Page 27 - July ONLINE VERSION

Christmas Kindness, Everyday Kindness is simply being polite and smiling. Sometimes,
we forget how powerful a smile is. Take time out to en-

By Mallory Boykin joy the contagiousness of laughter.
The world that we live in is fast paced. Kindness and
compassion often take a back seat to selfies, self-interest,
and expendable human interest. Every person is waiting
When I think of "The Power of Kindness," I think of They say that character is your actions when no one is to become visible to the world, but this is not the key to
Christmas. Christmas is my favorite season because watching. Similarly, kindness operates the same way. true happiness. Yet when they attain the worldly success
it is a season for giving, reflecting, and growth. Technology has allowed us to view acts of kindness. For of visibility, they often long for their former life, under-
Christmas is a time when families get together, example, there is a video online of a Waffle House em- estimating the trappings of notoriety.
eat, and laugh. While some are gathered during ployee who took the time to cut up a struggling, older
Thanksgiving, there is a different experience about a gentleman's food; the employee was unaware someone Kindness is often born out of tragic events. Sadly, it
Christmas gathering. I don't know if it is the snow, filmed her. Later, her act of kindness was posted to takes the passing of a family member to bring the family
but there is something so peaceful and serene about social media. together. Tragic events are usually discovered from a
the kindness that comes from humanity at this social media posting rather than from ongoing commu-
particular time of year. The essence of Christmas is Conversely, some people stage acts of kindness to be nication with family and friends. When we get busy and
"the air of Christmas joy"; it's that feeling of sinceri- captured, not for virtue but for going viral; perhaps overwhelmed, we forget to take time for those closest to
ty, generosity, and kindness. kindness is kindness but, staged kindness does not need us.
to be self-promoted.
Kindness is making a genuine and conscious effort to The Aum Nation Pinterest
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/448108231655791996/
Kindness can also be as simple as a smile, a nod, waving stay close to those we love. A constant striving to be-
hello. Simple gestures of kindness can turn someone's come a better person, one who can see the suffering in
day around. If you see someone struggling, extend a others and compassionately reach out to help. That is
no-strings offer to help. Performing good deeds should the power of kindness, knowing when someone needs
be because you are able and expect nothing in return. help and being there for them because it is the right
Many people have found themselves in a position where thing to do.
they need help and are afraid to ask. If we could keep
the Christmas spirit all year long, maybe we could see Our lives are not our own. Six degrees of separation is
those who struggle daily and offer support. a social construct that suggests we are all no more than
six social connections away from each other. While it
Photo Credit: Solana Beach, CA Website seems crazy in theory, think about it. Your social media
https://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us/index.asp?SEC=C9CB28A1-FCCA-4B3E-B46A-0D2AF8A1F41B
pages are full of connections from high school, college,
Christmas is the time of year when the world is coworkers, friends, and family. Technology quite pos-
genuinely concerned for a neighbor and is more sibly has closed the separation gap because of social
willing to help others when the world is slower media connections; a 'friend of a friend' is closer than Mallory Boykin is a single mother that
paced. Even with the madness that surrounds Black you think. All of this proves we should do our due lives in Columbus, Ohio with her six-
Friday, things are calm and serene by the Christmas diligence to take better care of each other socially and year-old son.
season. Perhaps the slower pace of the season allows emotionally.
humanity to reflect on where we are and where we She works as an Instructional Assistant
are going. Eileen Kennedy Moore Pinterest We should work to help each other to become better and Daycare Administrator. She holds
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/298293175302305493/
versions of ourselves; it does not have to be Christmas a MA.T and MS in Early Childhood
For many, it is the beginning of believing in them- Fear prohibits people from following their dreams, from to be kind. If we take the time to be kind to one another, Studies. She has been in education for
selves, taking a courageous step into the future. traveling, succeeding, and asking for help. Asking for smile more, hold the door for a stranger, and really get 14 years. She enjoys watching movies,
Sometimes believing in yourself is the hardest step, help takes courage because fear walks you through a to know your neighbors, then the world could become a anime, and enjoys the quirky conversa-
but if you are brave enough to step out in faith, you series of ‘what if scenarios' and cements your voice from better version of itself. Go ahead, pay it forward! It is the tions with her students. Her spare time
will find life's sweetest rewards. You will find, collec- asking for the help you need. Fear focuses on the nega- small, random acts of kindness that will literally make a is spent doing research and working
tively, that most people are gentle and kind. tive, but courage says, "Go ask. You might be surprised world of difference. on SEL curriculum and co-hosting the
at the number of positive responses." ECE Circle Time.

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