Becoming a Better Person: Reflections on Growth and Kindness
My guiding principle has always been the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. This principle has served as my foundation in navigating the complexities of life, and it has played a significant role in my journey to becoming a better person.
Self-Awareness and Empathy
Becoming a better person is intrinsically linked to our awareness of our actions and the motivations that drive them. By cultivating this awareness, we extend the same kindness and respect to others that we desire for ourselves. This natural evolution into better individuals often begins with small acts of kindness and respect, ripples outwards, and ultimately impacts the world around us.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
There were times in my life where I did not achieve what I wanted, or was not in the place I believed I deserved. Witnessing the moral and ethical decline in humanity as a whole, and being disregarded often, made me realize that something had to give. It started close to home, with a single act of kindness, and continued as a chain reaction of humans being good to each other.
One way this change started was through volunteering. Volunteering offered not just a way to give back but an eye-opening experience. It changed how I felt and acted, as I interfaced with a different realm of people and engaged in activities that made me appreciate life in a new way.
Traveling as a Catalyst for Personal Growth
Traveling has been another significant factor in my journey towards personal growth. Prior to traveling, my worldview was rather limited. I was an idealist, thinking I knew many things and found people from different cultures a bit silly and inapproachable. However, traveling opened my eyes to the diversity and richness of the world.
Through travel, I learned that life can be approached in many different ways, and I discovered my own shortcomings and what life has to offer beyond my own horizon. This newfound perspective has helped me see things from different perspectives and through different lenses. In essence, traveling has amplified my levels of empathy and understanding.
Empathy and Proactive Positivity
Simple acts, such as a simple greeting, can have a profound impact on others. Witnessing how a greeting can make someone feel welcomed or brighten their day has motivated me to be more proactive and positive in my actions. The impact of my actions towards others has become a central theme in my life, and people who are welcoming and compassionate also make me a better person.
Surrounding myself with positive and kind peers has also been instrumental in my personal growth. Being with good company has a significant influence on one's outlook and actions, ultimately contributing to a better and more compassionate self.
Conclusion
Becoming a better person is a continuous process that involves self-awareness, empathy, and a commitment to positive actions. Whether through volunteering or traveling, the journey to becoming a better person is marked by small but impactful steps. By embracing these changes, we can collectively uplift the world around us, fostering a more compassionate and empathetic society.