Do you know what bothers me? That we have to have an official international day to remind us to be kind. Or, worse yet, that there’s only one day out of 365 1/4 in which to be kind. It’s the same thing that bugs me about Black history month or women history month; it implies that the other 11 months are for white people or males. Ridiculous.

But here I am, drawing your attention to World Kindness Day because regardless of the nuances, it’s important to be kind. So, so important.

For all the good humans do and all the important advances and all the enlightenment, we still can’t seem to get this one thing right as a species: be kind. Most of us don’t think it applies to us—”We’re good people,” we reason—and those who do think it applies don’t care. But kindness is important. If we were all kind, would there be crime or hatred or wars? It’s such a simple concept, such a seemingly small thing that we teach to our children and our students: “Be kind.” But it makes or breaks a civilization.

Words about Kindness:

• Gordon B. Hinckley:

“This kind of miracle can happen and will happen when there is kindness, respect, and love. Why do any of us have to be so mean and unkind to others? Why can’t all of us reach out in friendship to everyone about us? Why is there so much bitterness and animosity? It is not a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

• Joseph B. Wirthlin:

“Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known.”

• Plato:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”

• Henry James:

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”

How Can I (You) Be Kind:

If kindness is such a big deal—and it is!—how can we be a little more kind?

• Smile. Did you know that smiles spread? And, with the possible exception of psychopaths, a smiling person is a happy person. So do you know what that means? Happiness and joy spreads!
• Be kind to yourself. How can you even begin to be kind to others when you can’t even be kind to the person who matters most? Yourself. Be kind to you and you’ll find others following suit.
• Serve others. A small act of service, something pedestrian and everyday, can change someone’s life. Send a note, cheer someone on, ask someone about her day, smile…so many possibilities.
• Be patient. Everybody experiences a moment where they need the patience of others. You too (me especially).
• Don’t judge. Don’t lay on the horn or curse that car that cut you off. You have no idea what that person is going through. Give others the benefit of the doubt, as you’d like to be given.
• Love. In the end, all you need is love. Love is everything. The purpose of life, the answer to life. Just love. Even when it’s hard, even when it’s difficult. Love your neighbors and friends. Love your enemies. We all deserve to be loved.

There is joy in kindness and harmony, in being one with our fellow humans. Choose that happiness and harmony. Choose that unity. Choose each other.

Choose Joy.

—A