The power of kindness is real and can defuse situations when people seem to be at odds. I have days when I struggle to find peace in the world and my life. On the other hand, I choose not to participate in the turmoil. I may not be able to change circumstances that disrupt peace and harmony, but I choose to be someone who spreads the power of kindness.
Before my mother died – when she was very sick – I chose to be kind in all circumstances. With all the pain my family and I were dealing with, I made the conscious decision to not add to that pain.
Like so many others I have talked with, there was long suppressed pain between some members of my family. Instead of dwelling on the negative past, I decided to ‘buck up’, rearrange my schedule to help with my mom. Family members who I separated from years ago, needed the same help and comfort that I needed during this time. I made my best effort to be kind.
The power of kindness came very strongly into my inner soul, and slowly, the pain of the past lessened. I could work with family members. I am not saying that being kind solved all the issues during my mother’s death. But it did make it easier.
More Examples of the Power of Kindness
I was also involved in issues at our Mobile Home Park. Without boring you with the details, we are looking to take legal action with our owner/landlords over breaking state statutes while continuing to raise our rent significantly. Dealing with pressure like this does not always bring out the best in people. Frustration can mount, tempers run short, and division arises when we should be working together. One person in particular seemed to be very angry with me and chose to block me on Facebook (I am the admin for our private Facebook page). Maybe this seems insignificant, but it was detrimental to us working together.
I did my best to ignore the whole drama and continue working with those who wanted to work together. Then, one day, we found ourselves (with a few others) thrown into a situation where we could not avoid each other. Since I didn’t know the what or why of the problem that caused the rift, I decided to be kind and act like there were no issues between us.
As it turned out, we had some pleasant conversations, noticing the positives about one another. Because I choose to be open and kind, he asked if he could return to being a member of our group page.
Now, I am not someone special. I just chose to be kind and loving with this neighbor, as I did with my family. The power of kindness shone brightly in these situations.
What in your life could be turned around by the power of kindness?