Kindness and goodness rules the world Conscious Aging

Watching the news is often disturbing to my spirit. Guns, bombs, hate speech, and incivility make me wonder where we are headed. I wonder how we can survive all the violence, hatred and meanness that appear to permeate our world.

Then I go about my daily routine, doing errands, shopping and interacting with the public. What I experience is more times than not, positive. I encounter polite servers, respectful bank tellers, and accommodating clerks. I see drivers allow me to change lanes without honking. Perhaps

By Nancy Hemesath

because of my age, oftentimes others hold the door for me. People are generally kind!

My conclusion is that there is more kindness and goodness in the world than vitriol despite what the media would suggest.

I believe the glue that holds us together is the loving kindness we extend to one another. Perhaps the reason that acts of hatred get so much attention is because they are in sharp contrast to the backdrop of a normally respectful society.

A recent event caused me to reflect on this. On July 5th I attended the delayed July 4th celebration at the Gene Leahy Mall with the outdoor concert and fireworks display. Thousands gathered for an uplifting event.

The Omaha Symphony offered a wonderful performance at no charge. (Generous sponsors footed the bill.) People of many cultures and language groups enjoyed the program side by side. The atmosphere was joyous because people were having fun. Strangers made room for one another as spaces filled in. I left the event with an enhanced feeling of gratitude for our democratic country and the people with whom I share it.

I am glad I allowed the joy of this event to eclipse the feelings I had over the holiday weekend when I heard of the numerous mass shootings that disturbed some celebrations. In the back of my mind, I had some apprehension about being in a large crowd. However, I made a choice not to allow fear to inhibit living as I wanted to live. I chose to focus on living life as I wished.

This means instead of focusing on hateful acts, such as rude drivers, impatient customers, name callers and other unhappy people, I choose to notice all the acts of kindness extended to me every day. This encompasses both strangers and those within my immediate circle. I have neighbors who water my plants when I am away, walk my dog when needed and remind me my garage door was left open. These are real neighbors.

I also have wonderful friends who help me out with food when I cannot prepare it. Others provide technical support for my computer, edit my writing, invite me to their homes on holidays, and this list goes on. I suspect if we look for goodness and kindness, we will find it. Of course, this then inspires us to reciprocate.

Who needs my help today and will I give it?

I don’t turn off the news because I need to know what is happening in our world. The anecdote to allowing the bad news to pull me down is to “look for the helpers” as Mr. Rogers used to say and as Anne Frank said, “I believe people are really good at heart.” Let’s focus on that!

(Hemesath is the owner of Encore Coaching. She is dedicated to supporting people in their Third Chapter of Life and is available for presentations. Contact her at nanhemesath@gmail. com.)