Debbie Miller, President
Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce
Typically, when I speak up this time of year, it’s to remind our community that “high season” is here and take pride in how your businesses look and polish up your customer service (all of that is still extremely important for sure).
But, today, however, my message is different. After witnessing my volunteers, front line staff in local and regional businesses, food service workers and myself as well who are being yelled at and berated for not “meeting someone’s timing needs or something else,” I want to talk today about the importance of kindness.
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, kindness holds immense importance. It serves as a crucial counterbalance to the stress and demands of modern life, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. When we act with kindness, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial gesture, touching lives in ways we might not even realize. A simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, reduce their stress, and reinforce the idea that they are valued and seen.
Moreover, kindness promotes mental and emotional well-being. Both giving and receiving kindness boost feelings of happiness and contentment, contributing to overall mental health.
In diverse communities, acts of kindness bridge gaps, fostering understanding and cooperation among individuals from different backgrounds. This is particularly crucial in a time marked by social and political divisions. By prioritizing kindness, we build stronger, more resilient communities where empathy and collaboration are valued.
In the workplace, kindness leads to a more positive and productive environment. Employees who feel respected and valued are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This, in turn, improves job satisfaction and reduces turnover, benefiting both individuals and organizations.
In today’s world, many employers struggle to find staff to meet the demands of a seven-day workweek or 12 to 15-hour days. As a result, businesses are pivoting to balance the needs of their company, employees, and customers. Kindness goes a long way in fostering understanding and empathy for the challenges businesses face today. By approaching these obstacles with kindness, we support the efforts of businesses to adapt and thrive in a demanding environment, ensuring a more harmonious and resilient community for everyone.
Remember, this emphasis on kindness is meant to challenge YOU and ME. Merely reading this without applying it will not work. When you find a business, restaurant, or office closed at the particular time you want to patronize them – do not get upset or frustrated. Instead, make a quick phone call to check their status. If you find a business closed, return and patronize them later. Remember, we don’t know the shoes in which that business, office or attraction may be walking.
Kindness is a simple yet powerful tool that can transform our interactions and our world. In an era where negativity and conflict often dominate the narrative, choosing kindness is a profound act of resistance and hope. It reminds us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to create a better, more compassionate society.
BE KIND
