“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.” – Khalil Gibran
It’s hard not to react “in kind” to what’s thrown at us some days. An aggressive driver who cuts us off. A customer who actually believes that “the customer is always right” is permission to be unreasonable. The coworker who’s exhausted by the customer who’s “always right.” All stressed up and lots of places to go. But where exactly are we going?
Instead of reacting “in kind,” we can choose to act with kindness. Certainly easier said than done. But if we do the same, responding in kind, what separates us from those who carelessly strewn their litter cluttering our path?
Slow down and carefully consider your thoughts, words and actions. Leave the path better for your passing by and through. Live well and with character, giving your best. And with kindness as your compass, you’ll always find your way.