Sue Nagy

As I sit looking out the window at the falling snow, I am pleased that spring has arrived. I have seed catalogs in my lap and weeds with frozen roots in my flower beds. I tell myself, “You must be patient,” but patience is not a trait of mine. I am dreaming of daffodils and blooming tulips being eaten by the deer. Soon, my friends, I will be working in my garden and watching spring come to full bloom. Ah … life …

Having life is ignoring old age and finding joy in the world and the people around me. In the sixties, when I was a bit younger, I was a peace and love proponent. I still am. I believe if we don’t allow hate and racist feelings toward those different than us, we can be an example to the young. Set the example by consciously seeking opportunities to be helpful, considerate, and generous in daily interactions. Appreciate the power of simple acts of kindness, like a smile, a listening ear, or a helping hand. These little acts go a long way in showing the world that love still exists.

We need to grow daffodils in our hearts and share their fragrance. Showing kindness to one another can have a domino effect. Show a little love and watch how the dominoes of hate, intolerance and anger will fall. Love will build understanding, and understanding will build respect. Even when we don’t agree with people we need to respect them and show that we value the inherent worth and dignity of others. It is hard to hate someone we respect. Choosing to love others–even when it’s not easy–often comes from a place of emotional maturity and strength. It’s a way of rising above pettiness, grudges, or fear.

I think our goal should be to cultivate a mindset of empathy, kindness and compassion and a genuine desire to make life better for everyone we encounter throughout our lives. Think about how a smile from a stranger can lift your mood and brighten your day. The people we love will see this and begin to do the same — it is “catching.” We need to start the chain of love so all can see how wonderful it feels.

One act of kindness can go a long way. It fosters connections and strengthens the bonds of friendship. Kindness is often contagious. When someone experiences kindness, they are more likely to be kind to others, creating a positive cycle that can spread throughout communities. That is the example we want to set. We want kindness not to be an isolated act, but a way of life.

If Jesus were alive today, I would be a groupie. I love how he is an example of forgiveness, acceptance, and love. So many people, Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Martin Luther King Jr., and so many others, showed us the way. We just need to follow their example.

Our generation has always been willing to lead, and now this world and our country need us to once again lead the way. Go hug someone today. Go be the person you want others to be. Go set the example. Go in peace and “pay it forward.”