Taking it into Consideration

Kindness is probably one of the most underrated virtues in the world today. Forty years ago, you could easily walk down a random neighborhood and be welcomed with warm smiles and a friendly wave. Even twenty years ago. These days it's hard enough to get your next door neighbor to smile back at you. Of course I'm exaggerating, kind of, but really, one thing that we can't afford to undervalue is kindness. In a world filled with so much negativity, it's become so important to cherish those little things in life. I know it seems sad, but it also gives us more of an appreciation when someone stops to help you just because.

I remember a girl at school who was always nice to everyone, even girls who would tease her and make fun of her. I would think, 'why doesn't this girl ever stick up for herself and say something mean back?' Then my mom told me something that changed my outlook on life completely. She said that no matter what, nothing bad can come from being kind to others. This was an epiphany to my naive, 12 year old self. Before, I had been scared to be kind to others who were different or not as popular, but now I couldn't see what there was to be scared of. Of course it was because she was right, as mothers so mysteriously tend to be, but still to this day I am grateful to know the value of kindness.