I was always told, Remember the Thumper Rule! “If you can’t say somethin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all!” (Sorry about the double negative, I’m quoting.) These days, kindness seems to be passed off as old fashioned, passé, and not very popular. (Are you listening, Trump?) “You won’t get very far in this world on kindness.” (Yeah, right! I say sarcastically.) Kindness is the true measure of decent, mature person. The true sign of maturity (in my book) is knowing when to shut up. Knowing what “not” to say.
The rehab home where I’m staying admitted a new patient. She’s uber onery. (She is more onery than a multitasking mom with a migraine!) She’s driving the staff mad. (Referring to it both ways. Mad “grrrrr” and mad crazy.) This lady is verbally abusive to the max, and they all dread going in to help her. They’ve thanked me for being incredibly kind and understanding. I always say “Thank you,” and try to make their jobs easier. (Like day and night.)
Really? Do we need to force other’s lives as to be as miserable as (we think) our own is? I’ll bet if she attempted interaction with people the opposite way and made a concerted effort to be kind. She would be happier, and it would additionally brighten the other person’s day. Let’s at least start with civil and work up from there. (Here I go being all positive again. It must be my thing!)
My thoughts rush back to high school. (Fade to backstory with weird music.) I was attending to perform in an evening choir concert. All the choir members were required to wear our finest. One girl, who was low in the self esteem department, was looking exceptionally nice. I felt compelled to compliment her. So I did ecstatically. Her countenance changed from shy and uncertain to a big smile and looking rather proud of herself. I noticed her. I swear there were beams of light shooting from her body! (Seriously beaming!) All it took was a few kind words. (I bet I made her year! If I do say so myself.) I felt great, and I am certain she did, too. (Like I say, win win.) It left me with such an impact, I remember that experience from over thirty years ago!
(Return to the present.) My tween girls are always bickering and placing blame. (Yeah, you guys!) Oh, how much calmer, pleasant, and quiet our home would be without the incessant arguing! (Serenity now!) I need to constantly place a picture of Bambi’s Thumper in their faces (or tattoo it to their corneas) to remind them about the urgent and necessary need for kindness. (Sometimes it’s a relief to go back to the rehab home! I didn’t say that.) They need to forget their pride and me, me, me attitudes and think of the other. Remember: “Kindness begins with me!” We seem to be the worst with our siblings. (I’m sure there’s some psychological reason.) That’s too bad, because your brothers and sisters do become your best friends. (True story.)
Let’s play Truth (and) or Dare.
Truth? Tell me how an act of kindness changed your day.
Dare? Go perform an intentional (way out of your way) act of kindness for anyone, and see how you feel. Tell me about it. (I really want to hear about it!)
Next time you have a choice, choose kindness. See how that works out for you! (I dare ya!)
KimPressions 