Show a little kindness

Love and kindness are universal acts that know no boundaries of language, culture or race. Anyone you meet, regardless of whether you can communicate with him or not, appreciates a smile, an act of kindness, an expression of love. It is therefore no surprise that acts of violence in any country elicit protests from across the globe. The world would be a nicer place if we would just show a little kindness.

This article on why some marriages last and others do not may be an eye-opener to some, but it makes complete sense. In fact, I read it and went, "Huh? Duh!" Why? Because I really should not need scientific evidence to tell me that I want to receive kindness and love all the time, so should I not do the same to others?

Unfortunately, the honest truth is that we too often turn others away because of our bad behaviour of selfishness. Why should I be so engrossed in what I want to do that I shun another? Human beings are created for relationship, not isolation. The more I respond to another's question, the more I feel good about myself. Life is not about me. It is about living for others, so that together we experience a happy place in which to live.

In multi-cultural and multi-racial, global and cosmopolitan Singapore, I have a chance to show kindness to someone of another race all the time. As much as I try to do so, I think I could do more. A smile, a "thank you" for holding the elevator door for me, ... I need to do my part to make my little part of the world a more pleasant place in which to live.

I hope this inspires you to give a smile to the next person you meet today. It will not put you out of pocket, but it will earn you a smile in return.

Here's to spreading the kindness all around!