I’ve had my share of hurt and heartaches over the years. In my younger days, I responded to that hurt with tears, angry words, and bitterness. I’ve learned over the past few years that responding to hurt in that way can (and often-time does) have a negative impact.
Well, how else am I supposed to respond to hurt? (You may be asking.) With kindness. No, I’m not kidding, and no, I haven’t lost my mind. Just hear me out. Responding with kindness isn’t a common way to deal with frustrations, but responding with bitterness only gives us the “common response” which leads to more hurt. Here is what I’ve learned about choosing kindness:
1. Choosing kindness makes you stronger.
Responding with anger comes natural (for most of us) and is easy to do; however, when you choose to respond with kindness you are choosing to do the harder thing.
When you first start lifting weights, it is hard because you haven’t formed any muscles yet. It is hard to continue to go to the gym and lift for the first few weeks. After those first few times, it gets easier. You start to develop muscles, and you are able to lift even more weights. It’s the same way with responding to kindness. The first few times you respond to a hard situation with kindness, it is hard. When you continually choose to respond to adversities with kindness, it becomes easier and you become stronger.
2. Choosing kindness makes you a better person.
Responding to someone who has hurt you with harsh words kind of puts you on the same level as them. Think about it, it is a lot easier to respond with anger, hurt, and bitterness. It is a lot harder to respond with kindness, but when you do it shows them your true character. It also shows those around you who are looking into the situation, who you truly are. I truly believe that how you respond to a tough situation says a lot about your character.
3. Choosing kindness looks different for everyone.
Choosing kindness in a situation can look differently for everyone. It may mean that you simply don’t lash out in anger, or it may mean that you choose to just not say anything. It may mean that you choose not to talk about the person and/or situation anymore. It may mean that you choose to give a sincere compliment to someone who has hurt you. Whatever it looks like for you, I would like to encourage you to try it.
Choosing kindness is a choice I make each day. To help me remember to choose kindness, I have the shirt “Be Kind” from Cents of Style. If you want a reminder to “Be Kind”, you can grab the “Be Kind” shirt for $14.98, bracelet for $12.48, or hat for $9.98 with the coupon code BEYOU.
I know that choosing kindness isn’t an easy thing for everyone, maybe it’s easier for you to “Be Brave” or “Be True” instead. Regardless of your story, or what you may use as inspiration, you can save 50% on all of the Be You apparel from Cents of Style with the coupon code BEYOU at checkout.
