“kind·ness
/ˈkīn(d)nəs/
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noun
1. the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
"he thanked them for their kindness and support"
“When people give in ways that are more socially connected or relational, that seems to better unlock these emotional rewards,” she said. Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor of psychology and director of the Positive Activities and Well-Being Laboratory at the University of California, Riverside
“Why are you seeking counseling?” The receptionist asks.
Me in an exhausted tone that crescendo “Um existential crisis, grief, loss, PTSD, anxiety.” I sigh “the pandemic.” I whisper out, a bit ashamed and guilty for feeling like I am using the pandemic as a reason I am seeking a counselor. The counselor replies empathetically “Okay.”
In the way that “Okay.” Came out, did not feel forced. Did not feel inconvenienced, did not judge me. However, I was judging myself.
It has been over two years since I went to therapy. The last time I opened up and had a counselor was through a service my employer offered until I was fired.
It reminded me though of the many times I have been to therapy, doctors, got help and why I even still seek therapy. But one time that came to mind was when I shared a room with a patient that was verbally rude and slightly combative with staff. I remember the staff never had to restrain her instead they took the time to resolve the issues before getting to that point.
I used to work in healthcare I understand sure legally they must but when working with staff and helping patients. Some took kindness to a whole other level. I have seen patients, grab the arms of staff at night during sundown leaving scratches, bruises and the staff redirecting, guiding the mentally ill, scared patients.
In the moments when you are faced with difficult situations is when inclusivity, kindness matters the most. It can be in the smallest ways.
The receptionist on the phone being neutral, listening to me ramble about how I really needed the help. At first, there was a waiting list for me to be on, for my insurance type. “I would rather be on the waitlist than to not try at all.” I said then he did say that there was an out-of-pocket option. I can afford it right now, desperately needing help I took the offer and set it up.
I am an assertive woman, pragmatic with my kindness and feel once it is mistaken for weakness then that’s when one should kindly let the mistaken party, I’m not the one to gaslight.
Truthfully, none of us are.
Be kind to me and don’t expect me to give something back. If I am having a hard day, full of disassociation, bawling my eyes out, irritated, a little short-tempered. While I know now to let that be my excuse to abuse anyone. Do know that my tone can be low, I will probably come off as indifferent. Usually because I don’t have energy to even muster words.
Medically speaking I’m considered high functioning. However, I am still working on myself. Just like I imagine everyone else is, even more so currently in our lives. Everyone is always fighting their own battles. Some can disguise the emotions until they get home and lash out. Others like myself are losing grip of being able to mask it as well as before.
Many people online in forums, groups from influencers to non- influencers are experiencing this more and more.
I have been practicing patience when I run into it, too. I get it.
I get it poor souls, you are frustrated! Sometimes we can think that kindness is fake, depending on our traumas. Whether from physical, vocal abuse, bullying or even just trauma that employees face in toxic work environments.
Kindness is a daily practice that I hope more people will understand beyond just seeing opening doors or even just liking someone’s post for clout. It is in our behavior, communication, mentality that while times evolve the core of kindness maintains representing being friendly, generous, and considerate.
It can be difficult to practice because the kindest people struggle to and need that kindness back.
I will continue to adapt, evolve, and grow along my lifetime including to maintaining my pragmatic view of kindness.
About the Creator
W.E. Cervantez
Proud xicana pansexual mom, author, and artist. Published Tiny Whispers in 2021 and committed to writing. Read my work, pledge support, and subscribe for updates on new projects. Thank you!
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More Than 5 Million Native Plants Reintroduced in Deserts Are Slowing Land Degradation and Rebooting Arid Ecosystems
Deserts are often seen as barren, unforgiving landscapes, but they are far from lifeless. These ecosystems, while harsh, support unique biodiversity and provide critical environmental services, from carbon sequestration to regulating local climates. Yet, decades of overgrazing, unsustainable land use, and climate change have taken their toll, leaving many arid regions struggling with soil erosion, loss of native vegetation, and diminished ecological resilience. Now, a bold rewilding effort is turning the tide: over five million native plants have been reintroduced into deserts worldwide, and the early results are promising. The scale of the initiative Across regions from the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa to the arid plains of Australia and North America, conservation organizations, local communities, and governments have collaborated to replant native species that were once nearly wiped out. These plants range from hardy shrubs and grasses to iconic desert flowers, all carefully selected for their ability to survive in extreme conditions and restore ecological balance. The numbers are staggering: more than 5 million individual plants have been transplanted over the last five years, covering thousands of hectares. While this effort is labor-intensive, involving soil preparation, irrigation during establishment phases, and ongoing monitoring, the environmental payoff has been remarkable. Slowing land degradation One of the primary goals of these reintroductions is to combat land degradation, a process that affects over 40% of the planet’s land surface. In deserts, degradation is particularly acute because soil erosion occurs rapidly in the absence of stabilizing vegetation. Without plants to anchor the soil, wind and water can strip away fertile topsoil, creating a feedback loop of declining vegetation and worsening erosion. Early monitoring reports suggest that reintroduced native plants are helping to stabilize sandy soils and reduce the spread of desertification. In some areas of the Middle East, for instance, wind erosion rates have decreased by up to 30% in regions where shrubs and grasses were replanted. This stabilization not only benefits the environment but also local communities that rely on the land for grazing, agriculture, and other livelihoods. Rebooting arid ecosystems Beyond slowing soil loss, these plant reintroductions are rebooting entire desert ecosystems. Deserts are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals that rely on native plants for food and shelter. By re-establishing vegetation cover, these efforts have triggered a cascade of ecological benefits. In parts of the Sonoran Desert in North America, researchers observed a noticeable increase in pollinator populations, such as bees and butterflies, following the reintroduction of native flowering plants. Similarly, small mammals and reptiles that had disappeared from degraded areas are gradually returning, attracted by improved habitat structure and food availability. Climate resilience Another key advantage of reintroducing native plants is enhancing climate resilience. Many desert plants are adapted to survive extreme heat, drought, and poor soils. By re-establishing these species, ecosystems can better withstand climate-related stresses, such as prolonged droughts or extreme heatwaves. Additionally, some species improve soil moisture retention and reduce surface temperatures, creating microclimates that further support biodiversity. Community engagement and knowledge transfer What makes these rewilding efforts particularly successful is the integration of local communities. Indigenous knowledge about native species, planting techniques, and seasonal cycles has been invaluable. In some regions, schools and community groups participate in planting days, turning conservation into a source of pride and education. This engagement ensures that restored areas are maintained, monitored, and valued over the long term. Looking ahead While the reintroduction of five million native plants is a significant achievement, experts caution that long-term success requires continued investment, monitoring, and protection from overgrazing, development, and climate pressures. However, the initiative provides a compelling example of how targeted, science-backed restoration can reverse environmental damage. For arid ecosystems, these efforts are more than just planting trees and shrubs—they represent hope. They demonstrate that even the most fragile landscapes can recover when humans actively collaborate with nature, restoring not only plants but the entire web of life that depends on them. As the world grapples with climate change and land degradation, the lessons from these desert rewilding projects offer a blueprint for action: by investing in native biodiversity, we can slow degradation, rebuild ecosystems, and create landscapes that are resilient, productive, and teeming with life once again.
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