Karen and Jay share thoughts on the value of ‘kindness |
|
Kindness, and being a kind person, is so very important and so very much appreciated. Yet, in the rush of our daily lives, it’s so very easy to overlook. Simple acts of kindness – when authentic and from the heart - can have a profound affect. Kindness obviously benefits the recipient of the kindness. But, at least as important, it helps the giver. When we are kind to another person, we know that we are doing a right and honorable thing. There is a sense of virtue and fulfillment.
You may have heard the saying "A little bit of kindness goes a long way.” Well, it’s more than just an expression, it’s in fact scientifically proven that performing acts of kindness is beneficial for everyone involved. When you do a good deed, your body releases "feel good" hormones like serotonin which help reduce anxiety. And, while we know that we should be kind to everyone, sometimes we forget to treat others with compassion when things get hectic. Yet we all want a friendlier and kinder world.
It doesn’t take much to be kind, yet it’s often sometimes hard to come by. We each have the ability to be a difference maker, and it starts simply by taking action. It’s as simple as getting to know someone new at school or at work or calling a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while. Or, we can demonstrate kindness through generosity. Just this past week, I’ve heard countless stories about the generosity of people from all over the world helping displaced Ukrainians whose lives have been uprooted by a tragic war. One story in particular came from Poland, where one woman has welcomed over six families into her home, providing them with food, shelter, and clothing. Another one comes from right here in New Hampshire where a local businessman in Auburn is raising $100,000 to support displaced families. In the most difficult moments, it’s this generosity that reminds us that where there is kindness, there is good in the world.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out.” When faced with the choice of being kind or being mean, it’s important to remember that it is in fact a choice. And by choosing kindness, we choose to bring some light into this sometimes, chaotic world. So, I urge you this week, try choosing kindness, even when it might be difficult. What are three specific things you can do in the coming week to bring kindness to someone else? Please give it a try. We’ll all be better because of it.
|
|
|
|
Chad ‘Battle of the Badges’ – Taking the Ice! |
|
Positive Profile of the Week: Steve Negron |
|
We are delighted this week to highlight a great friend and selfless contributor to the community, Steve Negron.
With a smile that lights up a room, Steve Negron of Nashua, New Hampshire, is the embodiment of a kind soul. He is a friend to everyone who meets him. He is a teacher, mentor, coach, community and church leader, and if you get to know Steve, you will also know that he is always looking to help friends and family with projects and more.
Steve grew up in both Texas and Puerto Rico and is proud of his Puerto Rican heritage. He graduated from Texas Christian University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and then earned an MBA from Western New England College with an emphasis on Federal Acquisition and Contracting.
Serving in the US Air Force, Steve retired as a Major in 1998. His family comes from a long line of military service, with 111 years of cumulative service. In fact, he met his wife Terry while they both were in the service. They have been married for thirty-one years and have three children.
In 2005, Steve started his own business in Nashua, Integron, LLC, which works with the Department of Defense on acquisitions and engineering support. A former State Representative and a two-time nominee for US Congress, he still manages to be active in a number of Nashua area volunteer programs. These include the World Academy, Immaculate Conception Parish, Boy Scouts Troop 410, Knights of Columbus Council 13904, Paul Revere Chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA), North Suburban Chamber of Commerce, Nashua Catholic Regional Junior High School, and the Nashua South Cal Ripken League (Little League).
Because of Steve’s generosity and positive spirit, you always feel that you are a better person after talking or meeting with him. We are grateful for his service to the community, to our state, and to our country. Thank you, Steve!
|
|
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
― Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
