But sometimes it is hard! For someone like me who likes to BE IN CONTROL of any given moment, it can be hard. If you are a caregiver for your very favorite person who sometimes makes erroneous decisions, it can be hard. If your person's brain is atrophying and he can no longer be in control of many of his own decisions (yes, Russ), it can be hard. If that person acts in a way that is unsafe, it can be hard. If that person has become 'a new person', it can be hard. And that means I don't always make the best choices; I react rather than choose.
I took a rare trip the other day to Farmington, NM, the big city. That always means a trip to TJ Maxx and a stop at Hobby Lobby. By nature I am not a shopper. I will go in for the necessities, but rarely succumb to an impulse buy. I am not the demographic that the advertising guru's are aiming for. But this week I too put on my changed person attitude and bought an impulse item.
Kindness stands out and it can save or transform our day. Every single day offers many opportunities to be kind. It might be a simple smile, taking a cart back at the grocery store, or being a good listener who actually listens with an open heart and doesn't preplan a response or try to problem solve. Kindness can be redirecting someone in a difficult situation or showering love and humor over fear.
The wonderful thing about kindness is that it eases anxiety for both parties. It allows tension to be released and the recipient knows they matter. What better way to interact with the world, leading from a place of inclusion, knowing you matter.
You can't always be your best, but how we treat others through our choices, reflects our character. Choosing kindness reflects love and care. Be the change, add a bit of kindness to every day!