"Intentional kindness: humanity's superpower" - Futurist Jim Carroll, with a shoutout to Drew Sullivan, APB Speakers
The image in today's Inspiration features my good friend Michael Simon; the phrase, "intentional kindness," comes from one of my speaker bureau agents, Drew Sullivan. One teaches us the importance of finding moments of joy when we need it most and the importance of 'giving back'; the other involves intentionally making those moments of joy for others because they truly matter.
It's a long post, but I want you to read it.
Why? We seem to be living in a world in which the core values of human decency seem to be disappearing at the speed with which societal norms are unraveling. As an example, I have read that one of the latest trends with the tech oligarchs - folks like Elon Musk and the young men who worship them - is that they find it to be fashionable to use denigrating words and phrases. They seem to think that it is all one big joke and that somehow, this provides them a boost to their 'machismo' - far from it. Most recently, their childish immaturity has extended to the regular use of the 'retard,' as if that somehow empowers them and makes them stronger
I do not know what darkness lies in the depths of their soul, but I know I and others will fight this darkness with all our might.
So let me start with my friend Michael. Here's a photo from a few weeks ago when we were both wrapping up a wonderful ski day.
I've known Michael since he was 2 years old.
Now 29, he is a special needs young adult who has a unique genetic condition that has limited his full abilities - and yet, he has achieved capabilities that experts have said might never be possible. It was said he could never ski - he learned to ski. It was said he would never be able to master a snowboard. Today, he 'shreds' with the best of them.
He has accomplished many other things in his life - and he has the most infectious smile of any person I have ever known.
You can't see Michael smile and, in these moments of despair, worry, and concern, find some joy some sort of joy creeping into your own heart. Michael's smile is a crucible of joy and a cauldron of inspiration.
We all need more moments like this. We should all find the joy around us because those are the moments that matter. You can help to 'generate it by getting involved, giving back, and supporting those who are under attack, marginalized, or who need attention and help. That's why social causes are even more important today than they were before.
Read the rest of the post.
#Kindness #Humanity #Empathy #Connection #Compassion #Community #Joy #Purpose #Resilience #Intentionality
Original post: https://jimcarroll.com/2025/03/daily-inspiration-giving-back-intentional-kindness-humanitys-superpower/
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