Human Kind

Is it possible to be both human and kind?

While most people are making New Year’s resolutions to exercise more, lose weight, eat more vegetables, pay off debt, or to stop smoking, consider making your resolution to be more compassionate. Sometimes it feels increasingly difficult to be kind in a world of so much discord caused largely by a media that enflames fear and hatred, but it’s precisely what the world needs. The effect of one small act of kindness has no end.

And don’t forget that compassion extends to all living things, not just to people. Some people find it easier to be kind to animals. Perhaps that’s why so many folks donate money to charities that work to save animals. My wife would be the first to tell you that after a rain, I check for worms on my driveway, picking them up and moving them to safety so I don’t run them over when I back up. You may laugh, but I imagine the worms appreciate that I don’t run them over. (Photo of the author by Amber Johnson; used with permission.)

Make your New Year’s resolution to be more kind—not only for this year, but for every year to come. Compassion: The Gift That Keeps on Giving!

The author of more than fifty books, John Smelcer is the inaugural writer-in-residence for the Charter for Compassion, where he teaches a global course on Poetry for Inspiration and Well Being.