One early spring day last semester, I was walking to work after a long day of classes. It had been a truly exhausting week and honestly, I was not in a great headspace. I was drained from all the schoolwork, tired of the cafe food, and ready to sleep the day off.
So there I was, trekking my way to work when, along my path, I noticed a girl walking in my direction. Now, I am not sure if the same thing happens to other people, but I tend to panic a little when I walk past people I do not know—especially if it is just us. Questions start racing through my head: Which side do I walk on? Do I wait to make eye contact and then say hello? What if they do not want to be smiled at?
So as I was having this internal conflict, I came closer to approaching the girl. Before I decided what I would do, the girl looked at me and smiled. I smiled back, of course, and she said, “Hi, how are you?” Wow. I was surprised by that seemingly common question. This random person, who I had never seen before, looked me in the eyes and with genuine kindness asked me how I was doing.
While I did not proceed to tell her my entire life story, to which she may have replied, “I didn’t ask for all that,” I really, really appreciated that moment. It shifted my mood for that day and even changed the way I see life now.
Words and actions of kindness hold so much power. I know it is cliché to say, but it really is true that a smile can go a long way. Each person is a conduit through which kindness can be shown. Sharing kindness with others is one of the purest forms of human interaction.
Here are a few ways we can challenge ourselves to spread kindness and uplift others daily:
1. Genuinely ask those around you how they are doing. “How’s it going?” “How are you doing?” “What’s up?” These are questions we ask and get very often. But how many times do we anticipate hearing a genuine response? What if the person is not doing well? Be present and be able to listen. Share in their happiness if they are doing well and be prepared to lend an ear if they are not.
2. Smile at people. Studies show that smiling is contagious. You never know how your smile can affect the day of another, so just make it a regular practice.
3. Express gratitude. Having an attitude of gratitude makes others feel appreciated while also lifting your own mood. Truly give thanks for the things that others do for you—both big and small.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.