It doesn't hurt to be a little kinder

I have been AWOL of late; some may say I kind of lost my motivation to write, which seems a little strange because I have more time than ever while the entire state of New South Wales is in lockdown. But, on the other hand, it is not like I am busy doing “anything”. Perhaps I might have gotten swept up in all the unkind, aggressive attitudes it feels the country seems to be riding on.

It is easy to do, with so much aggressive behaviour spread over all of the media of late. But, you know what – It doesn’t hurt to be a little kinder at the moment.

Every time I click on a news feed, switch on the television or open a newspaper, it feels like all that is reported is negative, angry, unkind words that are constantly being regurgitated all over – EVERYTHING!. I am not just talking media here; I am talking about friends, family, even people at the local grocery store. Arguing! Cranky! Irritable! And can I tell you, it gets to you, it gets to your subconscious, and before you know it, you are feeling agitated, angry and cranky too! You bring that attitude and energy into the home, and before you know it, you have a household full of angry people!

Okay, so let me get to the point of this negative, sorrowful blog post. What I am trying to say is, people, it doesn’t hurt to be a little kinder! That mother who just arrived from overseas and is sitting in quarantine waiting to see her children for the first time in forever – be kind to her!

That family of five pleading the government for assistance to enter Australia and repatriate back home because they have lost their job – Be kind to them!

That father who is separated from his family and want to come home for his child’s birthday – be kind to him!

That son who has been stuck overseas and hasn’t been able to get a flight home since the borders have been closed – be kind to him!

That couple who are desperate for an exemption so that they can see a dying loved one for the last time – be kind to them!

That girlfriend who hasn’t seen her boyfriend for almost two years and would like an exemption to enter the country – be kind to her!

There are so many stories to be told; not every person wanting to come into or leave the country has the same story to tell. So let’s try not to generalise and stereotype the people around us. Whether it’s your neighbour, friend or work colleague who you smiled at, waved at, was friends with only two years ago, but now you are divided in your beliefs.

Stop the propaganda, the hate messages and constant memes about what is and isn’t true. Let our beliefs be our beliefs, not messages of hate for other people. Let’s try to understand and rationalise each other’s beliefs rather than be deaf to others opinions.

Instead of spreading the hate, let’s check on our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues and see if they are okay! Remember that we are all dealing with this in our own way; we all have our own problems that have come out of being in lockdown.

How to be kind, you may ask? Well, try to be a little gentler in your approach and with your words. Remember to be empathetic to others. Try to walk in other’s shoes and be considerate of others feelings. Be helpful, thoughtful, and do not take advantage of others fears and weaknesses and those who are vulnerable.

Be a little kinder than you have to right now, be a little kinder than you feel, especially to those who you love that are behaving aggressive and angry at the moment. Something is going on in their life that is linked to their behaviour. Perhaps they are worried, scared and unsure of what is going on.

Try a little random act of kindness to those around you – a text message, a phone call, a little gift sent for no reason! They all count, and who knows, you may just be helping someone you didn’t realise needed helping. It doesn’t hurt to be a little kinder.

A Quote to think about right now – “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are”

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