The Most Accessible Power You Own

Everything feels expensive lately. It’s not just the groceries or the rent; there is a high emotional cost to just existing in a world that feels like it’s constantly on fire. When you’re burnt out and overwhelmed, being 'kind' can feel like just another thing on your to-do list. But Michael Barrett said something during the briefing that really stuck with me: acts of kindness 'don’t have to cost a dime.' In a world that tries to monetize everything, there is something rebellious about a gesture that is completely free.

Checking on a neighbor, sending a 'thinking of you' text to a coworker, or just offering a genuine greeting to someone you pass on the street—these things require zero capital. But they have a massive impact on our nervous systems. When we engage in these small acts, we aren't just helping the other person; we’re also reminding ourselves that we have agency. We aren't just passive observers of a chaotic world. We are active participants in creating a culture of safety and respect. It’s a micro-dose of power in a situation where we often feel powerless.

Don Davies pointed out that while one act of kindness might not change the entire world, it can mean everything to the person receiving it. That’s the scale we need to focus on. We don't have to solve the housing crisis or global conflict by ourselves, but we can make the next ten minutes slightly better for the person next to us. Especially after the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, focusing on these small, reachable goals is how we prevent ourselves from sinking into total despair. It’s about building a 'strong and kind' foundation from the ground up.

So, for the rest of this National Kindness Week, let's lower the bar for what 'counts.' You don't need a grand plan. You don't need a budget. You just need to be intentional. Look for the small openings where you can inject a bit of patience or a moment of recognition. These tiny shifts are the bricks that build a community that can actually withstand the storms. It’s the most accessible form of activism we have, and it’s available to everyone, everywhere, at any time.