You don't have to be kind just because someone is hurting. Be kind just because.
I was recently watching an episode of my guilty pleasure, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. (I know these shows are not high vibing energy, and yes, I should give them up.) It was the reunion show where the cast members re-visit moments from the previous season. Reunion shows are typically explosive as troubling issues are rehashed and emotions run high.
One of the cast members had not disclosed the loss of a family member just days prior to filming the reunion show. After filming had wrapped and cast members became aware of her loss, they were upset she had not shared this information because they may have treated her differently during the reunion. This floored me.
So, had they known she was hurting, they would have treated her better, maybe not been so hard on her, maybe not tried to make her feel bad, maybe not have argued with her? But since they didn't know this, the assumption was all is well in her life so that made it OK to do those things?
Reality TV breeding drama isn't the only place where people only think about kindness because people might be struggling. I have seen many graphics posted on social media reminding people to be kind because you never know what someone else is going through. The truth is, all of us might be going through something at one time or another, and it doesn't have to be as traumatic as losing someone or being sick. My question is this: why are we choosing to be kind JUST BECAUSE someone might be going through something? Why aren't we choosing kindness JUST BECAUSE?
Maybe someone fought with their child this morning and feel guilty, maybe they slept like crap last night and feel foggy, maybe they forgot to eat breakfast and are feeling a bit hangry, maybe they accidentally put on two different shoes to go out in public and feel embarrassed, whatever it may be. So many things people experience day-to-day can make them feel off, and a little bit of kindness from people around them can go a long way.
I know it isn't easy to always be kind. Our emotions are real, and they aren't always positive. Sometimes we think the only way to get our point across is by making someone else feel bad. Sometimes we associate with people who build themselves up by bringing down others. Sometimes we harshly judge others. Sometimes we harshly judge ourselves. We have had poor training. But we can choose kindness just as easily as we choose negativity.
It's time we change our thinking that being kind is only important if someone is hurting. The absolute truth is you do not need to know someone's business to determine the appropriate level of kindness to give. Being kind is actually important no matter the circumstances.
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About the Author: Serena James is a holistic healer and the author of Vibe Higher. She offers a variety of energy healing services and workshops to help individuals experience a life of love, abundance, and wellness as they were meant to.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any action you take as a result of this information is self-prescribed and your right to do so.
