“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
There are times when we all feel like our good works are going unrewarded. With all of the negative happenings in the world atop of our own personal challenges, it is tempting to throw up our hands and wonder what the value is in putting our best foot forward.
If, however, we find it in ourselves to stay the course of optimism and generosity, it is inevitable that we will catch glimpses of a bigger picture.
This week there was an incident involving two students in one of the lunch groups I facilitate for the district.
One student is prone to high levels of anxiety. When this happens, he will occasionally put his hands out to push others away. It is a coping mechanism that happens impulsively and it is always followed by remorse for having done so.
In this case, the boy put his hands on another student and the other student required ice. Both of these students are in the second grade.
After the initial upset, I was touched by the level of support that was available to care for both students. While their needs in that moment were completely different, each was tended to by knowledgeable staff who were prepared for such an issue.
The thing that was most touching was what occurred after the incident. I approached the boy who was applying ice to the side of his face. As we sat together, we talked about how it was okay to feel whatever feelings were coming up. Then he said something that was wise beyond his years.
He told me that the reason he did not retaliate was because he knows that the school truly loves and supports him. He said that if he had not felt that way he would have certainly fought back.
The seven-year-old’s words went straight to my heart. He reminded me that creating a loving and supportive environment for people is worth the effort. The time we take to encourage another human being can have a ripple effect in the world. As in the case of this young man, it might be the thing that inspires them to go out and make their own inspired choices.
When we are feeling down or threatened, it is easy to believe that taking our feelings out on others is justified. We might feel as though we will appear weak if we do not take revenge.
The truth is that having the courage to take the high road shines a positive light on us that no act of vengeance could ever generate. Stepping out boldly with love also leaves us with a greater sense of freedom to be true to our own loving selves.
If you need a reason to be loving and optimistic, start with yourself. Your health, happiness and relationships will improve. Taking the time to encourage yourself with positive words will put you in a state of greater clarity and make you more effective in every way. You will have more energy and fresh ideas. As you share this new outlook with the world, you will find even more reasons to be hopeful.
Life changes from a battle to a thrilling adventure when we take a chance on love.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. For questions, comments, and ideas for future columns, send an email to: EdwardBiagiotti@ccusd.org