Scouts are taught to be friends to all people. He is a brother to his fellow scouts, regardless of where they live or what language they speak. He does his best to respect others at all times, even when they have customs and beliefs different than his own.

When I think back to my scouting days, this was one of the foundations that was drilled into us. I like to think that I am the way I am today because of my family and my time in the scouts, which conditioned me this way. Although I have my faults, I’d like to think that anyone who knows me would at least say that I do my best to be friendly and kind. I think it’s an admirable trait. I also think that many people equate kindness and being friendly with being weak. I couldn’t disagree more. In my experience, you can be simultaneously nice & friendly, and also tough. My father is a good example. I always saw him as a kind being kind and friendly to everyone, until he felt he was being treated poorly or manipulated. Then you didn’t want to be part of that conversation.

I still feel that way today. Being friendly is an admirable trait. I truly feel that you should treat others with respect and courtesy until they show you that they don’t deserve it. Then, you deal with them accordingly. Until that time, give people the benefit of the doubt, and keep reminding yourself that the affect we have on others is the greatest currency there is. When we use our time, talents and energy to make other people feel good, in most cases, they will pay it forward. Positivity begets positivity.

I don’t know about you, but I think we could use more of that these days.

-Z