Young people in our society today glorify "not caring" and "being heartless." While I agree that having thick skin is beneficial, that does not mean that one has to take others down in the process of trying to gain success. I have seen too many good people plagued by the notion that being heartless is the right way to go. It is not. It is important to consider what things in our daily lives require our energy and attention. However, yielding an "I don't care" attitude can turn others away.

When it comes to myself, any person that knows me would immediately describe me as sensitive. I can't even disagree. I know I have a heart bigger than my brain, and sometimes that can cause problems that I don't want to tackle. For instance, an issue that may not even bother one person could have me in hysterics for an entire day, maybe even longer. I care about minuscule things. I dwell on the past. I recognize that this isn't necessarily healthy. Most people agree that "sensitive" people are like welcome mats in the sense that we get walked all over. In some cases, that can be perceived as true. But is this really enough reason for a person to decide that they're going to be mean to everyone with a cold exterior?

The way I see it, the answer is absolutely not. While I may be somewhat of a pushover from time to time (sometimes I just don't know how to say "no" to people), I wouldn't trade my big heart for the world. Not a single person on the planet ever had a regret about being kind. If all else fails, "kill 'em with kindness." I try to live by that saying and spread kindness to everyone I know and even those I don't know. I try to help anyone that may need it and smile at strangers sitting across from me on the bus.

A word that us big-hearted people are quite familiar with is "empathy." By its Oxford definition, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. In other words, having empathy is possessing the ability to put oneself into the shoes of another person, so to speak. This can explain why "sensitive" individuals cry at cheesy Facebook videos or Humane Society commercials with Sarah McLaughlin singing in the background. We care about other people. It also explains why we sometimes find ourselves giving our attention to the wrong people who may not provide us with the same attention we so desire. I've been there. While I do have some scars from being too nice to people, I don't regret being genuine. In fact, I encourage others to at least attempt to do so more often.

I challenge you to do something kind today. It doesn't cost a cent to be a good person. Yes, sometimes we do need to be a little tough when dealing with life's adversities. That doesn't mean we can't spread love and smile every once in a while. Imagine a world with more kindness.

We could certainly use one.