About six years ago, I was sitting on a plane next to a woman who was extremely energetic. I was tired and wanted to take a nap, but she tapped me on the shoulder to introduce herself.

"Hi, my name is Helga."

As we talked, it came up that I had started an organization in high school called R.A.K.E. (Random Acts of Kindness, Etc.). As I described what we did, Helga got very serious and said to me, "There is nothing more important in the world than kindness."

I was curious about what she had said, and as the plane took off. she began telling me a story about the last time she had flown.

It was three years ago and she was heading back to her hometown because her father had become very ill.

Just as the plane was about to leave, her father's doctor called to inform her that her father had suddenly passed away. For the three hour plane ride, she sat in stunned(受惊的) silence,.

When she arrived at the airport in her hometown, she walked to the nearest bench(长椅),sat down and cried.

For two hours, she sat and wept while thousands of people just walked on by.

"Not a single person stopped and asked if I was OK that day. It was on that day that I realized kindness isn't normal. "

Helga's words have stuck with me for all these years. I'm reminded all the time that for many of us, kindness is not usually our "default setting (默认设置)".

We spend so much time worrying about our own problems that we walk by or ignore other people in need of a bit of kindness.

So, I've made it my mission to do my part in making kindness "normal".

Now, I travel to schools all across the US to speak about compassion(同情),empathy(同感),and love.

I' m proud to share my stories with students, teachers, and parents about our need for character, compassion, and kindness.

Providing young people with practical ways to exercise kindness makes my job more satisfying than any other I can think of.

And when I give my talks, I always have my conversation with Helga in the back of my mind.

Many people changed residences and are eager to get familiar with their new neighbors. Here’s a quick refresher on making the most of neighborhood relationships.

Begin at the beginning. Building good neighborly relationships starts when you or someone else moves into the area. If a new neighbor moves in, be proactive (主动的) and welcome them to the neighborhood. 【小题1】. Consider taking a plate of cookies or a small housewarming gift. Share your contact information and offer to answer any questions they may have about the community, including your favorite restaurants or the best local service providers.

【小题2】. Don’t create things that are unpleasant to look at or allow your property’s condition to affect the value of neighboring homes adversely (不利地). Being kind to those around you includes keeping your yard tidy, removing snow from your sidewalks, and collecting trash and recycling bins after the truck has passed.

Be inclusive. If you are hosting a large party, consider extending invitations to your neighbors. During the holiday season, remember the people next door with a card, a homemade goodie, or an offer of assistance. Give without expectations. 【小题3】.

Allow people to be human. 【小题4】, and it’s impossible to know what others are going through. Don’t be too quick to assume a sligh (轻蔑) is personal or intended.

Accept it. If you have tried your best to resolve a conflict without success, let it go. Sadly, some people won’t like you whatever you do. And you aren’t going to enjoy some people. 【小题5】. Be pleasant anyway, and be thankful that you get to live your life and they get to live theirs.

Not all of us were born pretty or handsome! You maybe hope for a good look, but this has nothing to do with your weight, size, shape or skin. A good look takes cultivating（培养）what’s within you. Here are a few tips on how to begin.

We’re paying more attention to our appearance than our mind. If we spent half as much time noticing our mind, we would be a lot healthier in mind. Think about how much time the fashion industry pays to make you believe that you should invest（投资）in your mind—know your value and change your world.

How do you take care of your mind? You can do it by spending time learning who you are and what your advantages are. Find your advantages and you Ml become fearless. Make use of the gifts you’ve been given. Be modest, friendly and generous. Work hard and realize your dream.

Pay more attention to those people who’re most important in your life: those you love. Don’t focus on（集中）your size or weight. Don’t let it steal time that should be spent on those who you love because you are preoccupied with all the disadvantages. Say good-bye to the old way and try something new. Run a marathon, write a poem, play an instrument or talk with a loved one. Don’t look at someone at the sports center, on the magazine or the models on the beach to judge yourself.

Only one thing is necessary to be against the rules that require we should be thin to be valued. We should have a choice to live, really live a full and colorful life where you’re satisfied with who you are, not how you look.