The Power of Simple, Kind Words | THE VIRAL Journal, Part 36

By Josh Jennrich

For many reasons, I believe that most humans were born with a gift. A gift that so many underutilize, take for granted, and use this powerful ability in an unproductive and negative way. This super power that I am speaking about is our ability to have a voice. Our ability to have a conversation with others, our ability to have an opinion, our ability to be heard! Being able to speak and converse is an incredible thing!

Words can do some pretty incredible things. Words can completely change the attitude or behavior of a person within seconds, and each and every one of us can always use some kind words! Believe it or not, but words can actually impact a person at a biological level! Words can create chemical reactions that impact a persons thoughts, behaviors, and even hormonal reactions. This is one of the abundant reasons that I always encourage people to be kind to others, and treat each individual the way that you’d like to be treated. Be good to the people that you know, and the people that you meet because you never know what these people are going through or dealing with internally or externally in their lives.

There is something that is far deeper than the words you speak or the simple words that you wear on your chest. The ShirtBOARD you decide to wear each day should not only be considered and practiced by the individual wearing it, but many studies show that those positive words can actually impact the mind and attitude of the folks who read it. Once again, including the person wearing it. One of the many concepts behind the idea of ShirtBOARDS was to give people a voice without actually speaking. Letting those around you see the message you're feeling or wanting to express, without directly voicing it. Kind words can go above and behind what you can imagine. That is why I try to smile at people I walk by. That is why I ask the woman at the register how her day is going. That is why I say please and thank you. That is why I hold doors open for strangers.

I believe in the so-called “butterfly effect.” I believe that being good and kind to others will in turn make them consider doing the same in a similar scenario for people that the know and see. There isn’t a reward for being kind to people, although it does make me feel good inside. Being nice or kind or good to others because it’s the right thing to do is called character! Doing the right thing regardless of what others are doing, because you have the opportunity to do it, can make an incredible impact on those who need it most!

For Goodness Sake,

Josh

>Share Josh’s state of mind? Be resolute in a BE NICE ShirtBOARD.

Our e-journal documents the COVID-19 pandemic from our viewpoint within our community. In the short-term, we hope it promotes connectivity and contrast within our shirtBOARD network. In the long-term, we hope it gives timely interpretations of the event to provide insight and understanding for future generations.