For many years, I’d jot a list of
goals or guidelines onto the final page of my journal. At first, the
practicality of these reminders meant I rarely looked at them. “Pay off car” or
“Save for a fence” didn’t need a weekly reminder. Gradually the notations gave
way to little personal mottos like “Stay in today” or “Laugh every day.” This time
around, I wrote the words “Be kind.”
What a lovely concept, and how sad
that I feel the need to prompt myself to give tolerance and understanding when
dealing with other people. I often fall short of personal goals, and when I’m
stressed and tired, my ability to react with thoughtfulness dwindles to a
microscopic mite.
“Be kind” holds nobleness. If I can
dip into patience and sympathy as my initial response to an adverse situation
or obnoxious encounter, perhaps I can diffuse negativity in my life.
“Be kind” nurtures grace and
gentleness. If furious frustration flames within me because of someone’s
painful thoughtlessness, I should douse it with common courtesy, drown it in
goodwill.
“Be kind” smothers greed, hatred and
cruelty under a blanket of consideration, tenderness, and decency. So by
following this two word principle, my spirit gains contentment.
Copyright 2015 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman
