Offering up some kind words in Kind Words
When Kind Words showed up as a Steam recommendation, I thought it was a variant on Scrabble or Boggle. It’s not a word game, maybe not even a “game,” but a platform to share thoughts, feelings, and fears and say something nice and supportive to people you’ve never met. Kind Words is about saying kind words and hopefully make a small difference in someone’s life.
Here’s the premise: Kind Words is a “game” where you anonymously “Write a Request.” You write down what you’re thinking, feeling, or experiencing in that moment, whether it’s positive or negative. You then put that message into a digital bottle and throw it out into the world. A kind, but equally anonymous stranger will reply back with some words of encouragement, a piece of advice, or simply an acknowledgment of what you’re going through.
And maybe that’s all you need, to be heard and acknowledged.
On the other side, you can “Read Requests.” For that, you play the part of the listener and spend a few moments writing down some positive responses to the letters people send out. If you were in that situation, what would you want to hear?
Kind Words gives you a way express a fear and anxiety without troubling those close to you. You may want guidance but feel embarrassment. You may be in a predicament, but don’t need any more shame.
Writing down those troubles can be cathartic to give a sense of relief and release.
In my multiple decades going around the sun I’ve been through a lot of things. It’s been a lot of good, but there have been some bumpy, sad, and even dark spots. And with current economic, political, financial situation, coupled with Covid concerns, it’s easy to see why people feel uneasy, anxious, and even scared.
There is a profound connection when you can say, “Look mate, I’ve been there,” and help someone on a path you’ve already traveled. There is a lot of satisfaction in being a gentle friend to someone who could hear a few kinds words to get them through the day.
Further, deliberately thinking of nice things to say to someone, builds up a lot of positive energy in yourself. You also create a sense of community and empathy.
We’re all coming to understand the importance of mental health and expressing our feelings, concerns, and fears in a positive and constructive way. While Kind Words isn’t a substitute for professional counseling and guidance, it can be a valuable tool for self-expression and emotional support.
It’s quite an amazing experience. It would be nice if more people took the time to write down kind words rather than the trolling we see. Perhaps anxiety and sadness would slip back into the void.
Kind Words is a simple yet impactful way to connect with others and spread positivity. Keep in mind, these are real people expressing real feelings, so they deserve respect and compassion, not judgement.
