Keeping it Kind

I often find it difficult to trust my instincts when it comes to knowing how genuine someone is. I tend to believe that the world is kind. People are generally nice. Intentions are usually good. I believe this despite endless experiences to the contrary.  I decided I might need help in finding out how to spot the disingenuous from the genuine.   Research I began with a google search “how to spot genuine kindness”.  Oh dear. According to this search and the top three responses, I possess many traits of someone who isn’t genuinely kind. That’s a bit worrying. (Apparently being sensitive about such things can mean you aren’t genuine though so I’m not sure if I’m allowed to be worried!)  “People who are genuinely kind don’t care if they are liked.” Really? Wowza. Do they care if they are hated? I wonder because, is it not human instinct to care?  Some aspects of these self help articles seem sensible:  - they treat everyone w...

Happy world kindness day! I awoke this morning after experiencing one act of unkindness and then hundreds of acts of loveliness in response last night. I’m sat in my new bed, which my brother kindly helped me put together, in my newly decorated bedroom, which my friend Sam kindly helped me paint, propped up by silk pillows, which my friend Abi donated to my DIY cause. If I were to move around my house I would see the kindness of others everywhere. It is ingrained in these four walls. It is on my phone  via messages and on social media and in voicemails from my mum! It is outside my door in my neighbours who have supported me to move back home after a difficult experience.  Sometimes it is hard to see or feel this beautiful effect. We become obsessed by the obvious things like hurt, anger, stress or despondency and forget to look just one layer deeper to the ever-present kindness that envelops us.  Yes, there are unworthy, unkind people in the world. I cannot lie. There ar...