Part of being grateful is being kind to others. It seems to be so lacking in today's world. Everywhere I turn I see people being rude and dismissive of others. It's an epidemic. It's so easy to be kind to others and I'm not sure how we got to this place where we feel we can say whatever we want to others. But when we are grateful for what we have, it is that much easier to be kind to others. Especially when we realize that everyone isn't as enlightened as we are. Everyone is as lucky as we are to have figured out how to live life happier.
That is how I should have treated my mother. I should have had more empathy for the fact that she couldn't figure out how to be happy. I don't think she tried hard enough which made it hard for me to give her a pass. But I should have treated her with more kindness instead of being resentful of how unhappy she was.
I see rudeness all around me. It's horrible. If you don't think like someone else, you are likely to be called stupid and other not so nice names. We have someone come to believe that anyone who doesn't think like us is wrong and open to any insult. I blame a lot of this on social media. This is the only time when we have known so much about what other people believe. We have always been told you shouldn't discuss politics and religion in mixed company. Why is that? Because people have very different opinions about such topics and are often passionate about their views.
We have this problem in our community group page. The admin allows political posts and it always gets out of hand. There are those pot stirrers who are always posting things they know other people won't agree with yet they do it over and over again. Or there or those who are rude just for the sake of being rude. A woman asked one morning what was open so they could get breakfast out. Someone posted she should make breakfast and then sit outside. Really? Is that necessary? Why does someone feel the need to make such comments to someone they don't even know? It's truly awful.
When you go out of your way to be kind to others, it feels good. Plus, it's usually appreciated. Lend a helping hand when you can. It's a win-win for everyone involved. And it's something that needs to be modeled so badly right now. I helped a woman in my area get back onto our group page not that long ago after she had been blocked. She made a comment about how negative the page is (which it really is) and said she was leaving the group. She was called all kinds of names in that post. She then was sorry she left the group and I reached out to her to show her some kindness because I have seen the negativity in the group and I just wanted to let her know she wasn't alone. I offered to reach out to the admin to get her back in the group which I was able to do. It was a small thing. I didn't know her. I gained nothing by doing what I did. It was just a nice thing to do.
When we come across someone who is acting out in a store, maybe they just had a big fight with their kids or spouse. Maybe give them a little more room. Maybe ask them if they need something or if they are okay. We are all struggling with our own battles. I know it gets hard when we feel we are being treated unfairly. But remembering that it has nothing to do you can help not take it personally. It truly is an issue with the person lashing out. Don't let their issues bring you down. And kindness can truly make the world go round. As I said, we need it more now than ever.
It's Tuesday! Grab a taco and maybe a margarita! Try to do something nice for someone today and see how good you feel about it. Catch some kindness and sparkle it over everyone. Now go have a badass day. You know I'm cheering you on!
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