If I were to ask your spouse, companion or kids if you were kind, what would they say?
I think we would all admit that oftentimes, it's easier to be more kind to total strangers than to those we live with, but just because it might be easier doesn't mean that it's okay.
We have to put forth every
effort to just be kind.
How do we do this? Here are some great suggestions, but as you might imagine, there are endless opportunities.
Speak softly. The more gentle and kind your tone of voice, the more likely those around you will listen.
Say "good morning" when you wake up and "hello" when you get home. Remember that greetings are a polite way to address anyone when you first see them that day or after an absence.
Serve. Small acts of unexpected services goes a long way in showing your love to others, especially your family. Take a piece of cake home to your spouse, give your son a back rub, ask your daughter if you could help her do her nails--anything to show others you're thinking of them and enjoy making them happy.
Say "thank you" all the time. "Thank you for doing the dishes." "Thank you for watching what I wanted to watch." "Thank you for always being there."
Compliment more than complain. Compliments go much further in creating love in a home rather than complaining. I know it can be frustrating when you feel things aren't being done like they need to be done, or assignments or obligations are forgotten about, but complaining usually doesn't motivate people to act. Most of us are inspired when our hearts are turned to someone in a positive way. We want to please them. We want to receive their praise.
Smile. Let's be honest, how much fun is it to be around someone who's always frowning? It no. Just smile. I'm not saying you have to show all your teeth all day every day, but there's a way to have a pleasant look on your face, and there's a way to have a scowl on your face. Choose the smile.
Do it because you want to, not so you can get something in return. If you're choosing to serve, to help, to compliment, etc. in order to get something in return, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. Just do it because doing so makes you happy. If no one notices, if no one says thank you, just be happy because you're living and loving the way you should and there's nothing that can satisfy you as much as being happy with yourself.
Have a great month and remember to be kind!
Monica Irvine
1 comment:
im 100% behind this one!! we are all trying and we all have the same heart for our kids! even that parent that you see doing things that you think are atrocious... i honestly believe that the truly abusive horrible parents are a tiny tiny tiny fraction, and obviously we should be firm when safety is on the line. but for the most part we are all frazzled, worn out, hurting, scarred, broken parents who are just barely keeping our head above water most days. if we were all kinder... i cant tell you the number of times that ive been frustrated with my kids somewhere in public and i had another mom/woman encourage me that im doing a good job with my kids, or that they are precious or something. it helps me breathe and smile and just the general kindness from strangers is just sometimes a turnaround to my day. :) kindness goes a long way, and even if we dont directly know the result of our kindness, it matters!!
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