I have been going down a rabbit hole about how society has changed and been less kind. Some people have even said mean. In church on Sunday an article was referenced and I looked it up , it was behind a paid wall but I did find this summary interview with the author on NPR who is promoting a book, and here it is should you want to listen, it’s short but full of thought provoking things:
I HAVE witnessed this in my life as have most people. The statistics are some thing one can’t argue with as much as I wish they weren’t true. Things are on the rise such as violent crime, murder and road rage. In fact, I have found myself being more impatient in public and I have been assertive to those cutting in front of me in line or ramming into my shopping cart at the store .
While I don’t agree with Mr Brooks simplified plan to fix mean behavior in culture, I do agree with him on a basic premise. We need to be kind to one another . That doesn’t mean I am going to be a doormat and let bad behavior happen. It means in kindness say “excuse me” or “we are all in line please.”
What I think may be lost is a basic kindness principle … we are all humans struggling to navigate a very complex world and Remembering people have struggles we can’t see. In this world of being bombarded with negativity maybe a kind smile , or opening the door for someone with a their hands full or letting someone else have a seat in the waiting room while I stand is the only positive interaction they have all day. I am sad to say I have found myself being impatient and saying unkind things at times with difficult people or when I am not at my best.
I have a lot to say about the increase in conflict and interventions needed at homes, schools, stores, houses of worship, hospitals, road rage and it’s really disturbing. But I think truly the answer starts with ourselves. We need to see others as fragile and struggling people just as we are.
I honestly find in 2023 that I think about myself more than I ever used to. I see myself hours a day in video meetings, content creation and social media. I am also spending time consuming content that leads me to comparing myself to others often and becoming more harsh. I have learned to stop that and remember the context of content. It’s created by real people so being kind in comments is important. Some of the worst things said to me that I still think about were harsh, mean comments on social media years ago.
I love Leo Logothetis , the Kindness Guy. He wrote book and did a series on streaming services about kindness. He traveled the world being kind and finding kind people.
I think that is where we could start. Picking up on this grass roots movement of being kind to each other. Remembering that we need people to survive in this life with the kindness of good, talented and loving people to help us navigate our journey.
We need to shine the light on the kindness with others we meet with honest words – you do such good work, I appreciate all you have done for me, your talent shows every day! I do believe that it’s like a ripple in the pond and shows others that there are still many lovely kind people in the world!
By practicing this , I find I am focusing more on how I can help and better my world and community. I am spending less time thinking about my goals, my future, my health , my fears and how bad the lighting is in my office on video meetings. I hope you join me in the movement.
Vicki
My Creative Corner3 