I find it hard for people to really understand the power of kindness when two humans that just happen to be running for our country can’t show compassion or even a little bit of gratitude toward each other. Yes, I am talking about this week’s debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Bullying is introduced to children at a young age and schools’ strive to instill a “No Bullying” Policy; but kids are mean. And at this point I don’t blame them. Adults still bully each other and the older you get the harder the punches end up being. How do we except the children of America to grow up to be strong, honest leaders when there isn’t a role model to follow?

When I hear stories of bullying or even people being rude, I can’t handle it. Seriously, it takes more energy to be angry and mean to someone then it is just to smile and wave. Our society is consumed in reality TV shows and music that don’t spread good messages or kind words and we all fall into the trap of shit talking and rude behavior. We all do. Even I do it. Because when we have nothing to what about what’s better than talking about someone else’s life?

So how do we go about making a change? Well it starts with you, how you live your life, the music you listen to, the people you hang out, the way you treat people.

Let me tell you a story: At the ranch this summer our guest were surprised to see that I was a young, white American making their bed and taking out their trashed. They thought it was “sad” seeing me do this kind of work. One day I had a woman come up and ask me if I ever thought about going to school. My response was, “I already graduated.” She was shocked by my answer. A look of disgust appeared on her face, “Honey, then why are you doing this?”

I laughed. Thank goodness I’m not sensitive to the way people think about me, my response was short and sweet, “because I get to live here.” Around me, was the Teton Mountains and miles of trees and sage brush away from people. “Oh and I can ride horses.” The woman just smiled at me and nodded and went about her day. Words can hurt even when it’s words that basically mean, “I don’t approve of your life style.” Thank goodness I didn’t mention that one day I wanna live in a van and just drive around exploring what the world has to offer—she might have thrown up. Haha.

Judgments, not holding the door open, or even forgetting to say ‘thank you’ are all bad habits we can step away from. And as it says in the song, “We Shall Overcome” by: Nahko and Medicine for the People, “Maybe I’m not here to be a super star, Maybe I’m here to pray for all those who lost hope along the way.”

Be Kind.