We’re doing it my way.

My opinion matters more because I am more educated than you.  

I’m more important than you.

I have more wealth than you.

I get to go first just because I am not you.

Talk to your employer like that for a minute and see if you don’t immediately get to meet with someone in human resources about your poor behavior. The selfishness in these statements sounds just like a toddler’s temper tantrum. You have heard these same statements uttered by grown adults who insist that they have the right of way and their beliefs are the only ones that matter.

When did life become all about me? When did people stop caring about their neighbors? Have we ever considered, even for a minute, anyone other than ourselves? Do we have it in us to NOT be selfish and self-serving? It’s rare.

But it’s rarer for someone to stand up and do something kind for another person they don’t know, who doesn’t have any wealth, status, and or power without recognition. Small acts of random kindness come attached with strings, like when you decide to pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line. They had the money to buy their coffee. And while it’s a nice gesture, is it a kindness out of your heart? Or is it reciprocal because someone did that for you last week? Again, you had the money to buy your coffee; otherwise, you wouldn’t be in the drive-through line, scrolling through social media posts while you wait for the barista to make your drink. Is that the kind of kindness you want to be known for? Paying for some stranger’s coffee, who could afford it anyway?

But you DO have beliefs that matter.

You ARE important.

You DO MATTER.

But you? Be different! Take a second to smile at everyone you meet. Do that, and it will change your outlook on your day and the rest of your life.

Take a chance.

Change.