Be Nice!
Being nice seems like it is soooo simple. In reality, some people really struggle to be nice to others. Let’s be real, life has happened to us all, and it can leave us in a place where we are apprehensive. We hate to be vulnerable, we never want to be viewed as being weak, and we will protect ourselves at all cost. Because the act of being nice is perceived as a sign of weakness, we are frugal with that characteristic trait. Even if this is the case, we must still push ourselves to be nice. Why? It is the right thing to do.
We are all living and breathing, and we are all trying to achieve something. Since our lives have been set up to intersect and interact with other people, this means we must treat those interactions with honor. Do not be tricked into the belief that things happen randomly. Instead accept the fact that everything in life happens for a reason. The job you have, the church you attend, the community you live in, the family you are a part of is not a mistake. While we exist in these respective environments, we need those around us whether we’d like to admit it or not. As humans, we are wired to give and receive love and kindness. A part of being a human being is showing empathy, exhibiting kindness, and extending care. In other words, Being Human=Being Nice. Now I am not saying if you are not nice, you are not human. I am trying to get you to understand your basic capacity as a human requires a level of kindness that you may not have yet.
This for some will be a push, but let me tell you what it does. It imprints you in the minds of the people you come in contact with. It leaves a lasting impression that leads to impact. In turn, impact breeds opportunity. When you exhibit such a small characteristic on a consistent basis, it manifests a bigger return than we realize.
We all remember someone who was nice. Just think about a person that you have met who was particularly friendly and inviting. Just the memory of them may bring a smile to your face, or cause you to feel the warmth from a piece of themselves they shared with you. On the other hand, we can also remember someone who was mean. Go ahead and think. I bet that warm feeling is being replaced with a bad memory. All those bad things you thought about that person may be returning to your mind. I am making this distinction to encourage you to leave people with good memories of you. Let your name be met with smiles whenever it is mentioned because there will come a day when opportunity arises and your willingness to be pleasant may elevate or promote your life in ways you never imagined.
If we all accept this charge, just think of the difference it would make in every environment. Think of everyday life being a little more bearable. It is possible to make someone’s day just by being nice. You could literally save someone's life by making the decision to be nice. At the end of the day we need each other. So why not take this step? Say “Good morning” to the homeless person you walk pass everyday on your way to work. Send a text to a family member you haven't spoken to in a while and tell them to have a great day. Pay for someone’s cup of coffee. Buy someone a meal. Say “Hello” and “Happy Wednesday” to the first coworker you see today. Ask someone how they are doing, and listen for an answer. Compliment someone on their outfit, but keep it clean.
Yes, you have your apprehensions, and maybe the last time you were nice you got hurt. But let me tell you, life is filled with try agains (Yes I made this up). Moments where we must decide to try again. No matter what the situation was before, you have the power to try again. So try, and push yourself to just be nice.