In the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
When I sat down to write the script for “The Kindness Boomerang” it was those words that echoed through my head.
I’ve always believed in the good of others and the potential of each person to make a great difference in this world. Some call me naïve, some call me a dreamer, some call me foolish. They ask me how after reading the news headlines, witnessing the pain, tragedy and destruction that occurs on an every day basis brought about by the greed and hatred of fellow human beings, that I can even attempt to believe in the good of all people. To those people I say, YES there are bad actions, but there is no such thing as a bad person.
If you really look at each person as individual you will find that they too once believed in the good of others. But, you will also find that somewhere along the road of their life they got burned, they got hurt because of their belief and slowly but surely they became cynical and eventually they became afraid to believe. To insure that we protect ourselves, sometimes we create walls, masks, barriers. On the outside we have a rough exterior, sometimes to the point where we begin to believe that the facade is our reality. But, deep down in our heart the belief still flickers, it may not be as bright, we may not even see it, maybe we don’t want to see it.
Kindness is something we all know to be important, but we tend to forget it somewhere along the way. Until one day, when we feel as though things can’t get much worse, we bump into someone else and for no reason whatsoever they touch us with kindness. Tat small touch ignites the feeling hidden deep within us once again and we begin to feel something we haven’t felt in a long time and it feels so good. If we’re lucky we take a moment to notice these precious moments and allow those moments peel off a layer of cynicism, allowing some light to enter. Perhaps, the next steps we venture will be with a new perspective, one that makes us more aware of those around us, one that makes us even for a fleeting moment to believe once again in the good of others, to trust.
The Kindness Boomerang was my attempt to remind the child within each of us, the innocence we once had, to remember that change is possible – to remember that kindness is possible and within our very reach. Open your eyes, become aware of your surroundings and you will be surprised by the amazing opportunities that lay before you. Your act may propel others to follow because kindness, like the domino effect has the power to spread rapidly. Who knows perhaps the kindness you perform today will magically find its way back. So put your heart out there and touch the life of another with kindness.
Each scene was taken from a real life experience that I’ve had with complete strangers. Little do they know the effect and impact they have had on me. Go and create your own scenes, stand back and watch how magically one kindness leads to another. Over the next week I will share some of those stories with you and hope you share some of your own.
But most importantly remember that kindness is not about the big things, it’s about the small things that are right in front of us every moment. So get out there and seize the day – because there is no day but TODAY!
So, what “If everyone cared”? – let’s try it out and see where it takes us. I’m rooting for all of us!
Love the way you think!! I try to pay something forward each day…thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Thank you so much for spreading your message. There is so much grief in the world, even without cruelty. We will always need each other to fan the flames of kindness that lies in our hearts.
I bumped into your website… Guess how? Yep, looking for words and acts of kindness. I found the “boomerang video”, and now I’ve got you “liked” on Facebook, bookmarked, and in the permanent links of my blog. You know? Sites, blogs and posts as these of yours are like a cup of spring water for the thirsty soul, that suddenly realizes its inner kindness can surely bloom again. And now, regarding the present post, I would like to remark that in my experience it is not so much the possibility of kindness “boomerang-ing” back to me what gives me the boost, but the very kind act and disposition itself.
Anyway, great idea, great mission and… Well, what can I say? I’m totally there with you! 🙂
I just wondered if you have ever heard of Rachel’s Challenge? ”I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same.” ~Rachel Scott http://www.rachelschallenge.org/LearnMore/WhatIsRC.php (BTW – read her essay – Meet Rachel tab:-)
The concept of your film and now reading your words make me realize/feel that You and Rachel Joy Scott are kindred spirits…On the day that RC visited our school one of our teachers found your film and sent it to all faculty/staff – and many showed to students…I had the privilege and opportunity to show it to our RC Presenter, Larry Scott (Rachel’s Uncle), he was deeply moved and asked me to send to him (which I did and also to RC directly)…Also watching with Larry Scott was our Drama Director, D.J. (who heard about RC and brought it to the school)…as we are watching he says, “This looks a lot like the street my Salon was on.” Towards the end – as the camera makes a full circle he says, “That was it!” You filmed on the same street that he had previously owned a business – and we watched in Savannah, GA! I believe in “Everything Happens For A Reason” and sometimes we understand why…and sometimes we don’t…But From The Bottom Of My Heart I Want To Thank You! This film has touched my heart and I am going to share your “Making Of” story with my faculty tomorrow (and the link to watch again as well:-) “What goes around comes around – let’s make what goes around be something good!”
Donna! Your message truly just made my day and brought such a big smile to my face and warmth to my heart – Thank You!
Unfortunately, I never heard of Rachel Challenge – but her philosophy is so much in sync with Life Vest Inside’s message and the way I strive to live my life.
I am so happy that one of the teachers managed to stumble upon the film and shared it with you. I greatly appreciate your support in passing it forward and sharing it with RC and others. I would normally say, “I can’t believe how amazing it is that his Salon was on!” But if there is anything I’ve learned from life experiences as well as working on this organization and interacting with people on a day to day basis, it’s that everything happens for a reason and we are all so connected in more ways than we know. I absolutely love uncovering the magical ways in which our lives connect so seamlessly – it’s like watching a work of art in action!
Once again, thank you for your encouraging words and support! I also wanted to let you know about the Educational Aspect of Life Vest Inside. I am visiting schools across the country, giving workshops and lectures about the organization. One of the workshops is based upon the film and it’s quite amazing. If your school is interested, I would absolutely love to address the student body. Feel free to reach out and I can give you more information. My email address: orly@lifevestinside.com. If not, feel free to give a call regardless:)
Together we will most certainly make something GREAT come around:)
With kindness and gratitude,
Orly Wahba