“Mom, why can’t everyone just be nice?”
This heartfelt inquiry emerged unexpectedly during my son Oliver’s routine dental appointment. Despite the remarkable individuals we have in our lives, we often encounter those whose actions can leave a mark. When venturing into public spaces, one can never be sure of how others will respond.
At our dentist’s office, a team of dedicated professionals consistently goes above and beyond to accommodate individuals on the autism spectrum. Although I anticipated a warm welcome for Oliver, I was unprepared for the extraordinary encounter we experienced that day.
Shortly after we arrived, a lovely woman in her sixties approached us. With a kind smile, she introduced herself and asked if she could engage Oliver in conversation. Surprised but pleased, I nodded, watching in amazement as she drew him out of his shell.
Ignoring his fidgeting, she asked him about his favorite games, recent Lego projects, and his top superhero. I was about to signal him to calm down, our usual public cue, when she kindly stopped me, assuring me that it was wonderful to see him so animated.
When it was time for his cleaning, she leaned in and whispered, “It’s okay. My grandson has autism too. Aren’t they the sweetest kids?” With that, she gave me an encouraging pat and walked with Oliver.
On our way home, Oliver asked, “Mom, why can’t everyone be kind?” The kindness he received from a stranger left a profound impression, prompting him to advocate for kindness, insisting I share the message that everyone deserves to feel valued.
Imagine if we all committed to extending kindness and grace to others. What if we utilized our experiences to assist those around us? What if we consciously chose to be the beacon of hope for someone else?
We’ve all faced unkindness, whether through intentional actions or ignorance. Yet, we also know the transformative power of kindness, which can heal wounds we may not even realize we carry.
For those of us navigating life’s challenges—whether through personal struggles or caring for others—there are times we feel depleted. However, recalling moments of kindness can inspire us to tap into a well of strength we didn’t know existed.
Oliver urges us to accept the kindness challenge, to actively show compassion, because every individual matters. I am embracing this challenge. Will you join us?
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In summary, let us strive to embody kindness in our daily interactions, recognizing the impact it can have not only on others but also on ourselves.
Keyphrase: kindness challenge
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