Resist the unkind reaction
I am a lemons into lemonade girl (or just stick them in a large Gin!). A cup half full, life is for living lady. Most of the time my instinctive response is kindness. I have practiced enough that it is almost unconscious. That is not to say I don’t have mean moments. I can be awfully unkind.
This usually occurs when I feel life, or some person, has been unkind to me. I react with less patience, less empathy and compassion and less thought.
When we are tired and stressed, when a feeling of unfairness pervades our mindset it is difficult to find the optimism and breathing space for kindness. Not least towards ourselves. This is entirely, justifiably human. No one can be Mary Poppins all the time! Not without people frequently inserting that umbrella where the sun doesn’t shine! We are bound to have moments where we are unkind.
I strive only for this;
- try to resist the unkind. Do not be drawn by the unkindness of others. Wherever possible be the balm and understanding that is needed. Mediate, be gentle and lead by example.
- spread kindness further. Malcontent is just as contagious as positivity. Counteract it and overwhelm it with your kindness. Let your positive approach heal the harsh thoughts and words of others.
- do not blame yourself or others for moments of unpleasantness. We are all living a challenging life in our own ways. It does not serve anyone well to compare, judge or blame. Instead, forgive, show kindness in retrospect.
- be pleased with yourself for a life well lived. You are making the world better by being a good person with good intentions. If our treatment of others could be a quantifiable measure of success then imagine the accolades and trophies you would have amassed! The letters after your name reading: IBKIND
So.... as you go forward this afternoon, this week, this year..... strive to resist unkindness where possible and redress the balance when you can.
It is not a futile endeavour. In this we can ALL unite.
This usually occurs when I feel life, or some person, has been unkind to me. I react with less patience, less empathy and compassion and less thought.
When we are tired and stressed, when a feeling of unfairness pervades our mindset it is difficult to find the optimism and breathing space for kindness. Not least towards ourselves. This is entirely, justifiably human. No one can be Mary Poppins all the time! Not without people frequently inserting that umbrella where the sun doesn’t shine! We are bound to have moments where we are unkind.
I strive only for this;
- try to resist the unkind. Do not be drawn by the unkindness of others. Wherever possible be the balm and understanding that is needed. Mediate, be gentle and lead by example.
- spread kindness further. Malcontent is just as contagious as positivity. Counteract it and overwhelm it with your kindness. Let your positive approach heal the harsh thoughts and words of others.
- do not blame yourself or others for moments of unpleasantness. We are all living a challenging life in our own ways. It does not serve anyone well to compare, judge or blame. Instead, forgive, show kindness in retrospect.
- be pleased with yourself for a life well lived. You are making the world better by being a good person with good intentions. If our treatment of others could be a quantifiable measure of success then imagine the accolades and trophies you would have amassed! The letters after your name reading: IBKIND
So.... as you go forward this afternoon, this week, this year..... strive to resist unkindness where possible and redress the balance when you can.
It is not a futile endeavour. In this we can ALL unite.
Loving this
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