Carole’s blog #4 – Keep calm and be kind

Kindness to others is the glue which connects our individual happiness with the wider community and aids our own social well-being. When we give to others it helps us connect with people and meets with one our basic human needs – relatedness.

Doing things for others – whether small, unplanned acts or regular volunteering such as Scouting – is a powerful way to boost the happiness of those around us as well as for ourselves. Giving to others can be as simple as a single kind word, smile, or a thoughtful gesture. It includes giving of time, care, skills, thought and attention. These sometimes mean as much, if not more, than financial gifts.

In Scouting we should always treat others as we would like to be treated. Whilst the actual words “A Scout is Kind” is not used in our Scout Law it is woven into it throughout.

• A Scout is to be trusted
• A Scout is loyal
• A Scout is friendly and considerate
• A Scout belongs to the world-wide family of Scouts
• A Scout has courage in all difficulties
• A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property
• A Scout has self-respect and respect for others

Carole O’Donnell
DCC – People