Lately, I've been doing a lot of thinking and reflecting on this year. One question keeps popping up in my mind: why don't people aim to be kinder more often? Being nice costs nothing, and kindness can make such a big difference. With all the negativity in the world right now, and things seeming to spiral, a little kindness feels more important than ever.

Many of us face challenges in life that we can't control, and just a small act of kindness can make everything seem a bit brighter.

My personal motto is to always try to be as kind to others as possible. After all, I never really know what the next person is going through, has been through, or might face in the future. I often think back to the toughest times in my life and remember how something as simple as a kind gesture made all the difference. Especially now, with a rise in suicides, it's crucial to remember that a simple act of kindness can be life-changing.

I've experienced being bullied, mistreated, and facing life's challenges firsthand. I know the pain and sadness these experiences can bring, and I never want anyone else to experience the heartache and sadness I once felt. That's why kindness is so crucial to me – it's a way to lighten someone else's load, even if just a little. I've made it my goal in life to be kind to others, even when it's not reciprocated, and even when things in my life aren't going well. I still push myself to bring a smile to someone else's face, to let them know I see them, they are important, and their life matters. Plus, I find that it's much easier to feel happier when you try your best to exude kindness.

Lately, I've been thinking about the German word "schadenfreude," which means finding joy in someone else's pain. It's something I've noticed in many around me, some openly and others in secret. This mindset is something I will never understand. I wish I could tell these people to try aiming for kindness, to at least try to be kind whenever possible.

Again, being kind doesn't cost a thing, and it's something we should all strive for. Not just during holidays or celebrations, but in everything that we do. It's about making kindness a part of our everyday lives, a habit that we nurture and grow.

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