The power of inclusivity and kindness

WILL

Hello friends and neighbors! As always, it’s great to be able to spend this time, albeit a few brief minutes of reading, with you each month. I recently had a conversation with a friend about the overall power of kindness and the impact that being included could have on someone, and that gave me some motivation for this month’s article.

In today’s world, it can be challenging to always be kind and inclusive. We live in a society that is often divided by so many differences — whether they be cultural, social or economic — especially nowadays. These differences can make it difficult to see the humanity in one another and can create a sense of “us versus them.”

However, the power of kindness and inclusivity can overcome these divisions and bring us closer together as a community.

Kindness is the act of being friendly, generous and considerate toward others. When we show kindness to others, it can have a profound impact on their lives. It can lift their spirits, create a sense of belonging, and make them feel valued and appreciated.

However, kindness alone is not enough to create a truly inclusive community. Inclusivity is the act of including all individuals — regardless of their background or differences. It is about creating a sense of unity and belonging that goes beyond the surface level of our differences. When we are inclusive, we are creating a safe space where everyone feels valued and respected.

In today’s world, it can be challenging to be kind and inclusive all the time. There are many factors that contribute to feelings of division and exclusion, such as political polarization, economic inequality and social media. These factors can make it hard to see the humanity in one another and can create a sense of “otherness” that can be difficult to overcome.

Despite these challenges, it is essential to remember the power of kindness and inclusivity — and to make an effort to embody these qualities in our daily lives. One way to do this is to practice empathy and understanding. By putting ourselves in the shoes of others, we can begin to see the world from their perspective, and can create a sense of connection and compassion.

Another way to cultivate kindness and inclusivity is to actively seek out opportunities to learn about and engage with different groups of people. This can involve attending cultural events, volunteering for a local charity or simply striking up a conversation with someone who has a different background. By learning about — and celebrating — our differences, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious world.

In addition to personal benefits, kindness and inclusivity also can have a profound impact on our communities. When we are kind and inclusive, it creates a sense of unity and belonging that can help to address social issues such as poverty, inequality and social injustice. By working together to create a more inclusive world, we can create positive change that benefits us all.

The power of kindness and inclusivity cannot be underesti- mated. These qualities have the power to bring us closer together as a community and to create a more compassionate world. Despite the challenges of modern life, it is essential to make an effort to be kind and inclusive every day. By cultivating empathy, understanding and a willingness to learn about — and engage with — different cultures and communities, we can create a more inclusive world for ourselves and those around us. So let us all strive to be kinder, more inclusive, and more compassionate, and let us work together to create a better world for all.

To bring it all home, quite literally, Baldwin Park is a perfect example of the power of kindness and inclusivity. As I’ve written before, Baldwin is so much more than the large homes you see as you enter and the Village Center. There are people from all walks of life that meld together to make this great community that we have. We are privileged in that, at any given moment, you can talk to a resident or business owner who likely has an alternative perspective on a topic that you may be set in your ways about.

Now is not the time to be divided but rather to come together to help build the future that many of your children, and their children, will inhabit. Something as small as a hello when passing someone on New Broad Street, or picking up a dropped item and returning it to Grace Hopper Hall, or even offering up an extra chair from your table at bingo night at a local business can help make a difference and change someone’s day for the better.

Until next time, stay safe, stay well, and remember: We Are Baldwin Park!

Webreck, moved to Baldwin Park a little over a year ago and said they love it.

Murphy grew up on Jacksonville Beach and attended the University of Central Florida, so he knew the area would be the perfect spot to kick start his new business, especially being near the theme parks.

With the help of his brother, Jason Murphy — skilled in both movie-making and special effects the pair crafted the entire store from scratch with the help of a few friends.

One of the store’s main draws is its rooms dedicated to different films and eras, complete with a multitude of photo opportunities.

Noticeable props include Basket Case and Michael Myers, as well as an Elvira-themed room and a Tiki-themed section.