Pictures of kind eyes are bordering the image, inside the image it says, all it takes is a smile, a kind look, we are here together, I dare you to pass it on, will you?

Going back to basics

A few years ago, I attended a three-day workshop and I wasn't feeling particularly great about myself. I was in a job where power play tactics were being directed my way and I felt trapped and at fault for being in a situation I didn't know how to handle. My self-esteem and confidence was knocked and I feared people would see whatever it was that those in powerful situations were seeing as I believed I must be a bad person for getting such awful reactions and responses to for working hard and trying to get by.

However when I arrived at the workshop I was overwhelmed by the amazing energy I felt in the room, and instantly realised I was around my "tribe", people who saw good in others and wanted to make a difference. Towards the end of the workshop we gave feedback to each other and people spoke up about their appreciation for the "Kind Eyes" that had been directed their way after sharing a difficult or challenging event or situation which was acknowledged and empathised with. My heart warmed but also saddened at this being mentioned as a big thing because it is something we all have the capacity to do, and is so powerful, yet the fact that it was acknowledged and mentioned highlighted to me that maybe it doesn't happen as often as it should.

So Kind Eyes Unite has been brought to life as a simple, effective starting point to raise awareness that there are things we can all do to help make our world a better place. It is something we can all share and do for free through showing our kind eyes through a smile. We can also reflect on our own behaviours and think about the impact our words and actions have on others. We can look past our own thoughts and experiences and take a thought for the shoes that we aren't walking in. We can appreciate that we actually have no idea of the life someone else is leading, how they feel, or what life has dealt them and hold fire on generalizations, stereotypes and unnecessary harmful judgments because our view of our world is based on our own experiences and values which can be very different from someone else's.

Kindness and care can so often be down-played but can have such an impact. A genuine smile is a powerful notion that releases endorphins that make you feel good. A genuine smile can show your warmth and sincerity; all of which can shine through your eyes. When you smile a chain reaction of smiles occur, which means those happy feelings are being passed on to those who receive it. Showing your kind eyes through a smile is achievable with very little effort, is free and is a universal language spoken by all. Reaching out, providing warmth, care and compassion all starts from a smile.

You have the power within you to make a difference through your own actions and how you see the world. Embrace 'kind eyes unite' to show the world your beautiful smile and make an impact; you may just surprise yourself at the difference such a simple gesture can make.

If you can't visit or see others right now, turn on the video app and chat, I dare you, go on, smile and pass it on!

Images of smiling eyes are bordering the picture. Inside the image it reads, the eyes whisper a thousand words, are you present enough to hear them, show your kindness and give a smile, your warmth may start to heal them.