If I could work on one thing about myself as a human being it would be to be more caring, more kind, and compassionate...  not only to those that I love and care about, but to those I don't know.  I don't believe that "love" will change the world.  I think that to tell people to love everyone they come across, is a hard concept to grasp.  Instead, I have come to believe that simple everyday kindness and caring has the ability to change a day, a week, and sometimes a life.

I have heard, and read, in many places that love will change the world.  People have a hard time grasping how you can love someone that you don't know though.  Some people have a hard time even loving themselves, much less strangers.  Instead, I think that as people we should show kindness and concern when people are in need.  We should show compassion to those that we don't know, and be less quick to judge.  I think that eventually kindness, caring, and compassion translates into love.  But it is a mighty thing to tell someone to "love everybody".  It doesn't seem quite as mighty to show caring and kindness, although the effect can be the same.  

Less and less people are more afraid to reach out.  Afraid to help the stranger stranded on the side of the road because they don't know them.  Afraid to talk to someone who looks lost in the city.  Afraid to reach out to someone in need, that they don't know.  Humans have conditioned each other to be afraid of our own kind.  It makes me sad to think that they days of looking out for each other, whether we know the person or not, are fading away.  In a world where we have every opportunity to be more connected, the human race is less connected than ever.  I know that this is life.  And, I understand that things will never be perfect.  People will still hurt, people will still fight, and a lot of people will find it hard to reach out.  

I do believe though, that if we try to make a small difference we can.  And, that is better than no difference at all.  Lately I have been trying to make a more conscious effort to do the little things...  To offer my seat at the cafe when I'm just studying (and done eating)  to an older couple when there is no where to sit.   To hold the door for someone, even when they aren't exactly right behind me.  To make eye contact with a stranger, and smile.......

And, it seems, that not only do these strangers appreciate the little things.... but it makes me feel better about me and my day.  It often feels even better to give help, than to receive.