It’s a wonderful Dolly Parton quote, “Find the good in everybody”, now being featured on billboards across the country with the tagline Kindness”. I saw it in an airport, and It stopped me in my tracks. What a wonderful thing to promote – Yes, let’s do this!
I have attended several of four funerals for friends and family who have died recently, one more coming up. Hearing people speak about the wonderful qualities of their beloved hit me, wondering had they heard those things before they passed? I hope so, but too often, we have loving and kind thoughts about others and don’t share them. With all the dissension around us, it’s a good time to change this habit.
Here are some thoughts on how to find the good in everyone and pass on some kindness.
NOTICE WHAT’S GOOD
Finding what is good about a person is usually easy, though sometimes it’s like an Easter egg hunt. Yet once you notice, it changes everything in how you approach a person and how you feel about them. As a therapist and Clinical Director for a diversion court, this is a favorite aspect of my work. When I notice, I know the next step is to amplify the goodness. Change is built on your strengths.
SPEAK ABOUT WHAT’S GOOD
Speaking about the goodness you notice is like an act of grace. It warms your heart; it warms theirs too. It can change lives when you notice what hasn’t often been observed or spoken, like someone’s intelligence, their giving nature, their empathy and compassion toward others. It’s a simple thing to make a comment quietly or in front of others. Please don’t wait until a funeral to speak your words of kindness. Give a compliment now.
SHARE YOUR KINDNESS
There are infinite ways to share kindness from tipping generously to giving someone things they need, sharing a meal, carrying things, giving rides, letting someone pull into traffic. We helped someone tape up a box at FedEx and the women was bowled over, asking where we were from. So simple. We all know that when you are kind it is passed along, opening hearts, making the world friendlier and kinder. Look for ways you can do that too.
How does this speak to you? Reach out if you’d like to explore it.
*Billboard quote sponsored by PassItOn.com, a foundation for a better life.
