Choosing Kindness
Kindness is free, yet it is priceless.
An act of kindness can go a long way. Ultimately, you can improve someone’s mood, let someone know that you are there, and help someone in need.
As the week has gone on, we have spoken about kindness, and many have displayed acts of kindness onto each other.
But when we break down the essence of kindness, and what it truly means, looking beyond the Webster definition plastered on the internet. We begin to craft a way of existence or cohesive community where everyone is welcomed and nurtured.
It is simply more than just being nice to someone. Kindness takes strength, courage and honesty. This is what our boys have displayed this summer.
An Act Of Kindness by Mac (Cabin 39)
Mac S. from cabin 39 bravely spoke to all of us at Morning Watch about what true kindness can look like, and how he experienced this.
A few years ago, Mac wasn’t feeling so great, he was having a bad day. His friend, Mary, noticed his distress and inquired. She asked, “How are you?” and he replied with the usual formality “I am fine, thank you, how are you?”
She then pressed on, “No, I mean really, how are you?” It was at this moment that Mac realized that she genuinely cared about how he was feeling. She created this safe space where Mac could truly explore his feelings and answer honestly.
Mac explained these three simple words “How are you?” become a whole lot more meaningful. This interaction had completely changed his perspective and ultimately improved his mood. He knew that she genuinely wanted to know how he was feeling and wasn’t just asking for the sake of it.
This is why Mac, wise beyond his years, has challenged all of us to ask a stranger, “how are you,” and truly listen when they respond. Be there for them, and create that safe space. We could all do with some genuine safe feelings in this world.
Thank you Mac for sharing that beautiful story with us.
Working on Kindness - William Ashcroft
Another Morning Watch we would like to highlight about kindness, is Ashcroft’s story, a former camper, now counselor at Falling Creek.
William Ashcroft added to Mac’s story. Having the same idea of what to speak on, Ashcroft took this as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of kindness and shared connection.
He spoke about the “hi, how are you,” mural he sees regularly near his University of Texas campus adding to yesterday’s Morning Watch story. Further showcasing this idea that simply asking how someone is, can change the trajectory in one’s life.
Speaking on the same topic as Mac, aligns perfectly with the mural, as it quite literally symbolizes a shared experience and expression of taking care of your mental health and social connectedness.
Kindness First
Next time you ask someone how they are, make sure it is not just lost in the general formality, ensure that you hear them out, and really grasp their feelings.
As Mac and Ashcroft have emphasized here today, asking “hi, how are you,” can actually make all the difference.
Having the same idea for what to speak about during Kindness week gave Ashcroft perspective. He went on to share that giving perspective to others can be the greatest act of kindness as humans are socially creative.
Having similar stories further creates that safe community mentioned earlier, and allows us to continue growing in this space, together.