We are not living in the world we once knew. Yes! that is an under-statement.
For some, this may bring up feelings of sadness, uncertainty, or even fear. Others, see it as an opportunity to let go of old behavioral patterns, beliefs and circumstances that no longer serve them. We are responsible for our thoughts and choices as to how we want to interact in the world today. Can you be open to being kind?
As a coach, I encourage my clients to envision themselves stepping into what they would love to create in their lives. A question often asked, “What would you do today if you felt brave?
“What if you could make a choice that best serves you? What action will you take?”
Taking care of ourselves is not selfish. It is healthy.
Sometimes when we say “yes” and mean “no” we may be trying to be too nice. Sometimes it feels easier than “rocking the boat”. Yet, in the long run when we are not being honest with ourselves or others, it takes a toll on our heart and soul.
David Levithan, an American author offers a wonderful distinction between nice and kind. I appreciate his clarity and simplicity.
“Kindness connects with who you are, while niceness connects to how you want to be seen”.
Are you one of the many individuals in this world who have learned how to be nice? I am not talking about being kind or polite, but developing from an early age the internalized behavior of being nice and often to a fault. That was me. I even wrote a book about the impact of being nice and learning how to use my voice!
Plato defined kindness as being “more than deeds, it is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person.” When I hear or use the word kind, I have a sense of heart-felt freedom. A feeling of being unencumbered. It holds power with a sense of purpose, compassion, intention, and authenticity with no hidden agendas.
How do you perceive the world? It starts with how we see ourselves.
We get to choose how we want to live the minutes, days, weeks, months and hopefully years.
If we hold in our hearts the willingness to change to be more loving to ourselves on the inside, then how we perceive others and the world will be with greater possibility, adventure and hope.
