Cultivating Kindness

Amanda Bird
Reference Specialist

Since moving to Hickory from Roanoke, Virginia nearly six months ago, I have been fortunate to meet many Hickory natives who have welcomed me with friendly smiles and neighborly gestures. The generosity I have encountered from this community has touched my heart and led me to wonder if I have finally found the place I want to settle down and plant roots. My restless spirit has led me from one town to another, but never have I been so enamored with the beauty of a region as well as it’s good-hearted residents.  With my family living in Tennessee and Florida and few friends in the area, I have relied on the kindness of strangers for assistance from everything to finding a local Veterinarian to, and perhaps most importantly, directions!
After living here for just a short time, it was no surprise to hear about the miracle of Hickory where residents rushed to build a hospital to treat patients ravaged by polio. This community’s courage and resilience continues to resonate to this day. Last week I was fortunate to experience my own Hickory miracle.  In a terrible bind, I was given a generous gift from a complete stranger. Being the recipient of such a thoughtful and compassionate gesture humbled me and allowed me time to reflect on how I can also make kind choices. 

All too often, it’s easy to perform daily routines, giving little thought to simple pleasures such as lending a helping hand to someone in need. Each of us has the capacity to live a more humane and compassionate lifestyle by making small changes that can enhance our lives as well as those around us. I now consider the kind stranger who helped me a dear friend, thus reinforcing the many benefits of random acts of kindness.
Every day presents a wealth of opportunities for selfless giving whether it is extending assistance to a neighbor, getting involved in animal rights, or making changes to protect the environment.  For resources on how you can live a more kind and compassionate lifestyle, please visit the Hickory Public Library.

• Giving:  How Each of us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton
• Making Kind Choices: Everyday Ways to Enhance Your Life Through Earth-and Animal Friendly Living by Ingrid Newkirk
• Cultivating Compassion:  A Buddhist Perspective by Jeffrey Hopkins
• Ordinary Grace: An Examination of the Roots of Compassion, Altruism, and Empathy, and the Ordinary Individuals Who Help Others in Extraordinary Ways by Kathleen Brehony

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block. Ridgeview Branch Library is at 706 1st Street SW.