If I were left to my own devices, there is no way you would be reading this kindness column right now.
I know nothing about printing a newspaper or scheduling delivery routes. I know even less about how the internet works and how to get the newspaper on a home computer.
The only way I’m able to get out this message of kindness is because of the kindness of others who excel in areas beyond my expertise.
I was thinking about this as I began my latest project. I’m now officially the host of a new program called The Kindness Podcast. What’s a podcast, you ask? It’s basically a radio show that you can listen to anytime you want to on your phone or computer for free. At least my podcast is free.
There are podcasts about every subject under the sun, but not too many about kindness, which is why I decided to host one.
I get to interview experts and advocates in the world of kindness, but also people who sort of stumble upon really stunning acts of love. Every time I interview someone, I’m inspired to continue spreading the message of kindness.
I actually thought about starting a podcast a few years ago. I went online and researched what sort of microphone I’d need to buy to hook into my computer, how to upload it to iTunes and how to find theme music.
And then I quit.
It was all too complicated, too technical, too exhausting to even think about.
But in April, I ran into a man named Tom Hodson, who is the general manager of WOUB Public Media at Ohio University. After interviewing me for his own podcast, he asked me a simple, but kind question. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
I mentioned that I’d love to host a show someday. Five minutes later, we had a plan. Now, six months later, I have The Kindness Podcast.
That wouldn’t have happened without Tom’s help. Beyond that, it wouldn’t have happened without the help of Adam Rich, my engineer. Adam’s the one who actually knows how to turn on the microphones. He uploads it to iTunes each week. He even composed my theme music.
I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without having others do what they do on my behalf.
So here is a question for you to ponder today: What are you able to do in your life because of the kindness of others?
Can you drive your car to work because someone brings gas to the gas station? Can you go to school because someone went first and learned what to teach you? Can you sit down at a restaurant because a farmer somewhere loves to raise cattle?
I know that without the people working around the clock to edit and print our newspaper or put it online, my only hope would be to hand deliver this message or shout it very loudly.
Even if I never get to say thank you, I think it’s important to be grateful and to always remember that I’m only able to do what I do because of the kindness of others. How about you?
You can find Nicole’s podcast by searching “The Kindness Podcast” on iTunes or Google Play.
Please continue to share your stories of kindness with me at info@nicolejphillips.com. Or send a letter to Kindness is Contagious c/o Nicole J. Phillips, The Forum, 101 5th St. N., Box 2020, Fargo, ND 58107.
Nicole J. Phillips is a former television anchor for Fox News in Fargo. She is a writer, speaker and mother of three kids. Nicole is married to Ohio University’s men’s head basketball coach Saul Phillips. You can visit Nicole at nicolejphillips.com.
