A Poem and Note

Kindness Matters…So Is Now the Time for Us All To Be Even Kinder?

Me, you…all of human~kind?

Will you be kind and help me out? Does anyone know the name of this variegated plant I was once gifted? Thank you! | Photo taken by the author ~ The Positive Poet

Hi … I thought I’d bring up kindness today, as it seems like our world might need a bit more at the mo… do you agree?

Kindness matters

It truly does

A Smile…

Kind words…

Eye contact

Create connections we all need to thrive & live in harmony

♾️

… wouldn’t more harmony be nice at the moment? Along with more peace between us… and kindness too?

First off though, let’s begin with a little self-kindness… how about you check in with yourself…

Do you need to drop your shoulders?

Relax your jaw?

Take a deep breath in and let it go…

Ahhh…

Feeling good?

Great ~ let’s continue…

It’s certainly known there are many health benefits to being kind ~ plus it’s known to boost our mood. Something many of us likely need at the mo.

If you can relate to feeling overwhelmed currently (as many people understandably are), maybe this poem & note, Help is Present, might be where you’d like to head after you’ve read this…

Perhaps you’re new to reading on Medium though?

If so, a warm welcome to you :)

Or perhaps you’ve been here before? Or write on Medium too?

If so, a warm hello to you as well :)

Either way, if you especially enjoyed taking a deep breath above I’m sure you’ll like this too ~ Breathe… love… as it was written to help us all enjoy more calm…

Perhaps personally though you’re in a really good place right now? And are up for lightening up and being a bit silly?

Or, shall we just delve into being kinder here more deeply?

Personally, I’m a fan of going beyond small talk & being real-er… are you the same? If so let’s dive deeper into kindness now…

It actually feels like there’s much I could write about on this topic… it’s one I’m pretty passionate about. How about you…

Do you also wish we lived in a kinder world?

I’m guessing so ~ as you’re reading this. Yet what can each of us actually do?

Well the poem above gives us a few starting points doesn't it…

When out & about we can all try to be kinder by making meaningful eye contact & smiling more…

I enjoyed doing so today, on my morning walk ~ and it felt good to connect with someone new in a kind way.

Of course we have to do so in a way that’s kind to us too… and sometimes we just don’t have it in us to be especially kind to someone else do we (that’s when we likely have to begin with being kinder to us).

And of course, I recognise as I write this there are places on the planet where wandering around being kind to everybody may put you at risk. It can be a delicate dance can’t it ~ being kind to yourself first… being kind to others… where and when you feel able to…

Everyone deserves kindness though.

Don’t they?

Mmm… this is probably one to ponder on…

Do our biases, and judgements of others mean we’re only kind to certain people…

And what is kindness exactly? Have you considered this like I have? Dictionary definitions vary (as they usually do). What does kindness actually mean to you?

Being warm-hearted? Gentle?

Friendly… loving… caring?

Well whatever definition you personally come up with, how about we get back to kindness… and specifically how we can each BE kinder. As one thing I’ll be doing below later is sharing some kind words, because some of the most meaningful kindness I’ve received has been via this route (especially heartfelt thank-you’s). Have you experienced this too?

When was the last time you received kind words, and a thank you?

Do you think they’re important?

Personally I believe many people think they are.

Just as I believe most people want to live in a more peaceful and kind world.

And if you are someone like me who’d like to live in a kinder world feel free to stay around and follow me for future poems and notes too. It’s usually around once a month or less I share here… as I’m a believer in ‘being the change I wish to see in the world’… and other commitments (including my own self-kindness!) mean I enjoy living a life that’s calmer and more peaceful than when I worked as a busy Health Professional.

Now back to kindness… and what each of us can actually do…

Because you might be asking yourself ~ realistically ~ what difference can little ol’ me make? Well honestly, I think you’re underselling yourself if you have this mindset.

You have a lot more power than you think. We all do.

Imagine this. You decide to be a kinder today. To just one person.

Maybe you say something lovely to them?

Or perhaps share a smile & make eye contact? And it turns out the person you’re kind to had been having a really bad day. They might never tell you. However you noticing them lets them know that they matter. They’ve been seen. Somebody smiled at them… and wow… their day just got a bit brighter…

They then go on to hold a door open for someone who’s struggling….

And that person had been feeling a bit weak or stupid, unable to carry something awkwardly shaped that was heavy… so they say a heartfelt thank you in return…

And both of them now go about their days feeling better…

And it started with YOU…

In truth we never actually know how far our kindness could ripple… it could actually be farther than we ever imagine…

It’s even possible it could be being paid forwards in some way for days, months or years… and in huge ways

What if a person you’re kind to (maybe a child… someone you work with… or chat with online at times) goes on to become a Military Leader or Politician. President… or Prime Minister … and because they’ve received kindness from you ~ and it’s really had an impact ~ they choose to talk peacefully & kindly. They negotiate… find ‘win-wins’ and prevent many wars happening (how many wars do you think have been stopped before they even got started?)

Everyone needs kindness. Me. You… and the whole world I’d suggest at the moment…

Now, am I over simplifying this?

Maybe…

However it’s entirely possible kindness has changed the course of history in many wonderful ways throughout the years…

We likely never know though, because ‘kind words from a stranger helped me smile & I was nicer’ aren’t the kind of headlines we see too often going global…

Yet I’m sure kindness happens every single day on this planet.

Every single day.

Between many folk.

Isn’t this a wonderful thought to focus on…

Every day there are many people speaking kind words… and doing kind things. That’s loads, and loads and loads of kindness.

I’m sure you’re one of these people too as you’ve chosen to read this. And we all do have an extraordinary capacity for kindness…

Especially when we put our minds to it.

Do you agree we all have a responsibility as adults to be kind?

We can always look for other people to do what’s needed.

Yet what about us. Are we being as kind as we possibly can? (I’m sure I could be kinder).

I see myself a work in progress with this. Do You? Shall we make practicing even more kindness become one of our ‘new normals’ though?

Are you up for this?

Spreading more kindness around like it’s confetti or glitter? Well next month we actually have World Kindness Day coming up ~ it’s on November the 13th this year ~ yet I figure why wait?

Are you in for increasing kindness levels on the planet right now?

(Or whenever it is that you read this please join in too!)

Because wouldn’t it be amazing if everyday felt like a kind day for us all?

If you’re in then please do read on.

Because as adults we can only control ourselves can’t we…

And I’m wondering if you have seen the beautiful quote I briefly mentioned above…

You must BE the change you wish to see in the world

I first saw it years ago, and it struck me Mohandas Gandhi was sharing a simple truth with us. If we’d like more peace in the world… we have to be more peaceful ourselves…

And if we want more kindness. We have to be kinder…

As we’ve already established it’s often super simple things like sharing smiles, kind words and making eye contact that create healthier connections between us all…

So if we shared kinder words ~ in person and online ~ would we all feel better?

If we remove our sunglasses to make more meaningful eye contact would that help?

And what if we all just smiled more at each other…?

Would the world be very different?

I’m guessing the only way to know for sure is if we all do try to practice even more kindness. Remember, the benefits are great… there are the physical health benefits that occur in our own bodies when we’re being kind.

Changes for the better like blood pressure lowering, and stress hormone reduction. Plus our moods alter too…

Essentially it’s amazingly healthy to give kindness to yourself. And to others. And to receive kindness too. Even witnessing kindness between other people can help promote wellbeing.

How cool is this?

Could kindness be even better for us all than sweating it out at the gym?

Perhaps ‘being kind’ needs to be given to us by our Doctors on prescription?

So if you agree with me that us all being kinder is what our world needs most at the moment ~ and you also write here ~ you’ll be even kinder to your readers?

Or maybe you’ll choose to be kinder to a stranger… out shopping… or online in comments?

And maybe, one day, we’ll all be living in a world where kindness prevails…

It’s what we each choose now that will help create a kinder future… what starts with you can reach far…

Maybe it’s one simple act of kindness… or kinder words you say or write ~ imagine the impact though if it becomes a practice? One you eventually do throughout every day…

So now it’s time for me to practice being kinder, by sharing kind words in the form of thank you’s (it’s very easy to take other people for granted isn’t it… and forget to say thank you in the rush of everyday living).

However truthfully, I believe it’s important. Especially in this day & age.

So first off ~ thank you to you for reading this. If you’ve got this far you’ve chosen to spend some of your precious time doing so today ~ and I appreciate you have. Thank you :)

Secondly thank you to those of you who’ve helped me feel welcome here on Medium.

As truthfully it felt slightly daunting to begin sharing poems I've written here. I’m sure if you’re a fellow writer here you might have felt the same. A new place. New people.

We’ve probably all had that feeling right… somewhere… at some point in our lives…?

And yes, a few doubts have arisen at times ~ like will anyone read this?

Yet now I have shared 5 few poems & notes here… and they have been read, and people have taken the time to comment too. You likely didn’t even know you were making a difference though did you? Yet you have ~ it’s helped me feel welcome here, and helped me get settled in…

Maleesha Perera ~ thank you for being the very first person on Medium to comment on a poem I shared here. It helped encourage me to keep going, and to see that you then went on to read more words of mine ~ well thank you for doing so ☺️ ✨

Johnny Poitras ~ what can I say to you? Where to start?? Thank you for reading & commenting so positively on several of my poems ~ your kindness shines through, along with the courage & strength you share with us in your writing… there are several pieces of yours I’ve read now like this one where I feel privileged to witness your brave honesty ⭐️😊✨

John Hansen ~ thank you for commenting to say you love one of my poems, and for writing the most inspiring words about being a poet I’ve read (I’ve saved them to read for a boost in inspiration if mine dips :) ✨😊

Shanti C K ~ thank you for your kind words ~ you’re someone else I’m finding inspiring ~ there’s a strength present in you that underlies your writing in a humble way, and it’s beautiful to read about 😊✨

HAPPINESS + WEALTH ⭐ ~ thank you for your kindness & showing me how much you resonate with my words ~ keep shining brightly like the star in your name! 🌟😁

Zunaira Fatima ~ your comments on several of my poems have been so kind ~ thank you for taking the time to read what I’ve shared, and for commenting in lovely ways, I appreciate what you’ve said (you even appeared in a comment this week to ask when I’d next be sharing something ~ well this is what I was in the process of writing!). And here’s a wonderful article Zunaira shared recently, where we get to meet her a little ~ personally Zunaira I’m inspired by you, and the courage & determination you clearly have. I believe you’re a world changer for the better :) ✨ 😊

Kristie Leong M.D. ~ thank you for your beautifully enthusiastic comment about my poem!… and for your writing that has inspired me to tweak my morning rhythm ✨😃

Sam Letterwood ~ your comments have been encouraging & heartwarming to read ~ thank you, plus you wrote about kindness recently (a topic thats clearly dear to my heart!) ✨😊

Luna Moss ~ I was so glad to see my daft & silly line amused you… I greatly appreciate that you took time to let me know ~ thank you 😁 ✨

Sharleez Safi ~ thank you for reading too, and for your kind words ✨☺️

Aric Smith ~ thank you for letting me know how my words made you feel… and for the encouragement I needed at that time to keep on sharing my writing here too ✨😊

Mick Gibson ~ thank you for commenting such a profoundly insightful note… it was pretty early on in my Medium journey when you wrote what you did, and your words were beautiful to read ☺️ ✨

George J. Ziogas ~ you really understood what my poem is conveying, and I appreciate that you commented to let me know. Thank You 😃✨

Jenny Lane ~ your comment was gorgeously encouraging! Thank you so much 🙏 😊 ✨

John Whye ~ your words were very kind & showed me you really ‘got’ the poem you read of mine ~ thank you for your time reading & commenting :) ✨☺️

Sinus Kosinus ~ your beautifully warm comment (with flowers!) touched my heart ~ thank you so much 🌹✨😃

Janet Karam ~ you only just popped up with a comment on one of my poems very recently ~ however it was the kind that makes my heart sing & encourages me to keep writing here ~ thank you so much to you as well 🙏✨☺️

Francisco Iglesias you haven’t actually commented on a poem of mine ~ however you have shared a couple on several of your lists ~ so I’d like to say a thank you to you as well today 😊✨

✨ And I have an extra thank you to another writer on Medium, because as I’ve happily ‘wandered around’ getting settled in to what feels like the worlds biggest bookstore ~ finding topics I LOVE to read~ I’ve read & commented on several writers work. Nour Boustani took the time to reply in such a friendly way that I was truthfully taken aback by such warmth from a stranger initially… however if everyone spoke as you do Nour I reckon we might be living in a pretty awesome world (if you haven’t already read & commented on some of Nour’s writing I suggest you do ~ his friendliness in replies is beautiful to experience!). So thank you too to you Nour 😊 🙏

And my last thank you is a slightly more private one ~ as I recognise some people choose to read quietly online (I used to often!), and that a way of doing so can be to sign up for emails ~ I appreciate that you have, especially as I realise how busy many people’s email inboxes are these days. I’ll share less than once a day… and sometimes you’ll only here from me occasionally. I do hope what I write has a positive effect on you in some way.

Well I hope all who read this consider joining me in practising more kindness…

Because it really does feel like NOW is the time we all need to be even kinder. To ourselves. And to each other. Would you agree?

And I sincerely hope all of you reading enjoy much kindness in your lives… and have a beautifully kind day today. Bye for now, Positive Poet (or Posi for short for the :)

P.S. I obviously tagged quite a few of you here as I want to make sure my thank you does reach you (I think this is the best way? Although honestly I’m still learning how things work here on Medium!). I’m also thinking anyone else who might read this can head over to see what each of you writes ~ and I sincerely hope this happens ~ however if you’d like me to remove your name from this piece of writing just let me know & I’ll do so.

I’m The Positive Poet (or Posi for short). And if you like what I share, you’re welcome to sign up to receive an email to know when that happens.

Thank you for being here 😊🧡💫