The Power of Kindness

Over the last four years, I’ve been honored to work with Lady Gaga’s own Born This Way Foundation. Founded in 2012, the Foundation seeks to “create a kinder and braver world” by creating positive environments, breaking down the stigma of mental health, and making kindness cool.

You may also recall that Lady Gaga visited inpatients at Gillette Children’s Hospital in 2014. I was with her that day, and it will go down as one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. I vividly remember telling Gaga as we walked through the bright and cheery hospital hallways, “I spent a lot of time here growing up,” which made it so important for me to share the work that I get to be a part of with other young people who are going through similar situations as I went through.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, I’ve had countless surgeries and procedures for conditions like scoliosis and hip dysplasia, but I’ve undergone other procedures and hospitalizations as well. For instance, the first unit we visited was the inpatient rehabilitation unit – a unit I hadn’t seen in over ten years, when I was basically being brought back from my deathbed. At the time, it looked identical to how I remembered it – right down to the room I stayed in. I cried.

It’s been over three years since that visit, and on Monday, August 21, Gaga made yet another stop in St. Paul for a sold-out show at the Xcel Energy Center. The energy inside the room was different this time, and for good reason – a little less than two years ago, I began walking for the first time. I’ve been sharing my progress with her ever since. In turn, she shared this progress with the audience of thousands, saying, “Today, she told me she has taken 30 steps in a walker.” I fight so incredibly hard for those 30 steps.

In addition to that, though, I was able to go on-stage for her encore of “Million Reasons.” She introduced me to the crowd – which completely roared, mind you – and handed me the mic, allowing me to share words of positivity and kindness with them.

“Turn to the person next to you and tell them that you love them. We need kindness now – more than ever.” It was a surreal and amazing moment that I am so thankful for, and I genuinely hope they obliged. I’d also like to share positivity and kindness with whoever may be reading this.

I see kindness in the doctors and nurses of Gillette, some of whom have quite literally known me since I was an infant. Your gentle, caring manner even in the toughest of times has truly saved my spirit. Thank you.

I see kindness in volunteers who take time out of their day to make the days of others just a little bit better. Thank you. You are so appreciated.

I see bravery in patients who are recovering from surgery, a traumatic injury or – if they are like me – learning to walk for the first time. Thank you, and never give up.

And I see kindness in you. So remember this: share kindness with the world, always. It’s more powerful than you think.

Kindly Yours,
Emma

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”  – Aesop

You’ve probably learned a lot about our new program, Channel Kindness, in recent weeks.  Everyone on team Born This Way Foundation is truly pumped for this program.  We feel that we’ll be able to harness the power and passion of young people to spread kindness and bravery in an incredible new way.

You may also remember me from when I shared my story shortly before the Emotion Revolution.  Accepting myself was a huge part of my own personal journey and sometimes, when I’m having a rough day, I simply have to stay away from the negativity in our world and realize that there are countless hearts that want to make the world a better place.

Case in point: living as a disabled person, I ask others for help on a daily basis.  This ranges from getting things out of a bag for my college classes, to opening doors on campus, to turning in assignments on the other side of the room.  Sometimes, I feel bad for asking – like I’m being a pain to others.  But the beautiful thing is, nearly every time–friends, and sometimes people who I don’t even know–find it in their hearts to help me.  Sometimes, I apologize for bothering them.  The conversation usually follows with a no problem and a friendly smile.  I smile back.

In return, I do everything I can to reciprocate that kindness.  Although I can’t physically help others in the way that they help me, I find it in my heart to donate small amounts of money to the homeless, hospitals doing important work, or other charities that are important to me.  Just like the friends who help me, I always help others the same way – with a smile.  In the spirit of these acts of kindness, we need young people ages 16 to 24 to help us #ChannelKindness.  The program is designed to equip youth reporters with the skills they need to have their eyes, ears and hearts open to kind and heroic acts – just like the ones that happen on my college campus every single day.

Apply now for Channel Kindness.  Youths can apply themselves or nominate others.  Applications end October 21.

Bravely Yours,

Emma

In March, we launched the Kindness Cake Bake Off where we asked YOU, our amazing fans, to bake something that represented kindness and bravery. We were overwhelmed by creativity and dazzled by the originality of all these submissions. You voted and chose the two recipe and design semi-finalists. After admiring so many beautiful creations, we are thrilled to announce our Design winner, Em. Today, we’re sharing her story behind her cake and her advice for finding happiness in bravery. 

As a survivor of sexual assault, I am brave on a daily basis by making a conscious effort to have fun and smile and live the life I deserve! My cake represents any person who has been through a struggle, and the universal strength we hold by continuing to live our lives in joy!

A BRAVER WORLD

For me, being brave is about acknowledging the things that I’ve been through, and still having the urge to live and be happy. After struggling for years in silence, as a songwriter, I decided to write and publish this song: https://soundcloud.com/ems_13_music/what-i-want-to-say-to-you. What I Want To Say To You really shows how I felt at my worst.

Through the love and support of my friends and family, as represented by the handholding on my cake, I have been brave enough deal with what has happened to me, and to try my hardest to move on and be happy and to live the life I deserve to live.

I know so many brave people, who have been through terrible things, but are still a joy to be around every single day. Being brave is making the choice to be happy and positive and to NOT LET OUR PASTS DEFEAT US.

As represented by the globe and the universal handholding, we can all become much braver if we support each other and work together! If you are going through a time of trouble, DO NOT STRUGGLE ALONE. Reach out to https://bornthisway.foundation/get-help-now for help on a number of issues. After my long struggle in silence, publicizing my assault to all my friends and family is the best thing I have ever done, and I have never felt stronger or happier. I cannot emphasize enough that you are not alone.

A KINDER WORLD

To be kind is many things. I try to be kind to every person I encounter; I smile at as many people as possible and make as many people feel good as I possibly can. When I feel great all I want to do is spread that happiness!

I make an effort to accept and love all my friends and family for the differences they have, instead of resenting them. Being kind is making people feel as good as you can and bringing joy to the lives of others – and from this you will feel great!

I also ensure that my friends and family know that I will always, always be there when I am needed. I make it known that I am here for my loved ones, cherish in their accomplishments and help them through any challenges.

As shown in my cake, the world is a stronger and kinder place when we work, live and love TOGETHER. We are all one race, so why not be kind to each other and work together to create the kindest, bravest world possible. Think of what could be achieved, in all areas, if everybody worked together! Pledge to spread kindness daily at https://bornthisway.foundation/kind-monsters/

REMEMBER YOURSELF!

After years of insecurity, I have finally managed to be kind to myself! I make a conscious effort daily to not judge myself or think badly about myself.
Treat yourself as you would treat others and remind yourself daily how great you are! Focus on all the positive things about you and learn to love yourself!

My cake represents both kindness and bravery, which I talk about in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0ljFl_JkGU

A HAPPY LIFE

Living a kind and a brave life will not only ensure the happiness of those around you, but it will also bring so much love and happiness to YOU. I strongly believe that happiness is THE most important thing in life – so why not spread it and receive it in return?

Spend your days spreading love, happiness, joy and laughter and watch your life begin to change!

Bravery and kindness together are what helped me move on from my awful experience, and my life truly has changed – I have never felt happier.

Join us and learn more about living a kind and a brave life!