It’s a struggle to keep my spirits up. I’ve entered a New Year, but the news I hear continues to go from bad to worse. At least that’s how it feels.
A couple of weeks ago I mulled over what New Year resolutions I could make for 2026. I decided that I can’t change the world, but I can change my outlook.
I won’t give in to a feeling of hopelessness and cynicism. I decided one way to fight those feelings is to show kindness in some fashion every day. Helping someone out or at least giving a smile and a friendly word. If I did that, people might look at me like I’m crazy, or they might smile back! It was worth giving it a shot. If it worked out the right way it would surely lift my spirits.
Today’s news this morning made it hard for me to feel positive about following through with my resolution. With everything I saw happening, I experienced feelings of fear, loneliness and anger. What I wasn’t feeling was kindness.
I left the house to go to the store. It’s a cold day with a harsh wind, and I nearly changed my mind.
The first thing I did was return my neighbor’s garbage cart as well as my own from the curb. My neighbor wasn’t around to witness it, but I felt better. I found a way to show kindness, and it helped.
At check out, I received more than “did you find what you were looking for?” The woman ringing up my purchases was genuniely interested and wanted to connect. It gave me the chance to have a friendly conversation. We looked at each other and we smiled.
“Stay warm,” she told me as I left the store.
“Have a good rest of your day,” I replied sincerely.
Out in the parking lot I struggled in the wind to put what I bought into the back of my car. Someone stopped to help me, and we talked about how cold it was and how terrible the wind blew. I thanked the person as she took my cart and headed toward the store’s entrance.
In that moment, I didn’t feel quite as cold in the wind. I was warmed by kindness from others and how I returned it with gratitude. I felt connected and less alone and afraid.
I know when I listen to the newes there won’t be a dramatic change for the better. What I have as an antidote now is the memory of my trip to the store and the kindness and humanity that is still in our world.
Drop a stone into a still pond and watch the concentric circles moving outward. Make the stone an act of kindness. Do that every day. Let’s see what can happen.