From the EVP’s desk: Choosing kindness

On my drive to Montgomery Village each day, I travel enough miles to see hundreds of cars, dozens of wildlife across varying landscapes and signage with a multitude of purpose. Each of these observations gives me plenty to think about, but lately, it is the road signs that intrigue me most. Many of the signs are directional, some are advertisements and others are monumental, but there are some that are consistent reminders of our humanity. They all promote a simple, repetitive, colorful, bold and not-always-easy-to-follow statement: “Be Kind.”

Of course, kindness can take many forms and can be shown and accepted in many ways. And, on any given day, there are thousands of distractions that can derail any good intention of kindness. But that is our “sign” to double down and really focus as a community and as neighbors on how we can continue to choose and spread kindness. I encourage you to start with a smile – that evokes a smile in return. Then, next time a wave or nod to a passerby or new neighbor. It is possible that a small action eventually invites a conversation, where each of you can share similar experiences in your neighborhood.

Be open to talking productively about community issues; you don’t have to agree, but the rational exchange of ideas may lead to an amicable solution. In a tight-knit community, there is certainly no shortage of topics to ruminate on, such as parking spaces, parking enforcement, trash collection, tree maintenance, excessive noise, the shared elements of a house (driveway, roof, garage access, interior walls) or general help for your neighbors.

It is conceivable that one initial spark of kindness could be the start of a new friendship or an opportunity to work together to help improve the community or solve an issue. And it may inspire others to act in a similar fashion.

Sounds easy, right? In theory, yes. A simple smile can do it. Practically speaking, everyone must be receptive to it. You likely don’t know what the recipient of your kind gesture is going through – the tough conversation they may have just had, the illness they are dealing with or the series of events that have made them late for work – and how that distraction they are dealing with may close them off to interacting with you or anyone. The rejection of your gesture may leave you feeling less kind or less likely to attempt to try again, but don’t let that deter you. We must keep trying.

If we all recognize that there is work to be done and kindness to spread, I think we will vastly improve our own moods and start to influence others as well. Montgomery Village was founded on the idea of having everything you need close to home and building community with your neighbors. While nearly 60 years have gone by since the first residents started filling homes here, the idea of sharing community through kindness has not faded.

I look forward to seeing you around the Village and exchanging with you that first smile, nod or wave, or starting a conversation that is rooted in the simple word I drive by every day – Kindness.