In an ever-changing world that is filled with so much negativity, hopelessness, tragedy, loss, devastation and darkness, we are constantly under what seems to be an inevitable pressure. It is a great human accomplishment if, in the midst of that pressure, we choose to be kind.
With so many outside sources standing firmly between our own selves and the happiness we are striving for, we often become discouraged and feel that we are fighting battles far more difficult than we can handle. In the midst of our own trials, we may fail to recognize the battles being fought by those around us. Or, in many cases, we tend to invalidate our own struggles when we feel they do not compare to that of another.
Choose the Second Best Option: Be Kind
Regardless of the battles you have fought or are currently fighting, it is important to understand that every person you associate with is facing their own battles as well — often behind closed doors. Because each situation is both unique and often incomprehensible to another, it is not fair to compare and invalidate the feelings of ourselves and those around us. There is no cure, no simple fix, no immediate solution to the problems that each of us face. Therefore, we must choose the “second best” option: kindness.
Oxford Dictionary defines kindness as the following: “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”
Among your many new year’s resolutions, make kindness a priority on your list. Even when you feel that you have little to give, you still have so much to offer. Kind acts do not need to be materialistic. Whether it be a wave, a smile, a quick text, an act of service (big or small), or a phone call to check-in on an old friend, kindness like such will make a huge difference in our society today.
Kindness in Sports and on Social Media
Just the other day, I came across a post on Instagram explaining the events that played out in a recent NFL game featuring the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Buffalo Bills. Damar Hamlin, the safety for the Bills, was rushed to the hospital during the first quarter after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. In the midst of this chaos, fans and members of both teams knelt together in prayer.
As the news of this event spread across the nation, people expressed their concern for Hamlin through social media platforms to ensure that he knew that they were praying for him too. The Instagram user then explained that in a time of fear, sadness, and chaos, people and fans from all teams chose to unite together to pray for Damar.
Rivalries and hatred were pushed aside during this time. It was no longer about winning. Instead, it was about coming together for a player who needed support at that time. Damar Hamlin has now been released from the hospital and has flown back home.
After explaining the details of this night, the user then went on to share an inspiring message – relating these events to kindness itself. As these people came together, each doing their part in a time of trouble, they were able to make a difference. If we woke up each day choosing to do our part by participating in simple acts of kindness, we too could make a significant difference. I appreciated the user for sharing this message not only because it brought a positive light to a devastating event, but also because it explained the true simplicity of kindness.
Being Kind Is Always Important
Our communities are now facing a horrible tragedy the likes of which we could not have imagined in Rural Utah. Nothing we could do or say could make that tragedy right, but we can be kind.
Being kind isn’t always easy. Oftentimes your acts of kindness may go completely unnoticed. However, being kind is ALWAYS important. Because we do not know or understand the trials that others face, constant kindness is essential to both our own well-being and that of those around us.
If kindness can occur between millions of people who have never even met, then surely it can occur within the walls of our own homes, our schools, and our communities. In 2023, choose to be kind — not because of what you may receive in return, but because that’s just who you are.
– by Hailee Eyre
Feature image caption: “There is no cure, no simple fix, no immediate solution to the problems that each of us face. Therefore, we must choose the “second best” option: kindness.” Courtesy University of Utah Health Center.
Hailee Eyre – Panguitch
Hailee Eyre is a journalist at The Byway. She attended Southern Utah University in the fall and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Her favorite topics to write about are those that intend to inspire others, providing motivation as means to better yourself or the world around you. In her free time, Hailee loves to be outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, boating or hiking.
Hailee is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites Mission.