Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.
Show me a person whom you believe is living a carefree life, and I will show you a person that you do not know very well.
From the outside, looking in, other people’s lives appear to be whole, satisfying and perhaps without stress or turmoil. But with very few exceptions, it is less likely that we are witnessing the entire truth of their experience.
Starting with that thought as a supposition, would it not be a wiser approach to contemplate that everyone is struggling with some detail in their existence? If that is our starting point in the relationship, then we might go an extra mile to be more kind, more thoughtful and more considerate.
During the holidays, it is a welcome opportunity to spread an extra layer of kindness to all parties, with an expectation that in doing so, we might touch the lives of others who are in need of that kindness for reasons we have no concept of whatsoever.
Happy Wednesday!
Brian Weiner 