As we are all aware, taking the high road isn’t always easy. It is a struggle to be the bigger person in any conflicting situation. Don’t you have that burning passion to get even? Well today I am here to tell you that stooping to lower levels simply isn’t worth it. I know it would be nice sometimes, but at the end of the day, nice people truly finish first. 

Wayne Dyer, an American author and motivational speaker, once said, “How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” With this, we need to remember what goes around comes back around. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. In a college world, people are constantly looking out for themselves and not others. Some examples I’m sure you’ve all seen are students slowly crossing the street without looking, not holding doors open when someone is three steps behind you, not throwing away trash while eating and other self absorbed behaviors. 

Remember to always be mindful of everything you do. Pick up your trash, have patience and do the right thing. It’s not hard, and neither is karma. Be a good person in all aspects, and life is sure to reward you.

When dealing with those people we simply don’t want to deal with, we have to remember to always be kind. Even though it is so tempting to fire back with a smart remark, we have to practice kindness. Let’s face it – when someone picks on you, they want a reaction. If we “kill them with kindness,” what are they to do? You can’t insult someone for being nice. If someone does, then you know you’ve won.  

So let’s come back full circle. As I mentioned earlier, nice people finish first. Period. You’re a winner if you take the time to tell a stranger hello. You’re a winner when you put the cell phone down to enjoy the walk to class. You’re a winner by simply saying nothing to your enemies. Saying nothing takes so much strength, but again, karma has a way. Focus on yourself, and just make sure you do what you know is right. As my mom always says, “We cannot control others, only ourselves.” I practice this every day of my life.  

So take this time to soak up the essence of dealing with people we may not get along with. Have you let them win? Whatever the answer may be, it’s not too late to reverse your course of action and be nice. You’d be amazed with the success that follows. Always do what you know is right because let’s face it, nice people finish first.

Contact Skyler Chill at [email protected].