Everyday I am inspired by the people around me. Most days each week, that includes two 13 year olds who remind me of what it means to be that age…and how they maneuver in and out of the world from kids to adolescents to adults like skilled race car drivers…all with raging hormones and an uncertain future in tow. So, when I saw this video tweeted out about another 8th grader, Jonah Mowry, I stopped and watched. What I didn’t expect was to be moved. What I didn’t expect was to be inspired to change the world myself…with a little more kindness. I tell the kids – I mean teenagers – around me that everything that they are going through right now feels big because of hormones…but when they get on the other side…when they reach their early 20’s ….it’s not even that big. I tell them, “your job is to ride the wave” (something I learned from the OYou conference in Atlanta this year) and “your job is to always remember…you can get through anything. I promise.”

Today, I was inspired by Jonah…and here is my message to him. “Jonah, you have more than a million reasons. Every person you touch will be moved. That movement will result in some kind of action. The world is a better place because of you. Believe this. You are stronger than most of the world…and the world needs people just like you.”

Watch…be moved…and remember from this…KINDNESS in the world is essential because it wipes out all of the bullies work. KINDNESS is stronger than anything or anyone. Be kind because when you are…people will pass it on…and in my heart, I know that for every single one of us, our kindness can change the world…

Here’s is Jonah’s update posted today… Jonah, you even stronger than you can imagine. Ride the wave…because your job is to always remember…you can get through anything…I promise.