To Be Kind

It costs nothing to be kind. If only that were true. To be kind in a world this cruel takes a toll on one's soul that is almost indescribable.

Because to be kind is to be patient, to be forgiving and understanding. It's giving away a part of yourself to someone else. With each act of kindness, we lose something; time, energy, material possessions, personal time. To be kind demands your attention, demands an emotional investment, no matter how small.

While it costs nothing to be kind, it also costs nothing to be cruel. The sad reality is that we get more back from time invested in cruelty; stress relief, a target for pent up frustration, a release of anger and pain. No wonder then that the world is filled with more cruelty than it is kindness. It is more natural to be cruel, than it is to be kind.

Those of us who are kind have chosen to be so. We have chosen to invest our time, energy, emotional engagement, material items. We have chosen to give away parts of ourselves for the betterment of others. Just because this is a choice we have made, just because we chose to be kind, doesn't mean that those of us who are kind aren't tired.

We invest hours of ourselves into the happiness and wellbeing of others, often leaving no time or energy for our own health. Because no matter how tired, fed up, or emotionally drained we are, we are always willing to give that little extra to make sure someone else has a smile on their face. And oh, how our kindness is taken for granted. For if you know that you can dip your hand into a well and always draw water, why stop? Why not cup out handfuls of water instead of walking the extra mile to gather your own?

What happens when that well runs dry? What happens when that kind soul has reached their breaking point?

The hand that drained the well is seldom the one to refill it.

Often those who are kind rebel against any kindness shown to them in turn because they have learned that that type of kindness comes with a consequence, and so they have learned to give their kindness for free.

Often those who are kind need the most kindness in return. Just because the world is cruel, doesn't mean we have to be.

Just because someone is kind doesn't mean they aren't tired.

Just because someone is kind, doesn't mean they won't eventually turn to stone. You can only gather water from a well for so long before it is dry .

That is not to say don't be kind. Always be kind, because heavens know this world needs it. But as you are kind to others, be kind to yourself.

And remember to be kind to those who are kind.