Does it really matter?

The cream rises. This is true for dairy and it’s also true of people.

I continue to be inspired by amazing people who, despite the constraints of the pandemic, continue to rise up to make a positive difference in life.

Something that’s become clear is the importance and value of relationship, and our ability to show up for one another. Acts of caring and kindness make a huge difference, and physical distancing doesn’t need to stop us. If you think you don’t matter, you’re wrong.

It’s during these times that it’s important to remember that your presence matters and that showing up for others makes a difference to them. It also supports your own health and happiness.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” These words of Mahatma Gandhi have long served to remind me that I have to step forward and offer the world what I’d like to experience.

It’s easy to hunker down behind the walls of physical constraint, but it’s much more fun to become crafty in how we extend kindness, caring, and connection into life.

I’ve personally been the recipient of acts of caring and kindness that have touched me deeply.

I had a significant birthday in April. I made my best effort to put on a happy face, but inside felt sad to be isolated. Little did I know plans were going on behind the scenes to make my day special. 

One dear-heart, Val Hardy, silently dropped off a lovely hanging basket and card on my door step. Her thoughtfulness and kindness made me cry! Each day it continues to remind me of her and the power of one person’s caring.

Later, my Yaya Sisters held a parade, just for me! They came bearing cake, signs, COVID gifts and a tiara. I haven’t laughed and cried so hard in a long time, and never have friends felt so dear. 

I received many deep and meaningful birthday messages that landed richly in my heart. Surprisingly, it was the best birthday celebration I’ve ever had. People’s presence, thoughtfulness, and kindness were the greatest gift of all. 

People are resilient and we adapt. Oftentimes, we grow the most when we’re challenged. I’m moved and inspired as I bear witness to people showing up in new ways, making connections despite the distance, and being the change that’s so needed in this world.

Two home-town-heroes, Kim and Jim Rhindress are making their way through town delivering virtual hugs, in the form of painted heart-shaped stones. It meant the world to us and we were moved to know they’d been thinking of us. Kim and Jim were the artists who created the Health-care Heroes song and video shared widely in April. They are the change that’s needed in this world.

Barbara Samuel and Neil Klassen are sharing the gift of their musical talent by showing up on people’s door steps to bless them with song. I awakened to them singing to me on my birthday! They know their presence matters and they show up.

Others have taken to sending cards, making phone calls, or sending random texts of kindness, just because. 

It’s the gift of our presence, care, and kindness we can continue to extend, despite distance; it’s one of the blessings of the virtual world. Each one of us has something to offer, and as we spend ourselves in extending caring, in big and small ways, we add to the good our world longs for.

Loneliness was an epidemic long before COVID-19.

Prior to the constraints placed upon us by the pandemic, many people felt lonely and isolated, despite being able to be in physical contact. Barriers were created by a perpetually busy society. Our distraction with the virtual world of our devices, even when in the presence of people, seemed the norm. 

The epidemic of loneliness existed before our need to distance and isolate. The pandemic has only raised it in our awareness.

The past few months have taught me the importance of letting people know they matter, of reaching out to connect and to extend acts of kindness.

Researchers are learning more about the myriad benefits of kind acts. While recipients of kind acts benefit in a variety of ways, the greatest effects are experienced by those who perform such acts.

As we move forward and restrictions are relaxed, may we all remember the power of kindness and caring to create a sense of connection. Let us remember the epidemic of loneliness existed before isolation. Let’s commit to being the change we wish to see in the world.

What’s one thing you can do today to be an agent of kindness? Do that!

Send me an email at [email protected] to tell me what you’ve done!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.