Human beings are most evolved species on the planet...or are we? No other species inflicts such harm on their own kind as we humans do. Sure, there are animals that eat their young or have territorial fights, but for the most part, they play nice. In the animal kingdom, theres no stealing, assault with deadly weapons, and little bullying. I dont know too many animals in therapy and cant think of any other living community where jails are necessary.

I believe people should be kind to one another. Even as a child, I felt the sting of every arrow shot at the kid getting bullied at the back of the school bus. I have recurrent nightmares if I watch a movie with excessive violence. And, I dont see the point in reality shows that either humiliate or eliminate people like six year olds on a playground. My rule for dealing with difficult and rude people: kill em with kindness! Yes, of course there are times when I want to retaliate, but I learned that rudeness only begets more rudeness. By being extra polite, it becomes difficult for most people to continue being nasty. Steven Greenbaum of Passaic, New Jersey, chose not to retaliate after his wife and unborn child were killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem. He started an organization called Partners in Kindness with the mission to encourage kindness around the world through the sharing of inspiring stories of good deeds via email. As a result of his efforts, The New York City Transit Department started a kindness public awareness program among employees.

Everyone has the capability to be nice, even the rich and famouswhich, by the way, gives them no excuse to be inconsiderate to others. Actress Sandra Bullock is one of those famous people who you never hear an unkind word about. She is known to be friendly to the entire crews on her movie sets and quite the practical joker too. She treats others with respect and consideration, no matter what their job. I suppose art imitated life when her character was given the Miss Congeniality award in the movie by the same name.

So, before you skip the please and thank you's, the friendly smiles, the kind favors, and the whole damn practice of kindness, look down within yourself and find that well of natural compassion all Goddesses have. It may be a little dry, but you can easily replenish it by remembering why youre here. Not because youre fully evolved, but because youre only half way there. Until we learn to be better and kinder human beings, well always be one evolution step below those seemingly primitive animals.

5 Ways to Be Nice:

Try to understand the perspective of people you consider adversaries.

Every day, give someone a compliment or do a small favor for them.

Dont respond to rudeness with more rudenessbe kinder or be quiet.

Ask yourself how YOU would feel if treated a certain wayif you dont like it, dont treat others that way!

Look people in the eyes and smile when speaking to them.

Excerpted from the book: The Goddess of Happiness, A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss