Be the Change

‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind’.

Cate prides herself on advocating kindness but could we try more? Could others do more?

We can all be selfish at times and quite rightly. We need to preserve our selves and prioritise our own wellbeing and happiness at times. 

Having said this, I am still, naively, astonished by the thoughtless and selfish acts of others. To the point where I have started to examine my own behaviour for any signs that I am also demonstrating a worrying lack of selflessness. 

We live in a world where it is each for themselves and where there is high competition for jobs, bus seats, concert or festival tickets or even top spot education places. I am sure it has always been this way, and maybe I have been lucky in my blissful oblivion until now, but it seems that the world has become even more ruthlessly self-serving. 

I should clarify that, in advocating selflessness, I am not saying give up all your worldly possessions and dedicate your life to the happiness of others. I am saying:

Maybe we could be more considerate of the happiness of others?

Maybe we could understand that the mother with the pushchair is exhausted after trying to settle a baby all night and is in pain from attempts to breastfeed because everyone tells her “breast is best”. Maybe we can let her have our seat or go in front of us in the queue to the loo?

Maybe we can empathise with the bloke trying to make a hill-start, right turn across traffic who has been waiting for ages and let him out in traffic?

Maybe we can notice the lack of cheery ‘hellos’ from a colleague, be aware of the dark circles under eyes or the forced smile? Maybe we can offer a listening ear? A cup of tea? Or just kind words to show that we are thinking about them.

It is easy to follow the flow of society. We accept things as the “norm” and do not challenge the small slights, the shoving and pushing and the “me, me, me”. 

Stop. Take a look at the “norm”. Is it what you want to see in the world?

Step up and be the change you wish to see.

The author

Cate Davies

Cate has been a teacher for 20 years. She has worked internationally and across all key stages in the UK. Her secondary specialism is Performing Arts with a keen interest in PSHE/RSE. Cate is recently married with two cats who keep her busy and an allotment that requires more time than she can give it!

https://keepingitkind.blogspot.com/