Kindness - Pass It On

I follow the Kindness lifestyle as closely as I can. Kindness is a gentle teacher who forgives our blunders and always gives us another chance to prove ourselves. Kindness doesn't judge, but it provides our conscience with a clear foundation for guiding us. I feel that gentle tug in my mind when I, fittingly or unwittingly, fail to exercise Kindness to others as well as myself.

I recently wrote for the first time in what felt like forever, and I'm so grateful that I used that opportunity to highlight and recommend friends who mean so much to me. That is a prime example of following the Kindness lifestyle. The only rule is to be kind to others and yourself. That's it—no complicated rules or rituals to follow. You aren't allowed to judge anyone else without judging yourself first.

After a trip to Costco today, Hal and I stopped by McDonald's for lunch. I ordered and took the number tent to our table. A guy brought the order, but when I asked him politely for salt and pepper, his face told me that he basically hated me for even asking.

I dismissed the episode. A young girl brought the salt and pepper, and I thanked her. The lesson, and there are lessons to learn all the time, was that the guy is/was not a pleasant person to deal with for whatever reason. My Kindness meant nothing to him, and that was his loss. The young girl was very gracious when I thanked her. I know that the Kindness made us both feel better.

So you see, Kindness is all around us, like the Force from Star Wars. We just learn to tap into it and improve the world. There is no initiation to go through, no prayers to memorize. It is just you and Kindness because Kindness is always waiting for you.

So, you see, Kindness is both great and small. Kindness begins with yourself. One cannot be unbearably critical of oneself and then expect to practice genuine Kindness. Kindness must come from within if you wish to share it with others.

Take your time. Be patient with yourself and those around you. Think about showing true Kindness to yourself, and sharing it will become second nature.

Every day, Kindness is right there with you. Embrace Kindness and pass it on to others.