I mourn for all of the mean and unkind moments in the world. We do not need to say the nasty and hurtful things that we sometimes feel compelled to utter. Silence can be better and kinder at times. If you are not about to help someone, then why go to an opposite extreme and hurt them? The better alternative is a neutral middle ground that at least removes any impact whatsoever on their life and lane. We will ideally help those we come across, but do your best to not hurt others during your daily dealings. Be kind to friends and strangers alike. Pay it forward in case you need it sometime in the future.
I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.
-Tennessee Williams
What is the point of meanness? You feel miserable and misunderstood, and misery loves company, right? Do you feel better once you drag someone else down into your gutter? What if you spent that time cleaning up your own gutter and getting out of it instead? I know that is far easier said than done oftentimes, but think about it. If you are already exerting energy, then why not at least use it for a good or right reason? Why waste your effort to disrupt and disturb others around you? Do your best by being kind to everyone.
If you can, show them the better way. If you cannot, remember this is why you have the gift of kindness.
-Marcus Aurelius
If we each move our momentum away from meanness, we can begin to spread and see so much more kindness in the world. That thought fills me with such loving warmth. Imagine treating all whom you come across as royalty; imagine treating yourself as an equal figure of royalty as well. Holding both viewpoints is not mutually exclusive. You can be the king or queen of your lane without trying to also reign over other lanes.
There’s nothing so kingly as kindness, and nothing so royal as truth.
-Alice Cary
Good words brings good feelings to the heart. Speak with kindness, always.
-Rod Williams
Do you want to perpetuate the poisonous problems? Can you start supporting a solution? The next time you may feel drawn to stir a gossip pot more, what if you bite your tongue? What if you stop short of sharing your judgments with those around you? It would be best if everyone adopts this strategy, but we each only control ourself and our individual actions. It is within our capacity to still be kind. We can be the change, showing others what is possible if they choose to lead a kinder life. You will not know if you do not try.
Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness to change a person’s life.
-Jackie Chan
I read recently that compassion is like a muscle – the more we use it, the stronger it gets. Kindness is the same. Choose even one or two moments each day to adjust a habituated pattern of meanness or negativity. By substituting an unkind saying for either no words or a kind expression, you can begin to make yourself kinder by being kinder in more and more moments. In contrast, if you stubbornly fixate on your meanness, then it is no surprise that you do not change and improve into a better and kinder being. By embracing opportunities to be better and kinder, you can feel better and kinder. Life will open to you more. You can see more of the brightness and beauty all around.
Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.
-Eric Hoffer
Mend your meanness. Kindle kindness.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.