"Intentional kindness: humanity's superpower" - Futurist Jim Carroll, with a shoutout to Drew Sullivan, APB Speakers
The image in today's Inspiration features my good friend Michael Simon; the phrase, "intentional kindness," comes from one of my speaker bureau agents, Drew Sullivan. One teaches us the importance of finding moments of joy when we need it most and the importance of 'giving back'; the other involves intentionally making those moments of joy for others because they truly matter.
It's a long post, but I want you to read it.
Why? We seem to be living in a world in which the core values of human decency seem to be disappearing at the speed with which societal norms are unraveling. As an example, I have read that one of the latest trends with the tech oligarchs - folks like Elon Musk and the young men who worship them - is that they find it to be fashionable to use denigrating words and phrases. They seem to think that it is all one big joke and that somehow, this provides them a boost to their 'machismo' - far from it. Most recently, their childish immaturity has extended to the regular use of the 'retard,' as if that somehow empowers them and makes them stronger
I do not know what darkness lies in the depths of their soul, but I know I and others will fight this darkness with all our might.
So let me start with my friend Michael. Here's a photo from a few weeks ago when we were both wrapping up a wonderful ski day.
I've known Michael since he was 2 years old.
Now 29, he is a special needs young adult who has a unique genetic condition that has limited his full abilities - and yet, he has achieved capabilities that experts have said might never be possible. It was said he could never ski - he learned to ski. It was said he would never be able to master a snowboard. Today, he 'shreds' with the best of them. He has accomplished many other things in his life - and he has the most infectious smile of any person I have ever known.
If I ever have a bad day, all I have to do is see an image of Michael smiling as he is going by. I will see this smile when I join him on the lift line, or when I upload a picture of him to the Website I maintain in my spare time. (It's for a charity that provides Michael and others with day activities that enhance their lives. It's called Eventsfor.Life - I've mentioned it before. My wife is on the Board; I provide a lot of tech support.)
Check out the image on the far right from one page on the site - that's Michael working away in the arena cafe, a role that helps him to play a wonderful role in our world. His joy in being a participant is simply palpable - and it brings joy to the hearts of all who meet him.
Look at his smile! When he is working in the arena cafe - where an entire team of special needs young adults manages the shop - he is simply overjoyed. Check those who are with him - they too have a purpose, a moment that matters, something accomplished.
You can't see Michael smile and, in these moments of despair, worry, and concern, find some joy some sort of joy creeping into your own heart. Michael's smile is a crucible of joy and a cauldron of inspiration.
We all need more moments like this. We should all find the joy around us because those are the moments that matter. You can help to 'generate it by getting involved, giving back, and supporting those who are under attack, marginalized, or who need attention and help. That's why social causes are even more important today than they were before.
In my case, it comes from the small bit of work I do to help out this particular organization. The particular image used in today's Inspiration featuring Michael is from a banner that was featured on the home page of the Website for a time; we try to rotate them frequently. Check the other participants. How can you not see another image from the website and find that your heart is touched directly by something special?
They might have special needs, but they give us something special that we all need.
The essential human element of intentional kindness has given them the opportunity of lives that provide them the foundation for this joy. Intentional kindness. Ponder that phrase.
Here's the thing - the community where this initiative is located has rallied behind the program, providing a heartwarming level of intentional kindness. The young adults are welcomed; donations are made; support is given; and action is taken. In this complex and increasingly dark world, the community is discovering what I and my family have discovered - we can find our joy by looking for the moments that matter.
We have also learned of the unique superpower that comes from intentional kindness. When you get involved with an initiative like this, your world forever changes. Are you in a moment of despair with our complex world? Find these moments! Need to find a bit of heartwarming inspiration in these complex times? Get involved in local initiatives in your community that help you to give back You will find your joy by helping to make the moments that make the joy. Dig deep and find the power of intentional kindness. You might be stunned by the power you find within it.
What might you learn? You will find what happens when you make moments that matter. This photo features my other friend Thomas, with my son Thomas and our good family friend Thomas, taken a few years ago at our ski hill. It's the 3 Thomases!
My friend Thomas has non-verbal Down syndrome - he can't communicate and is not as physically and emotionally advanced as he could be. And yet, Thomas skis - boy, does he ski! - and he has a wicked drive out on the golf course. Check out his jacket - it's from his participation in the 2012 National Special Olympics, held in St. Albert, Alberta. He too is a member of EFL, as we call it; his mom started the program just about a decade ago because she perceived a need within the community. I marvel at the fact my son Thomas and the other Thomas can find a small moment of joy simply by spending a moment with their buddy Thomas. I remember the day this photo was taken - moments after, the 3 of them headed off to the lift line together. The melody from the song Wonderful World floated through my mind. That's the power of moments that matter.
These are moments that matter Find them, chase them, discover them, hunt them down - and make them a part of your world, because it will help you to keep your human values intact, reinforced, and protected, particularly in these dark and complex times.
Practice intentional kindness every day.
This brings me to the second part of my story - a post I saw on LinkedIn yesterday from Drew Sullivan; he's an agent at APB Speakers, one of several bureaus who represents me and books me into various keynotes.
It's no secret that some of the first things to go in an era of economic uncertainty are meetings, conferences, leadership meetings, and events. I'm witnessing a significant slowing in my bookings going forward, and am hearing all around of pullbacks everywhere. There is a lot of stress, uncertainty, worry, and concern. I see it as a speaker; Drew sees it as an agent.
Drew posted this message today. He often posts things like this; he often wears his heart on his sleeve in what he shares online. He is a proud alcoholic in recovery, living the life that comes with successfully conquering one's demons. He also came out several years ago, fully comfortable in the public skin of his sexuality. He proudly speaks to the joy he has found in the peace in his life.
In that way, he is not afraid to share what is on his mind.
I want you to read his post in full, and I want you to ask yourself these questions: What could you do today to make a moment that matters for someone else who might be hurting? For someone who might be in pain? Someone who is in a circumstance that could be helped, in a small way, by some small gesture from you Where can you do a small outreach to someone to ease their mind, provide some comfort, discover some joy?
We live in increasingly dark and complex times. Ask yourself - what are you doing to find the moments that matter?
And what are you doing to make the moments that matter?
Because it matters.
And if you have read this far, I want you to tell me about a recent moment that matters. Because for me, it matters. Find me at jcarroll@jimcarroll.com
Have you ever had a moment when a single phone call shifted your perspective unexpectedly? These calls, though not always lengthy or monumental, can have a profound impact and tend to happen when you least expect them.
Recently, I found myself in such a situation. The past month and a half has been a challenging period for me, much like many others. The decisions made by our political leaders have brought joy and celebration to some while causing devastation and significant career shifts for others, including myself.
In an industry that champions free speech, innovation, and leadership, witnessing colleagues and friends face hardships has been particularly tough. Regardless of political affiliations, these decisions hold weight, altering career trajectories and affecting mental well-being, both immediately and in the long term.
Receiving a call on Tuesday morning from a client in distress over the repercussions of an executive order was not uncommon for me in 2025. As someone dedicated to aiding others in finding solutions, feeling helpless in such turbulent times has been disheartening. It has led me to question my role and purpose in an industry I have long felt connected to. And I need a connection to survive.
However, a phone call later that day changed my perspective entirely. A long-time client reached out simply to inquire about my well-being, sensing my unspoken struggles. Their empathy and kindness, out of the blue, provided a sense of understanding and support that lifted a weight off my shoulders.
This experience highlighted the power of kindness and empathy in navigating challenges. It reminded me of the importance of supporting one another, especially during our hardest moments. Despite considering myself resilient, the current circumstances have tested me unlike anything before, including overcoming an over 15-year battle with substance use abuse. But they also have reminded me about the significance of human connection and compassion.
Let's remember to extend kindness intentionally to those around us, recognizing that everyone processes situations differently. In times of need, a small gesture of compassion can make a world of difference.
Be intentional in leading with kindness.
Not only do we all need it, but we all have the potential to deliver it as well.