The media doesn’t get tired of throwing out gruesome content, one event after another, with pockets of positive news here and there. Most recently is that life will get harder for some people following the Okada and Keke ban. Or that someone’s daughter just got fired because a Pastor’s son couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Also, the world is still reeling from the news of Kobe Bryant’s death, alongside his daughter and other members of the team in an unfortunate helicopter crash.
Technology has many positives, but one negative is that just as easy as it is to scroll from one tweet to another, it is easy as well to skip from one bad news to another without stopping to think about the impact of these events beyond the blue screens we hold in our pockets.
With Valentine’s day fast approaching, taking one day to get in your feelings seems to be all the rave. But beyond romantic relationships, one could extend themselves in ways that make them kinder to other categories of people. It may not solve all the world’s problems, but it may help you feel better about life on earth in general. Here are a few people who will benefit from your kindness.
Colleagues at work
We don’t have to go all out with this one, but taking a moment to think through our responses each time we’re faced with high-pressure situations can be the difference between an insensitive remark which stays on and a kind word which addresses and helps your colleague.
Random strangers
Nothing goes for nothing is a common expression on these streets. We’re almost always expecting something from someone in return for something, and in the event that someone goes out of their way to do something kind, it is often perceived as weird. We can take this opportunity to be more observant of those around us and offer help where we can, and also pay forward all the times you were shown kindness as well.
Friends and family
Work can get busy and stressful and we often expect people we love to remain there always. Plot twist, they get older when we aren’t watching. Valentine’s day is a good excuse to check in on friends and family you haven’t talked to in a while.
Orphanages
It’s a good idea to shower love on children who live in foster homes but remember that the focus is on them not on you. Take Cardi B’s example. Take all your photos with the caretakers and caregivers from those homes, and not children who often have to act out gratitude for your presence one day out of 365 in a year.
Giving back to Communities
We all started from somewhere, visiting that place/community you grew up in could be a great way to share your time and resources with those coming after you.
Volunteering
If all else fails, you can always volunteer your time or money with organisations or interests beyond your job, most likely those who are contributing in one way or another to a sustainable planet.
Listening
An unlikely contender, but since most people like to be heard, it takes a lot to listen and be there for others. Listening, truly listening, is one way we can show people we care about them.
So, which will you up to this Valentine’s? It doesn’t have to be just one though, by all means, get your flowers while you can still smell them.
So true!