“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference.” – Barbara De Angelis
We all have good years and bad years. That’s life. But 2017 feels unusually tough. Maybe not on a personal level so much as a national one.
OK, bear with us – this is worth it.
No matter what your politics, gender, race or religion, it’s hard to argue that things aren’t different this year. The tenor of conversation has turned particularly sour. You see it every day on the news, in online comments, and across social media. Even the comic satire of late night TV is based on extreme negativity.
We’re stuck in divisiveness. And not just here… it’s a global trend. Even our friendly neighbors in Canada are seeing it. The emphasis is on our differences rather than common ground. And the words – already mean last year – are getting meaner.
But don’t despair! There is something out there that will renew your faith in people, society and the kindness of strangers.
It’s called Kind World, a podcast from WBUR created by Erika Lantz. Short stories about the positive impact people have on others, from small acts of kindness to saving a life. Each episode is 6-8 minutes and will amaze you. Some will make you cry. All are real.
We listen to Kind World often, usually with kids. Then we end up talking about what happened for weeks and share the stories with others. They are the perfect antidote to what ails our nation.
Kindness, compassion, helping those in need whether you know them or not. Bringing a smile to someone’s face, or joy to a broken heart. Sacrificing oneself for another. The stories are so powerful they alter the course of your day and change the way you view the world around you.
As a social enterprise that supports refugees, a recent Kind World story especially resonates with us. It’s about a young Muslim refugee who was welcomed into an American household with unexpected kindness. Listen to Turning Point, then sign up for the podcast. You won’t regret it.
If you’re a baseball fan you’ll love Almost Impossible. If you want to inspire a kid, listen to So Chocolate Bar. And if you’re thinking of skydiving, listen to When the Parachute Failed before you jump. The entire archive (46 episodes so far) is available here.
We hope these stories inspire you as much as they have us. If so, please share Kind World with others, and let us know. You can also follow Kind World on Twitter and Facebook.
Thanks. Here’s to a brighter and kinder future, together.
