The Importance of Being Kind in an Unkind World

by Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis

Let’s face it: we live in a world that many times focuses on the negative, on the bad, on the pessimistic.
Just turn on the nightly news — it’s cringe worthy. I’m not sure if it’s because there are so many sad, terrible, depressing stories or because our media chooses to focus on them. Or, perhaps more accurately, both. Either way, I write this to encourage anyone to instead focus on the good. Good and bad both co-exist, both are always present. In any one moment, you always have both.


Perspective and how you choose to view the world around you are, in fact, a choice. I encourage you to always choose to focus on the abundant good that is all around you. To adapt to the notion that the glass is half full, that rain is a blessing because it brings us beautiful flowers, that the grass is greener under your own two feet not on the other side of the fence. Choose this perspective, because it is no ones’ choice but your own.


Choose to be kind in an unkind world. There are many things, people, and circumstances that will try to bring you down. Tear you down. Shake you. Don’t let them. For anyone who is “trying to bring you down, is beneath you already.” I read this recently, and I couldn’t agree more. What you stand for, believe in and work hard at, you should hold true to, be proud of. So don’t ever let someone take them from you. They are yours alone. They are your own personal gift. Own them.


Anyone trying to deter you from your path, from your journey, don’t allow them to veer you off course. Remain steadfast, keep your goals at your forefront. Lead with your own inner strength and kindness. You know the path you need to take to reach your destination. Even if it’s the one less traveled, choose it and take it. You are the captain of your own ship, chart the course for the rest of your life. Follow your dreams. More importantly, pursue your dreams. You are the only one who can make them come true.


At the end of the day, be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Realize when someone is unkind to you — that’s about them. Not you. You get what you give, choose to be kind in an unkind world.


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Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis is an author, speaker and founder of Classes 4 Classes
 
Follow Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Classes4Classes