The Need for Kindness
The other day, I discovered something about myself and about the way of kindness.
It’s really easy to be kind when life is going grand.
The kindness gene resides within me, just as it does in you if you feed it and let it flourish. What I can say for myself is that at the very least, my intentions are pure.
With that said, however, when I’m feeling far less than 100%, I have to work hard at not letting others be on the receiving end of that less-than-whole person I’ve become. I’ve had a lousy night of sleep? Ugh, I must rein in my struggles and not take it out on the receptionist at the doctor’s office or the supermarket employee. I sincerely don’t want to be responsible for ruining someone else’s perfectly, gloriously healthy, well-slept day. (Gawd, I’m envious of those who have been given the gift of sleep.) All it takes is one look, one word – or the omission of a word – to spew miserableness onto someone else.
Kindness is a way of life for me, but sometimes it threatens to take a break from the norm, and that’s when it’s needed the most in the world. You see, I’m not the only person who has less-than-stellar days. I’d be self-centered to think I’m the only person the world takes a dump on now and again. Everyone in this world is vulnerable – everyone – and far too many are on the brink of giving up. We are all in this together, in good times and in bad.
I vow to not contribute to the latter.
Living: the ultimate team sport 