Be Kind
Have you ever walked away from an interaction with someone whether in person or on a call and had a fabulous experience? An interaction that left you feeling BETTER than before? The first thing I always say is… what a KIND person!!! The ripple effect of that interaction is wide and deep.
In the same breath, have you ever had an interaction with someone and felt yourself dragged in to drama, conflict or feeling the need to defend yourself in what should have been a straight forward communication? Whether the person is just having a bad day or struggling with something personal… I generally try to let it go. However, when ongoing communications with the same person ALWAYS turn sideways and put you on edge… it’s more than just a bad moment for them - it’s a behaviour that can be incredibly toxic to have to deal with.
I have immense empathy and compassion for people. Maybe too much sometimes. I have been known in the past to make excuses for people’s poor behaviour. However, the truth is this… EVERYBODY and I mean EVERYBODY including me… is fighting a battle you know nothing about!!! That does NOT give ANYONE the right to be UNKIND or to behave like an ASSHOLE! Regardless of what you are going through, it is not OKAY to drag people down with you - especially people who truly want what’s best for you.
As human beings, I believe it’s our responsibility to do our own inner work. I work on myself every dang day! It is HARD WORK!!! And it is WORTH it! It takes self reflection and owning our actions and being aware of how those words and actions affect those around us. It can be helpful to seek the proper professional care, was we continue to do our own work along the way. AND, when we are human and mess up… it’s useful when we are quick to apologize, in order to make things right!
The most amazing part of taking ownership of our behaviour is that we become AWARE of our impact on others. I often hear people say… “My intention was…xyz” It’s not intentions that matter. It’s ACTIONS! We are what we DO and SAY, not what we INTEND to do.
When in doubt, choose KINDNESS!
Choose self reflection!
Choose to take ownership of your words and actions!
Choose to live by the golden rule - treat people the way YOU want to be treated!
Choose to leave people better than you found them!
These old adages sound so simple don’t they? In my ongoing journey I have discovered that working on myself, even though it’s hard work, has ultimately lead to a more simple life. It frees up our energy as we move from FIGHTING our way through interactions with others to a new healthier, more self aware approach to communications. Developing a new sense of self allows us to better regulate our emotions, choose our words and actions with greater consideration for their IMPACT.
There is plenty of chaos around us, and sometimes within us, our job is not to create MORE CHAOS, it’s to simplify our lives and to grow! Always striving to be better today, than we were yesterday.
NOT perfect by any stretch… GOD knows that perfection does not exist for ANY HUMAN BEING. But to be KIND… now that’s something to aim for.
How do you deal with these types of situations in your life?
Are you looking for any good books or podcasts to reference on your journey? Message me -I am happy to share what has worked and continues to work for me.
Grateful to be on this journey with you! I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Thank you for being here.
Never forget one person can make a difference…. That one person is YOU.
With so much love,
Your friend,
Kim xo
