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Anthonia Folashade \u201cBe the change you wish to see in the world\u201d – Mahatma Ghandi<\/p>\n\n\n\n What comes to your mind when you come across this maxim? You are probably still considering the best reply to give? I\u2019ll help you out! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of a truth, the aphorism above isn\u2019t just about the change everyone looks forward to; it\u2019s also not only about one person having the ability to change the world. Instead, it\u2019s something bigger, it\u2019s about a movement that one person can start acting with defined intention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this context, the change is Kindness. Kindness is a tool that everyone can deploy to change the world. It can be a bridge to harmony and peace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meaning of Kindness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kindness means many things to different people. It is a wave that doesn\u2019t stop rolling. All that it requires is that push by just one person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kindness is an activator for genuine, positive change that happens slowly, but definitely lays the foundation for a brighter and better future as long as humans keep releasing it into the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kindness is love. It means to be compassionate, caring, selfless, unreservedly kind\u2026 the list is long. The truth is you can only feel and understand kindness when you practice it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Benefits of being kind <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are innumerable benefits to showing kindness to individuals some of which include happiness, contentment, bliss, etc. and apart from those, showing kindness helps to improve both physical and mental health of the doer and receiver, and it also stabilizes an unstable society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to be kind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the popular saying, \u201cYou cannot give what you do not possess\u201d. So, for everybody across the world and peacebuilders especially, it is expedient to know that each of us has to be kind, thus, we have to daily crave to be kind, come what may.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Say no to violence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make a personal pledge not to engage in violence. You may be wondering how this relates to peace. It sure does and here\u2019s a quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt to justify the point; \u201cHuman kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reach out without restrictions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not hesitate to stretch out a helping hand to anyone in distress, not minding who they are. Here\u2019s another way to show kindness to everyone around you without paying attention to their status. The big point; do not act like they don\u2019t exist. Be kind!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teach little ones to be kind to everyone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Teach the young ones to be kind to vulnerable people, including the aged, homeless, people with disabilities, and every other person who looks different to the child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose your words wisely<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t be too quick to pronounce judgment. Don\u2019t forget; a little crack in the wall is sufficient to tear a human and even a country apart, so, choose your words wisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make showing kindness a habit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you go about your daily activities, you\u2019ll surely meet different people. Some of whom are faced with life\u2019s challenges you never know. Wondering what to do? Look them in the eye, wear a beautiful smile, and don\u2019t forget to say \u2018hello\u2019 to them. By doing so, you would have mended a broken heart with your pleasant smile and your carefully selected words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get involved with a peacebuilding organization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Director for Welfare, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n