A Better World

"Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back." -Anonymous

I am in debt to many people who have shown me kindness throughout my life. Though I am, on occasion, fully capable of paying them back, sometimes I choose not to. In a give/receive transaction like that, only two people receive satisfaction. But if I reach out to others and show them the same kindness that others have shown me, perhaps they will do the same--and the chain of love will grow.

I have heard it argued that there is no such thing as altruism, because every act of kindness benefits the bestower in some way--perhaps with nothing more than a good feeling. Whether or not this type of reward is considered "payment," negating the definition of altruism, in my opinion there is something very right about being rewarded for kindness with nothing more than a good feeling. One of my goals in life is to obtain as many of those good feelings as possible, because I have noticed that the accumulation of good feelings that come in return for kindness can lead to something called "happiness."

There is darkness and sadness in life, and if I dwell on my own suffering it can easily lead to despair. But there is also light, beauty and love. In trying to alleviate the suffering of others, I find that my own burdens are easier to bear. I am just one person with limited resources, but my heart can always be full even when my pockets are empty. I can have a positive impact in my home, my neighborhood, and my city. Everyone I interact with can feel the warmth of my love if I make an effort to reach out to them and consider their needs. I know that if I am ever to live in a better world, I must become better myself.

"Kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers." -Anonymous