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As a writer, I sometimes wonder if my words are ever read. Most of those who take up writing as a profession likely sympathize with that sentiment. Considering we work from one deadline to the next, following one lead after another, it is easy to get caught up in the work and contemplate whether what we are doing actually makes an impact.
Do my stories matter? Are my words powerful? Am I getting my message across?
In all honesty, I sometimes feel like I am sending my columns off to the void every week. Every once in a while, however, someone will acknowledge something I have written. Whether it is word of mouth or a letter in the mail, I am always taken aback when someone says something about my column.
No matter how accustomed we become to compliments, generosity, or any form of recognition, we tend to react the same way without fail. At least in my experience, my body immediately responds positively. My cheeks will get warm, I will smile, and I will try to play off the compliment like it is no big deal.
But it is a big deal, and that is why we should consciously practice kindness.
When I was in middle school, an algebra teacher of mine required us to celebrate Random Act of Kindness Day as a class. Every February, students and adults alike are encouraged to perform random acts of kindness throughout the day. Established by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, the organization's goal is to "make kindness the norm," stating that just the smallest acts can make a difference in someone's life.
You may be wondering how this relates to an eighth-grade algebra class. At the time, we were learning about exponential functions, which look like this: f(x) = 2^x. This probably makes no sense to you, and if it does... I'm sorry. When you input a number for x and graph the resulting equation, it will start with little growth along the y-axis and then rapidly shoot upwards.
Exponential functions are characterized by this rapid increase - and that equation makes up the backbone of Random Act of Kindness Day.
As students, we were tasked with performing three random acts of kindness throughout the school week. Whether it be complimenting someone's outfit or walking them home, the act was not to be planned. After completing the task, we were required to hand the person a slip that instructed the individual to keep the positivity going and perform three random acts of kindness of their own.
This is where the exponential growth, and therefore the rapid spread of kindness, came from. Say my class had 25 students, each of whom was expected to perform three random acts, that would be 75 random acts of kindness. Then, those 75 people were instructed to perform three random acts of kindness, which brings the total to 225. The number continues to grow at an astounding pace.
As a collective society, we are quick to assume that our words have no power, no meaning, and no impact on others. I even started this column by admitting that I often feel my column is meaningless.
However, a recent study that was published by the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that we often underestimate the power of these small acts of kindness. It seems obvious that being kind promotes overall happiness and well-being, yet we are so quick to pass up on the opportunity to compliment someone, wave to someone, or even smile at someone.
In fact, it seems it has become the norm to be mean instead of kind. Perhaps it's the rise of social media and the newfound ability to hide behind a screen, or maybe we fear the rejection or judgment that may result from being nice. Whatever the case, personal attacks, hate speech, and bigotry have become more acceptable within the past several years.
This acceptance of hatred is not a new phenomenon - we know far too well that plenty of negative thoughts and ideologies have been muttered behind closed doors throughout our country's history. But now that everyone is guaranteed a platform that could potentially protect them from ever accepting accountability for their actions, what is to stop people from being hateful?
When did it become the norm to be mean?
To combat the rise in cruelty we have been witnessing firsthand, I encourage you to perform three random acts of kindness this week. I even challenge you to express kindness in person, not from behind a computer screen. Be sure that these people are strangers - someone from your friend circle, Sunday congregation, or workplace does not count.
Kindness should extend beyond where it is already expected of you and it should be practiced seven days a week. So, go spread the love elsewhere. Our world could use it.
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Andie Balenger is a native of Gladstone and is currently attending Northern Michigan University. Her column focuses on college life and runs Thursdays in the Daily Press.