In a world where speed, pressure and the ability to "get through" are valued, kindness sometimes seems outdated. But I am increasingly convinced that being kind is a conscious decision, not an accidental character trait.

Kindness is not about always agreeing or being liked by everyone. It is about inner strength, when you choose not to respond to evil with evil. About the ability to notice someone who is standing in the shadows and say a word that will make the day brighter.

Many people think that kind people are naive or defenseless. But it is much easier to hide behind sarcasm than to approach and offer help. It is easier to brush it off than to delve into it. True kindness requires courage - because it opens you up to the world, and therefore to vulnerability too.

I know people whose gentleness changed the atmosphere of an entire room. They didn't shout, didn't argue, didn't try to impress - they were just themselves, and that was enough to make you want to be better around them. Perhaps that is real strength.