Would you like a world full of kindness? While it may seem like a tall order, there are actually tons of feasible ways to spread kindness, starting with where you live. Being kind to those around us gives hope to all of humanity, helping to create a better future for all. The butterfly effect really exists!
Steps
Step 1. Unhappiness is contagious, but kindness is much more so, since everyone feels better when they are happy
If you apply this concept to your actions and words, you will help others understand that kindness is what humanity needs. And you will lead by example.
Step 2. Read and learn about other cultures
Kindness grows in relation to your ability to understand those around you. And it is only by making the effort to know the habits and customs of others that you can understand them and, from there, encourage connection and altruism towards others. Communicate with people living in other countries using the internet or the old "pen pals" system. Both you and others will learn new languages and come into contact with new cultures. And, you know, language and culture are an expression of the other.
Step 3. Donate to a charity that has contacts around the world
Wherever you live, your donations can make a difference to someone else. In any case, contact a serious organization. Choose an association that deals with something you care about.
Step 4. Volunteer, but not just in your neighborhood
If you have time, you could fly to the other side of the world to help others have a better life. However, it is also possible to volunteer online; you could, for example, write reports or instruction manuals.
Here are two sites where you can volunteer: https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en/index.html and https://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/resources/how-to-guides/volunteer/doc/ever- considered-online-volunteering.html
Step 5. Be active in your community
By finding ways to improve community spirit through sharing and support, you can help spread kindness. Find out what is missing in your area. Join existing projects or start a new one. Some examples? Providing food and shelter for the homeless, creating public gardens and infrastructure for the little ones, organizing summer activities for children, teaching cooking or crafts, etc.
Step 6. Spread the kindness on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc
Write stories that encourage others to follow your example and that can lead to showing the best side of human nature. Ask your friends to share your words. Avoid negative tales and opt for narratives that are based on positivity and selfless actions. Inspire those around you to be kind.
- Share your experiences by posting videos and photos on YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, etc.
- Take some time to advertise blogs you like and get other people to know. On the internet it is often difficult to get noticed, therefore, spread kindness by appreciating aloud those who deserve it.
Step 7. Defend those who are victims of cyber intimidation
As a tool, the web is neutral in terms of its use. Unfortunately, however, there are users who decide to follow the darkest path online, basing their presence on intimidation and bullying, in order to drown the voices of those who do not agree with their thinking. Cyberbullies and trolls are just people whose sense of reality is determined by any bad experiences they have had and by choosing to inflict on others what they have felt. Whatever their motivation, don't let them win. Mankind is better and kindness can defeat them.
When you realize that someone goes out of their way to hurt others on the internet, defend the weakest and try to make it clear that kindness is a strength. Refusing to respond badly to this type of attack allows you to overcome intimidation and to reaffirm that kindness and positivity are the standards for online interactions. Do not give up
Step 8. Align your work with the ideals of kindness and empathy
In a globalized world, everything we do has an impact somewhere else. Try to see the world through other people's eyes and stop thinking that everything revolves around your problems.
Your actions affect others: at the end of your supply chain, there are other people; when you make a decision, you have an impact on the whole world. Knowing that your choices affect people of flesh and blood will allow you to be kind and to feel connected to those around you. If you have no idea how your actions affect others, make an effort to understand it
Step 9. Support initiatives that promote world peace
Thus, you can offer a little kindness to those who are victims of a war. Humanity has the goal of living in peace, sharing knowledge and supporting others. Sometimes we forget it. Support associations working in conflict areas by providing what you can do. You could help make new laws, send packages, negotiate, teach, etc. You can go online and sign petitions, share news and information, and lend a hand to those suffering from illegitimate actions and human rights abuses. Peace should not be an option, but the norm. Make your voice heard to stand up for what's right, even when it's not convenient and when you feel like you're going against everything and everyone.
Step 10. Live kindly
Wherever you live in the world, always think about the effect of the butterfly's wing flapping. If you take care of other living beings, your example will not be long in enlightening those around you. Remember that your actions will have a positive impact on the planet, even if sometimes you won't know exactly how.
Advice
- How do the products you use and the services you use reach you? If you buy in fair trade shops and in those that sell products at zero km, you will make someone else's life better. Try to avoid the products of those companies that lack transparency regarding their working and environmental practices.
- Remember that being nice is easy. Smile at others, even if you don't know them, and cheer up those who have had a bad day. Smiles are contagious and can contaminate the world!
