Every September we honor Jackson Roos, who reminded us all how important it is to BE KIND: “I believe that while we can never be friends with everyone, we can be friendly with everybody.” Why is it so important to Be Kind? There’s never been a time where the world needs kindness as much as right now. Oddly, being kinder to others often results also in being kinder towards ourselves. By being kind, we make the world a nicer place in which to live.
Sir Richard Branson wrote a blog on kindness earlier this year, challenging his readers to perform a random act of kindness every day. This is not a new concept but it is interesting to see how what initially starts off as a conscious strategy, quickly becomes an automatic way to behave. So oddly, practicing kindness to others often results in being kinder to yourself as the ripple affect of your behavior changes the world around you. Here are some of his suggestions:
1. Give a compliment to a stranger
2. Make up with anyone you’ve fallen out with (even if you feel it’s their fault)
3. Give someone a hug
4. Leave a happy note for someone to find
5. Email an old teacher who has made a difference in your 7. Smile at someone on the street, just because
8. Talk to the shy person who’s sitting by themselves
9. Help someone struggling with heavy bags or a baby stroller
10. Stop to talk to a homeless person
We asked some of our patients to share the ways they try to incorporate kindness into their daily lives:
“I am kind by respecting others and being patient”
“I am kind by smiling at people”
“I am kind by having a friendly voice and smile”
“I am kind by treating everybody the same way”
“I am kind by being friendly to everyone no matter who they are”
“I am kind by helping people when they are hurt”
If we were to all do just one of these simple acts then we would create a massive groundswell of positive change.
“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”
~Dalai Lama
Aside from practical ways to be kind, attitude also plays a role in kindness.
– Practice and express gratitude
– Minimize judgment and limit criticism – everyone is facing challenges.
– Try to understand the other side – often what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks, but a heart that listens.
– Make positive observations.
– Take the higher (and smarter) road – it is more important to be kind than to be right.
Our whole team at Roos Orthodontics works hard to make sure that your experience here is the best it can be. We treat our patients and each other like family, and try at all times to Be Kind.
What you say:
“Roos Orthodontics was amazing… they were very kind and sympathetic and made sure that everything went exactly to plan.”
“The office has a kind and welcoming atmosphere.”
“All the staff at Roos Ortho is patient, kind, and professional.”
“Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.
~ Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.