'Kindness is contagious'

A message of kindness is displayed on a bulletin board on the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Feeling the embrace of our community reminds us that even though these weeks have felt like months, it will keep getting better.

Hopeful messages displayed in public places are part of that embrace. "We got this Vermont!" and "Believe" are a couple of examples in Woodstock, Vermont. On the Village Green information booth's bulletin board is a sign that reads, "Stay: Safe, home, healthy," and the author signs off with a "virtual hug." Just one town over, the Barnard General Store has a front window dedicated to positive messages, one of them saying: "This too shall pass."

This is a pattern repeated throughout the world, showing our collective spirit as we look to support one another during a struggle we all share. One message in particular that is on my mind today reads, "Kindness is contagious," written in chalk in a New Jersey driveway. The numerous acts of kindness around the world bear that out, and they show who we really are.

Although COVID-19 appears powerful, our lovingkindness for one another will have more staying power in the end. We are learning what a powerful, positive impact we can have on each other, and that support can continue after the pandemic is over. If we're demonstrating that love and strength today, it doesn't have to be a one-time occurrence. Let's seize each chance to keep it going, every day, the same way we are now — touching one heart at a time.

— Gareth Henderson