For Some People, Being Kind to Others is Impossible, and that’s Sad

I’ve followed the Women’s World Cup, at least during waking hours. The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) hasn’t played very well, to be honest. I’m not an expert, and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express, but there seems to be a lack of attacking football that is hurting this team. I can’t remember the last time the USWNT struggled so much.

As I said, I’m not a soccer expert, I couldn’t keep up with the USWNT running up and down the field, and I’d need a medic within three minutes. These young women are in peak physical condition and don’t seem to lack effort. I would say there doesn’t seem to be a game plan from the coach. Perhaps he has the wrong lineup on the field. I’ll leave that to the experts.

I hope the USWNT comes out of their funk because they nearly missed the round of sixteen. The time for sub-par performances is over. This is the time when champions thrive. The team that looks unstoppable right now is Japan. I was shocked at the way they beat Spain the other day. Others say England is the favorite now, but in the single-elimination format, anything can happen. I hope the USWNT retains its World Cup title, but we’ll wait and see.

Now to the subject of Kindness. I looked at a message board the other day, and I felt sick to my stomach. There is a group of people who will latch onto any excuse or reason to hate the USWNT. A problem with modern society is the free flow of garbage masquerading as information. When I read the hateful comments, I pity the USWNT and the haters. The USWNT represents our country, which is all that matters to me.

As for the haters, I wonder if they’ve ever known Kindness. I understand how hate feels. Hate tricks you into believing that you’re superior to someone else. Hate seduces you into ridiculing and harassing others. Hence, you seem popular with the other haters when in reality, you exist in an ever-shrinking toxic bubble that will kill you unless you find a way out.

Haters think they’re the cool kids in school and no one else is good enough to be with them when in reality, they are the losers no one wants to be associated with in the first place. The little “in” jokes the haters tell only sound funny to themselves. They miss the point of comedy about making people laugh to feel good because they’re convinced being hateful and abusive is the funny part.

When someone says they’ll cheer against the USWNT, that’s their right. When someone criticizes the on-field decision-making, that is valid. But, when haters make personal attacks on the players or wish the team to die in a plane crash, that is simply uncalled for. That is why I wonder if those people have ever experienced genuine Kindness or demonstrated it to others. I must say I don’t think they have.

Here’s an idea—just a thought. Step away from the keyboard for an hour. Go outside and enjoy the weather, unless it’s raining, of course. Just sit still and watch the world. Marvel at the beauty and try to get rid of the negative energy. Take it from me. Hate will kill you if left untreated. It very nearly killed me. I’m incredibly fortunate to be here writing this. Enjoy the Women’s World Cup without all the hate. The people in your life will thank you.

I don’t want any credit if this works out for you. That’s what Kindness is all about.