Being kind is often dismissed as weakness. Of course it is; we live in a competitive environment that emphasises winning at any cost.
Nastiness is very common these days. It is a form of self-protection: a person who feels weak and fears exposure will keep others at bay by treating them badly. From this perspective, people are only unpleasant when they’re unhappy with themselves, and take out their fears and frustrations on those around them. So when someone is nasty with you, don’t take it on yourself, its them NOT you.
Being Kind is the new kind of bravery, an everyday heroism to counter the general culture of cynicism. By being kind, we take the risk of being had. It requires courage. Anyone can take advantage of generosity, and there are plenty of people who believe that others are only kind to them when they want something, or because they’re afraid. So it’s important to remember that being kind does not mean being a doormat: you still have to assert yourself and stand up for what’s right.
Leave a comment