Kindness 101

Dr. Michael Obsatz – August 2024

I am paying attention to being kind to everyone who provides a service for me. This includes waiters and waitresses, clerks, doctors, nurses, lawn care people, pharmacists, grocers, delivery people, spiritual teachers, etc. Also, I try to be kind to friends and strangers.

When I thank those who serve me, they often say something like “I don’t hear that very much.” In some cases, they are emotionally touched. In a few cases, I have seen them crying tears.

Many people are not used to being appreciated and thanked. It seems like a small thing, but as I continue to do this, I am aware of the need for civility, gratitude, and kindness. We have become a nation of entitlement and narcissism. In the world of politics, there is so much shaming, blaming, and name-calling. The amount of negativity is quite high these days.

Alternatives to negativity include kindness, respect, gratitude, and appreciation. Let us work on becoming a nation of love, peace, compassion, empathy, and positivity.

Love is gentle and kind — put a little love in your heart.