. I hate that I see headlines of suicides all too often, knowing that if these individuals knew how much they were loved or how much someone believed in them, that it could have made all the difference.
Kindness is like pixie dust. It’s this magical element that has the power of turning someone’s day completely around. It comes in many, many forms but here are a few:
A Handwritten Note
YES. Who doesn’t love a handwritten letter? These things are a dying art but that makes it that much more genuine and intentional. Go and tell someone how beautiful you think they are. Tell someone you how great of a friend they are and how much you appreciate them.
Volunteer
Be selfless. In a generation so self-absorbed, go against the status quo and serve others instead of focusing on yourself. Whether that be volunteering at your local Big Brothers Big Sisters, feeding the homeless, or going on a mission trip, know that you have the power to impact someone’s life positively. Be brave enough to do so.
Be A Good Samaritan
See that lady who can’t reach the top shelf at the grocery store? What about the old man trying to cross the street? The little girl who lost her mother in the mall? How about your friend who tweeted about the crappy day they’re having? They all need your help. Take a few minutes out of your day to help show that you noticed them, and you wanted to help.
Pay It Forward
What better way to make someone’s day than to spread the love? Keep the positivity flowing and it will come back sevenfold. Write random encouragements and stick them randomly on campus. Bake some treats for others. Smile at everyone you walk past. Buy someone’s meal or drink for the person who’s behind you in line. The list is endless.
I’ve witnessed the power a few kind words and encouragement do; and man, does it do wonders. Sometimes life will kick you down, but don’t let that be your reason to be a Negative Nancy. Dust yourself off and get back up. Go out there and throw kindness around like it’s dang confetti. Life is too short to spend it living any other way.
