Christmas Thoughts: Tis The Season To Be Kind

This year has been a difficult year due to the pandemic, and this holiday season has been a bit more stress inducing than usual for the majority of us. Some peoples world has been turned upside down due to the struggles we have been facing through this pandemic. Even though there is a whirlwind of upset for all of us, please don't forget to be kind. There are people who are facing challenges that may not be seen from the outside, and when we are wrapped up in our minds about our struggles we seem to forget that.

When times are tough I believe it can bring out the good in people, but I know it can also bring out the ugly. It is extremely understandable for anyone who once had everything put together become a bit self centered when things fall out of place. When we are used to a certain standard of living and when we can't keep those standards in place, everything seems terrifying. We have to remember that we will be okay, these upsets are most likely a temporary problem. There are a ton of people who have gone through difficult times and found a way out. So when we become a bit cold towards someone due to our own internal issues, remember that they too are going through difficulties in their own lives.

A few months ago I had noticed the homeless population increasing, and I felt very fortunate for the roof over my head. I stopped thinking about my problems for a bit, and was able to realize, I can contribute a little even though I don't have much of an income. If we are fortunate enough to have a plate of food or a roof over our heads, then we most likely have a few bucks to give, or even a bit of food to share with the people in our communities who are less fortunate. I have been trying to at least donate a few bucks when I order my groceries for pick up, because I know not very many people have the luxuries that I do, even living in a low income household, I can still do my part.

We don't need much to be kind to one another, there are ways we can help our communities even if we have close to nothing. Volunteering would help someone in need, even if some of us don't have much in the bank. There are always alternatives to showing kindness to other people. This holiday season is no different than any of the ones before, and giving to the people who have absolutely nothing even when we are strapped for cash isn't a financial burden on us, because there are ways to help that don't necessarily cost us anything.

Even when people aren't struggling financially, always remember they could still be struggling with something entirely invisible. There are many people struggling emotionally due to this pandemic, and it can cause a delay in responses. Instead of getting extremely upset at a person working at a minimum wage job for not being quick enough or responsive enough, remember they are most likely dealing with something that can limit their reaction times. We aren't the only ones whose lives are being impacted by troubling situations this year. A way to show kindness to the people working in any type of customer service industry, is by showing compassion. The way I see compassion is by not judging the people who are making mistakes, because we are all human. If we expected perfection in ourselves the way we expect it in our customer service workers, we would find out that it is impossible. By showing kindness to the people serving you this holiday season, remember that you are giving the gift of compassion and understanding. We can lessen the mental strain on the other people in our communities as well as our own just by becoming a little more understanding.

I believe we all deserve a lift in spirits this Christmas. Next time we notice someone having a hard day, put aside your problems for just a moment and remind yourself that there are people who just need a bit of kindness and understanding. Even when it seems as if they are not attending to your needs as customer service workers, or if there are people asking for a little bit of cash, or even just a meal. These people aren't purposely inconveniencing you, they are going through hardships that you may not have dealt with before. We are all human and need to remember everyone is deserving of acts of kindness no matter their circumstances.