It may not seem that way, but kindness is a strength—and one we can develop through exercise.
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In life there’s often a general misconception that anyone who is kind is also weak. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you take a look at all the powerful and successful people throughout history—you see a pattern of compassion, gentleness, and benevolence emerging.
Kindness is actually a real strength, because caring people generally put the needs of others before their own and automatically look to the welfare of the less fortunate. It becomes a routine behavior—a great habit to adopt.
My passion for conversation and offering assistance and guidance to others stems from my childhood—there’s no doubt about it. It was largely a bleak time in my life, but it also marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of personal growth.
From the age of seven until 17 I suffered the effects of a pronounced speech stammer. It severely impacted me in so many direct and indirect ways. I had ten years of heartbreak and struggle, during which I was bullied and intimidated. I found myself lost in the darkness of despair, and I faded into the background like a shadow.
During that dark time there were some moments of light and optimism, because through it all I learned many lessons. I climbed over some huge obstacles and found my way around many more. Life became a journey of discovery for me, because I was able to find out a great deal about myself. I found the entire process incredibly challenging but thoroughly inspiring.
When darkness falls across your life—and it can at any time—it will feel as if a door has suddenly closed on your future. Try to look at the issues objectively, and take your time searching for solutions. Seek out professional assistance if necessary. If you have a heart filled with compassion, you will ultimately find the way forward. If you can give to others while you’re suffering in your own life, you have something special you can share with others.
With the renewed confidence, comes the ability to capably and confidently express a point of view, through entering into meaningful conversation. It doesn’t happen immediately—it becomes a gradual process of discovery. It opens your heart and your mind. The journey to something more extraordinary has begun.
Just being able to enter into conversation with others is a breath of fresh air—to actually voice an opinion opens a new picture window onto the present and the future. It opens you up to others and allows you to share in meaningful discussions about myriad topics. As you become more confident you can understand the value of meaningful conversation.
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Consider the implications the following five points in relation to kindness in your life:
- Don’t hide your kindness away from the world
– Allow it to permeate your entire life
– A kind approach to life will make you smile
– Kindness is a warming tonic for your life
- Allow others to benefit freely from your benevolence
– Share your kindness with everyone in your life
– Don’t put a limit on your kindness
– The more you give, the more you receive in return
- Never use kindness as a bargaining tool
– Kindness should always be offered free of obligation
– Don’t attach conditions to your kindness
– Allow others to shine without guilt
- Don’t permit your kindness to hijack your common sense
– Every time you open your heart, open your mind
– Keep a clear head when you offer kindness
– Don’t allow others to hijack your compassion
- Embrace power and security in your kindness
– Allow yourself the freedom to receive without guilt
– Know that your benevolence empowers others
– Enrich and empower yourself with every act of kindness
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Examine the lives of such wonderful people as Mother Teresa; Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela—to name just three. Their strength and courage is legendary as they automatically put aside their own personal needs, safety and comfort to help the majority achieve a certain respectable standard of living.
When you give others the freedom to express a point of view without recrimination; to be themselves without fear, you open them to those powerful feelings of achievement. You allow them the space they need to grow and evolve. Both parties have an amazing opportunity to appreciate the value of compassion and tolerance.
It takes a great deal of courage to put aside your own wants and needs and assist others to rise above the darkness in their lives. When you can, you’ve begun a true journey of self-discovery. It’s not easy, but the results can be really amazing.
Imagine the possibilities …..
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This post is republished on Medium.
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Photo— iStock
If you have people who reject your kindness, then you need to make the difficult and hard but necessary decision to cut your losses and move on. No use in sticking around when you are not wanted. There are plenty of other people who will appreciate your kindness.